‘Ford China 2.0’ calls for 30 new Ford and Lincoln vehicles tailored for Chinese consumers over the next three years. Car Design News spoke to Ford China head of design Simon Brook, and strategy leader Erika Tsubaki in Shanghai to find out what that means for design
Last year Ford sold 383,485 locally produced cars in China, in its worst sales performance since 2011. At its peak in 2016 the blue oval shifted 951,396. To put that into perspective, although GM also had a sales dip last year it still managed sales of 1,057,452 for just the Buick brand – it also has sales from Cadillac, Chevrolet and Baojun.
Unlike GM, which has taken a far more China-centred approach, its Dearborn-based competitor has largely relied on selling ‘world cars’ in the Chinese market. The only two exceptions are the Escort and Taurus. While the latter may share its name with the US car and is a large saloon, the model is a completely different design. But it is the Escort – based on the platform of the second generation Focus and using old drivetrains – which has been Ford’s best-selling car in China.
For a one-time only FREE TRIAL granting you access to three premium articles register here
Access to motor show and concours coverage, trend and technology reports, design reviews of new and classic concept and production cars, exclusive interviews, regional reports, who’s where, design essays, career resources, design competitions, regular newsletter updates PLUS comprehensive degree show reports from the world’s leading design schools, the CDN archive of sketches, images and articles spanning 20 years of coverage.
Fees start from £55/€60/$70. Packages available for students, individuals, schools and corporates.
Gain full access to cardesignnews.com subscribe today
For a one-time only FREE TRIAL granting you access to three premium articles only register here
ALREADY SUBSCRIBED - Individual, Studio, Student or School
You now need to register your details and sign-in for full access to cardesignnews.com
