Ford Doubles 1Q Vehicle Sales in China

Ford Motor Co.  reported today that its vehicle sales in China more than doubled in the first quarter of 2006. According to a Reuters report, Ford moved 121% more vehicles in the period, or 33,511 units. The U.S. automaker credited its expanded capacity in China and its introduction of new models in the world's number-two vehicle market for the gain.
Though the first-quarter increase reflected both imported and locally produced models, Ford said its three-way Chinese manufacturing partnership, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co. Ltd., had expanded capacity 10-fold in the past three years to a current 200,000 units annually. The Changan assembly plants currently produce Ford-branded products, but are expected to soon produce Mazda and Volvo products as well.