Asia Briefing: Ford’s cars are popular with buyers in China

China's love affair with the automobile is translating into major business for the world's carmakers. Ford and its local partners grew sales in China by nearly 50 per cent last year, edging past Japanese giants Toyota and Honda.

Ford China sold 935,813 wholesale vehicles last year, a 49 per cent increase on 2012. December sales were robust, with 94,838 vehicles sold in 2013, up 35 per cent from 70,510 vehicles sold in December 2012.

Last year was a milestone year for Ford, according to John Lawler, the chairman and chief executive of Ford Motor China. "In 2013, strong Chinese customer demand for our greatly expanded line-up of vehicles allowed Ford China to set yet another annual sales record," said Mr Lawler. The line-up now includes the Ford EcoSport, the Ford Kuga, the new Fiesta and the all-new Mondeo.

“In 2014, by remaining focused on our plan, we look forward to serving more Chinese customers – growing our capacity, expanding our dealership network, and continuing to bring them high-quality, safe, fuel efficient and smart Ford vehicles,” said Mr Lawler.

Ford has significantly expanded its range of vehicle offerings in China, introducing the Ford Focus ST, the Ford Fiesta ST, and the Ford Explorer.

Alongside the Ford Edge, these four imported nameplates sold 26,856 wholesales in 2013, up 231 per cent compared to 8,108 in 2012, Ford said.

Ford’s passenger car joint venture Changan Ford Automobile (CAF) hit a new sales milestone in 2013 with 678,951 wholesales sold, up 62 per cent from 418,500 wholesales sold in 2012.

CAF also had a record December, selling 70,098 wholesales, up 42 per cent from 49,212 in December 2012, Ford said in a statement.