Posted on 06/23/2014 6:00:53 PM PDT by nascarnation
Ford opened 88 dealerships in China last year." "Ford opened 88 dealerships in China during the first half of 2014." "Ford opened 88 dealerships in China last month." None of those statements – even the last one – would seem unbelievable. Saying "Ford opened up 88 dealerships in China last Thursday," though, is a bit more dramatic.
Yes, on June 19 alone, Ford opened the doors on nearly 100 showrooms in the People's Republic, boosting the Blue Oval's total presence in the country to 750 dealerships. Of course, while an overabundance of dealers in the US proved troublesome for American manufacturers back in 2008 and 2009, there's no such concern in China. Considering the country's huge population and the breakneck pace of the local auto industry, you could be forgiven for being surprised Ford only has 750 outlets at this stage.
What's notable about this most recent push, besides the sheer volume of new stores, is their location. Over three-quarters of the new dealerships are in so-called Tier 4 cities, which are smaller towns that still contain millions of people. This fits with Ford's strategy in China of avoiding the bigger battlegrounds that are already dominated by competitors and focusing on setting up shop in newer markets that may have been overlooked, according to Automotive News.
"With the growth momentum we have going right now, we expect to exceed 800 dealer points in China by the end of 2014," Marin Burela, president and CEO of Changan Ford, told AN.
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Don’t forget Canada with Enbridge opening a pipeline to the West due to Obama’s dithering and obstructionism.
A very different company since Alan Mulally took over...and left.
I worked for Ford for a brief period after grad school (their accounting firm, Coopers and Lybrand asked their permission for me to join their staff...and I did). Ford was a wonderful company but like most of the auto industry...hide bound and in deep need out outside opinion...like that of Alan Mulally.
Is it REALLY ford ? Remember that China is BIG on counterfeiting ford products.
“.like that of Alan Mulally. “
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I fell in love with Alan Mulally when I watched the documentary,in the 90s,on the building of the 777.
He was so cool——and sharp.
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And closed how many here?
You have to admit, that many dealerships in one day - that’s a logistical tour de force.
Of course, I wonder what their definition of “dealership” is...it could be as small as a family that sells Fords out of an old warehouse building.
WHOM to do biz with? Commies or Obama..?
The answer is laid out plainly, here.
He really got Ford back on track...and made a fortune in the process.
Ford’s “one World, One car-type” strategy can really put them in the driver’s seat if the China thing goes even marginally well.
Instead of building different vehicles, with different brands, for different parts of the world, they are concentrating on just one brand, across the planet.
F-150’s in China, in India, and all over Africa. It is the future.
F-150’s in China, in India, and all over Africa. It is the future.
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Screw the F-150 ,, I want that Ranger they sell everywhere but here ... 90% the size of an F with two diesel engines available.. excellent off-road and well made...
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