Ford, Lincoln to build 3 more models in China

Ford Motor Co. plans to build three new products in China under the Ford and Lincoln brands as part of efforts to revive local sales.

Production of the first two new models, the Ford Escape crossover and the Lincoln Corsair crossover, will start in the coming months, Ford’s China unit said.

The Ford brand plans to unveil a “Mustang inspired” electric crossover in the fourth quarter. The vehicle will be produced in China starting in 2021, Ford China added.

In July, Ford launched sales of its first EV -- a variant of the Ford-badged Territory crossover -- in China.

By 2021, more than ten new electrified vehicles will be introduced under the Ford and Lincoln marques, Ford China said, without specifying the models other than the Mustang inspired EV.

In the third quarter, aggregate sales at Ford Motor Co. and its two joint ventures -- Changan Ford and Jiang Motors Corp. – dropped again in China, falling 30 percent from the same period last year.

However, Ford’s China losses before taxes narrowed to $281 million in the third quarter, or 97 million less than a year earlier, thanks to improvements in pricing, lower tariffs and structural costs, as well as a more favorable exchange rate, Ford China said.

Changan Ford produces sedans and crossovers for the Ford brand.

Jiangling Motors builds the Ford-badged Everest SUV, Tourneo multi-purpose vehicle, Transit van and the Territory crossover as well as trucks and light vehicles for Jiangling Motors’ proprietary brand JMC.