Ford to Build Research Center in China

Ford Motor Co. says it will continue its accelerated growth plan for China into 2007, with this year on pace to exceed a 100.8% year-on-year sales increase.

During a news conference to unveil the new Ford S-MAX in Beijing, Ford Motor China CEO Mei-Wei Cheng also announces plans for a new research and engineering center in Nanjing, in eastern China. Ford initially will invest $27.5 million in the project.

“The Ford Research and Engineering Center represents another major milestone for Ford as it strengths its manufacturing blueprint in China,” Cheng says. “It will offer a winning combination that leverages Ford’s global expertise in research and engineering in addition to building China’s local talent.”

“It will also work with technical development centers at Ford Motor’s joint ventures in China to support product development and procurement.”

To help continue building momentum in China, Ford says it will launch at least one new product each year.