US car giant Ford has announced record 2005 sales of its brands in China, lifted by a bigger product line.

Car sales for 2005 in the world's fastest-growing automotive market topped 220,000 vehicles, with imported and locally produced Ford sales 46 per cent up on the previous year, the equivalent of 82,225 cars.

Without providing actual figures Ford said that its individual brands Ford, Lincoln, Land Rover, Jaguar and Volvo grew "significantly" above the estimated industry growth figure of 12 per cent for 2005.

The carmaker has completed a $1 billion investment programme in China that has seen it acquire stakes in Chinese marques Changan Automotive, and Jiangling Motor Corp.

Ford forecast further "significant growth in total sales volume in China" for the coming year.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd