Ford is now revealing
its latest plans for China. Under its “330” Product Plan, the company aims to
launch more than 30 new Ford and Lincoln vehicles in the country in the next
three years, 10 of which more than 10 will be electrified. The first in the
long list of new models is the all-new Escape midsize SUV, which in China gets
a unique front end designed specifically for the world’s largest car market.
The Chinese-spec
Escape features a bigger grille that widens toward the bottom and blends into
the headlamps for what Ford calls “a sleek and majestic look.” Also different
from the model sold in the United States (and in Europe as the Kuga) is the
“Nebula Shield” hexagonal grille mesh with a chrome finish and black
highlights.
Besides the new
Escape, Ford product offensive will include many products designed specifically
for the Chinese market. To accomplish that, the automaker is setting up a China
Innovation Center and a China Design Center to complement the existing Nanjing
Research and Engineering Center and Nanjing Test Center. The locally-developed
products and advanced technologies will also be shared with the global Ford
team, while the China team is also leading the design and development of a
global model.
Additionally, the
Blue Oval’s local joint-venture partners Changan and Jiangling Motors will be
involved in the development of future products. Changan Ford will design and
develop the next-generation Escort, while Ford and Jiangling are developing the
Territory BEV BEV that will launch later this year and will be For’s first
all-electric model in China.
As for the Lincoln
brand, the new Aviator will debut later this year, followed by an all-new SUV
scheduled to enter production before the end of the year. The Continental 80th
Anniversary Coach Door Edition was also showcased at the event but the company
didn’t say if this limited edition model will become available in
China.
