OREANDA-NEWS. Changan Ford, a leading joint-venture auto manufacturer in China, enjoyed their best-ever monthly sales numbers in December, selling 96,960 vehicles – a 49 percent increase over the same period last year. For the year, the company sold 836,425 vehicles in 2015 – 7 percent more than the previous year. Despite the fierce competition in the Chinese auto market, Changan Ford has seen steady growth, backed by its sound brand reputation and strong product lineup.

“2015 has been a historic year for Changan Ford as we expanded our capacity with the introduction of two new plants and growing our footprint in Harbin Northern China, by successfully bringing to market five new class-leading vehicles, achieving record sales, and laying a solid foundation for continued growth and development in 2016,” said President & CEO Marin Burela. “We owe our success to our loyal customers and we commit to them that we will continue to go further to provide them the best products and services that they truly value and want.”

Amid a slow in growth in China, Changan Ford maintained its momentum with its enhanced product offerings that meet consumer demand for green, quality, safe and smart cars.

Among the lineup, the Focus remained a driver of growth with 24,289 units being sold in December, lifting whole year sales to a record 246,403 units. With years of development in the mid-sized car market, more than 2 million Focus’ have been sold over the last decade of operation in China. The latest Focus model has re-defined what fun driving should be, with its trendier and sportier exterior and interior design, more powerful and efficient powertrain system and class-leading smart features, along with its 5-star C-NCAP rating.

The new Ford Escort, with its stylish exterior, first-class quality, spacious and comfortable interior, excellent fuel economy and reliable safety performance, sold 194,995 units in 2015, including 25,021 units in December alone. Additionally, the Escort earned a five star rating and 56 points in its 2015 C-NCAP crash test, making it a safe and quality vehicle that meets the needs of the model Chinese family.

Another highlight of 2015 was the launch of Changan Ford’s flagship model, the Ford Taurus, which took the country by storm. As a prestigious and smart business sedan, the Taurus was designed for business professionals and their car owning needs. In the first month of the launch, the Taurus was recognized by the high-end auto market and business executives as a smart business sedan, and is well on its way to becoming a first choice for more consumers.

As Changan Ford’s mid-to-high-end model, with state-of-the-art technology, refined craftsmanship and market-leading power, the New Mondeo sold 13,995 units in December and 113,990 units for the year – up 8 percent over the previous year.

Changan Ford’s SUV lineup also played a significant role in the company’s performance this year, in each of their respective segments. The new 7-seat Ford Edge boasts five exclusive and 14 class-leading features. Its best-in-class roominess, power and next-generation smart technologies, along with its superior quality and safety performance, make the SUV fit for business or family use. As the first medium-size SUV sold by Changan Ford, it sold 53,437 units since June of 2015. In December, 11,181 units were sold, a record in the 7-seat medium-size SUV segment.

Another star SUV from Changan Ford is the new Ford Kuga, the company’s high-end smart SUV. In December, 13,850 units were sold, bringing total sales for the year to 135,703 units, up 5 percent year over year.

Keeping the “Go Further” brand promise, Changan Ford will increase investment and capacity among its dealer network, and continue to strengthen its product lineup. Through relentless upgrades to its products and sales channels, it has its sights firmly set on becoming the leader in China’s auto industry.