2010-11-25 13:37

BEIJING - Ford Motor is adding 100 dealers in China this year, mostly in smaller cities in inland provinces, its Asia chief said.

The move, more aggressive than a previously announced scheme, will bring the number of Ford dealers in China to 340 by the end of the year, up from the original target of 310, Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford's Asia and Africa operations, told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Hinrichs, also chairman and CEO for Ford's China operations, expected the Detroit autommaker to report record sales in China this year, but he did not elaborate.

Ford operates a three-way car venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co and Mazda Motor. It also holds a 30 percent stake in Jiangling Motors Corp, a major Chinese light commercial vehicle maker.