Ford to Roll Out New SUV in China

Ford Motor said on Wednesday it will launch in China early next year a new “entry-level” sport utility vehicle developed jointly with a local partner, as the US automaker attempts to revive its slumping business in the world’s biggest auto market. The Ford Territory, developed with Jiangling Motors Corp and available in three powertrain choices including a plug-in hybrid version, is intended to close a gap in its China strategy, Reuters reported. The new SUV is one of the 50 new or redesigned vehicles Ford has said it plans to launch in China starting this year and through 2025, which include the redesigned Ford Focus car due to hit showrooms later this year. It will make it possible for Ford to compete with indigenous Chinese automakers such as Geely and Great Wall Motor that are pumping out hot-selling compact SUVs with competitive quality and lower price tags. Ford did not discuss on Wednesday a specific pricing strategy for the Territory, but two individuals familiar with the new car said it will likely have a price tag of around 150,000 yuan ($21,990).