Ford on track with accelerated China growth plan

Aim to lead in luxury

A significant step in the company's further growth in China is the introduction of its luxury brand Lincoln. By introducing the Lincoln MKC and MKZ in October 2014, the company has also made major strides in China's luxury auto market.

In addition to launching the midsize sedan and the premium utility vehicle, the Lincoln brand has evolved to meet the needs of a new generation customers by bringing its innovative retailing experience - the Lincoln Way to China.

Developed through three years of luxury research with an emphasis on the high-end hospitality sector, the Lincoln Way creates lasting relationships through a personally crafted buying experience. Key elements of The Lincoln Way include a distinct, welcoming, homelike retail environment which features a relaxing tearoom as well as state-of-the-art technology.

Lincoln's plans in China are ambitious. Lincoln will open a total of 60 stores in 50 cities in China by 2016. The Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKC will be followed by the Lincoln MKX, a mid-size SUV, a full-size sedan, and the Lincoln Navigator, fulfilling the brand's promise to bring five new vehicles to China by 2016.

To the man at the helm, the accelerated China business has played a vital role in the company's global growth.

"There are several aspects where we have the opportunity to further speed up development, said Mark Fields, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company.

"Take sales growth for example: By 2020, our global sales target is 9.4 million vehicles, a 45 percent to 55 percent increase from today.

"It may sound ambitious, but you wouldn' t be surprised if you saw our growth in the past few years and the success of our recently-launched products."