Ford has sold more than 549,000 vehicles in the country through June, representing a 35-percent jump over the same period in 2013. The company credits its Focus, Kuga, Mondeo and EcoSport models with driving the performance gains.
“Ford’s strong sales in the first half demonstrate the success of our accelerated China growth plan,” Ford China CEO John Lawler said in a statement.
Meanwhile, GM sales were up by 10.5 percent to reach 1.73 million units. The company is attempting to unseat Volkswagen from the dominant position in the country, after conceding the top spot to the German automaker in 2013.
“We anticipate sales remaining strong through the end of 2014, as more people – particularly outside China’s major cities – become first-time vehicle buyers,” said GM China president Matt Tsien.
GM’s Buick offerings have continued to be top sellers among US brands, with sales rising by 12.2 percent to reach 450,000 units in the first half. Chevrolet sales weren’t far behind, growing at just 4.2 percent to 335,000 units, while the Wuling joint venture accounted for approximately half of GM’s total sales numbers.
Volkswagen earlier today detailed its $2.7 billion investment plan to expand local production capacity in China, building two new factories in eastern coastal cities. It is unclear if the company will extend its fresh lead in 2014, pending public disclosure of a sales tally for the first half of the year.
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