Ford Stated in Talks to Begin Making Lincoln Models in China

Ford Motor Co., wants to make China the leading market for its Lincoln high-end line, is in talks with partner Changan Auto Group about producing the brand name’s cars in Chongqing.

Ford is thinking about a significant manufacturing place in the southwestern Chinese city that would serve the domestic market and be an Asian export base, informed one of individuals, who asked not to be named revealing internal considerations. Output could start as soon as 2018 if Lincoln continues strong development in China, where it left to a quick start last year, the person stated.

No contract has been reached on crucial points such as revenue sharing, and it might still take until 2020 or later for the first Lincolns to roll off the line in China, stated another person, who told that the discussions are preliminary.

“There’s no comprehensive plan at the moment” on producing the Lincoln brand in China, said Zhu Huarong, president of Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ford’s China partner.

In an e-mailed statement, Ford said that “Lincoln is selling imported vehicles in China and has absolutely nothing to reveal regarding localized production.”

Changan Auto’s shares dropped as much as 2 percent in Shenzhen trading, the most significant intraday decline in three weeks. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index moved 0.1 percent.