NEW YORK (AP) -- Ford Motor says sales in China by the company and its local partners jumped 84 percent in the first quarter, fueled by higher demand for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
The jump highlights China's key role in driving demand for global automakers, while sales remain weak elsewhere.
Ford Motor Co., based in Dearborn, Mich., said it and its local partners sold a total of 153,362 units during the quarter.
Its passenger car joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile, sold 108,131 units, a 89 percent increase from last year.
Its commercial vehicle investment, Jiagling Motors Corp., sold 41,300 units, boosted by sales of 11,438 Ford Transits.
Ford's Focus, Fiesta, Mondeo and S-MAX were popular sellers in China.
