Ford to explore new 50:50 electric vehicle JV in China with Zotye Auto
22 August 2017
Ford has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Anhui Zotye Automobile Co., Ltd., a major manufacturer of all-electric vehicles in China, to explore the establishment of a 50:50 joint venture for the development, production, marketing and servicing of a new line of all-electric passenger vehicles in China.
China is the fastest-growing market in the world for new energy vehicles (NEVs). Ford expects the market for NEVs in China to grow to six million units per year by 2025, of which approximately 4 million vehicles will be all-electric.
The potential to launch a new line of all-electric vehicles in the world’s largest auto market is an exciting next step for Ford in China. Electric vehicles will be a big part of the future in China and Ford wants to lead in delivering great solutions to customers.
—Peter Fleet, Ford group vice president and president, Ford Asia Pacific
Zotye Auto is a pioneer in the Chinese all-electric vehicle segment and was one of the first automakers to produce all-electric passenger vehicles in the country. It is the market leader in China’s all-electric small vehicle segment. Zotye sold more than 16,000 all-electric vehicles through July this year, representing a growth of 56% year-over-year.
Vehicles produced would be sold under an indigenous brand owned by the new joint venture and would aim to capture a sizeable share of China’s all-electric passenger vehicle market. Additional details, including information about the brand, products and production volumes, will be announced at a later date, pending a final definitive agreement and regulatory approvals.
The MoU between Zotye Auto and Ford opens the door for us to explore our cooperation in the development of clean energy vehicles. This presents us with an exciting opportunity to leverage each other’s strengths in achieving a win-win situation for both parties’ growth in the fast-evolving Chinese electric vehicle market.
—Jin ZheYong, chairman and president, Anhui Zotye Automobile Co., Ltd., based in Huangshan, Anhui province
Ford plans to introduce 13 new electrified vehicles globally in the next five years, including an all-electric small SUV to be sold in Asia, North America and Europe. Ford also recently announced an ambitious China electrification strategy and confirmed that 70% of all Ford vehicles sold in China will have electrified powertrain options by 2025.
The new 50:50 joint venture would be a major step forward in building on Ford’s electrification initiatives and will significantly expand Ford’s footprint in China, along with the company’s joint ventures: Changan Ford and Jiangling Motors Corporation.
American-European vehicle manufacturers can no longer ignore the current largest market place (China), specially for near future electrified vehicles and batteries. GM is doing it with great success.
Another near future very large market (India) will become equally interesting. EU-Japan-China-USA-So-Korea manufacturers will move in soon.
China + India markets will soon represent close to 40% of the world market.
Posted by: HarveyD | 22 August 2017 at 07:42 AM
China wants to reduce the number of EV makers, this is a way for that company to continue.
Posted by: SJC | 22 August 2017 at 01:21 PM