Ford squeezes out sales rise in China

Despite all the talk about the tough market and slowing economy in China, Ford pulled out a minor victory last month.

Ford sold 5% more vehicles in China during March than a year earlier, while sales for the first quarter rose 14%, thanks to demand for SUVs.

The automaker has two joint ventures in China, One is Changan Ford Automobile, which produces passenger cars and SUVs. The other is Jiangling Motors, which builds trucks and commercial vehicles, including Ford's Transit vans, the Ranger midsize pickup, and the Everest SUV.

Sales of Changan vehicles increased 23% in the January-through-March period from a year earlier to 244,411. But Jiangling's sales dropped 11% to 60,306 in the same three months.

“We are pleased with the continued growth and positive customer response our products continue to receive in China,” said John Lawler, CEO of Ford Motor China. “We remain committed to offering a great portfolio of vehicles and providing world class service to our valued customers.”

Ford also imports a number of vehicles, including Lincolns, that are sold through a dealer network that grew significantly in 2015. While Lincoln's sales in China are modest. they tripled to 5,484.