Ford appoints new China CEO, elevates China to stand-alone unit

Ford Motor Co. appointed a new head of its China operations to help turn around flagging sales in the world's largest auto market and fill a post vacated when the firm's previous China head abruptly stepped down in January.

The U.S. carmaker said in a statement late Tuesday that Anning Chen, a former Ford executive with 25 years of industry experience, would become CEO and president of Ford China. The move is effective Nov. 1.

Ford China would also be elevated to become a stand-alone business unit, reporting directly to Jim Farley, president of global markets.

Chen previously served as CEO of China's Chery Automobile Ltd., and was chairman at Chery Jaguar Land Rover, Automotive, China, the statement said. 

Ford also announced:

• Plans to increase local production for Ford and Lincoln;
• Details on significant investments in China-led engineering and r&d;
• The creation of a new single sales and service channel;
• A new joint venture with Zotye for a new line of small battery-electric vehicles;
• A strategic alliance with Baidu and Alibaba to explore areas of cooperation in AI, connectivity and digital marketing.

The moves come at a pivotal time for Ford which has seen China sales slide sharply this year. Sales in September tumbled 43 percent.

"Success in China is critical as we reposition our global business for long-term success," Ford CEO Jim Hackett said in a statement.

Added Farley: "As the largest vehicle market in the world, China commands its own leadership and focus." He said the reorganization would increase the speed of decision-making and help the firm be closer to customers.

Chen's predecessor Jason Luo resigned abruptly in January this year after leading the U.S. automaker's China operations for roughly five months.

Reuters and Automotive News staff contributed to this report.