NANCHANG, China, August 19, 2015 – Ford’s latest SUV in China, the new Ford Everest, rolls off the assembly line today at the JMC Xiaolan Plant in Nanchang China. With pre-sale prices from RMB 269,800 to RMB 369,800, the new Ford Everest blends rugged off-road capability with exceptional ride quality and is the first SUV Ford has built with its Chinese commercial vehicle partner Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC).
“The new Ford Everest gives Chinese drivers access to Ford’s most innovative, advanced SUV technologies,” said John Lawler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ford Motor China, “With the new Ford Everest, we’re setting a new bar in the segment, giving Chinese drivers great design, driving dynamics and advanced technologies that make for a smarter, safer and more capable vehicle at a very attractive price.”
With its premium refinement, advanced technologies and Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA, the new Ford Everest will appeal to China’s growing number of SUV customers. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, SUV sales in China grew by 47 percent from January to July 2015 compared to the same time last year, with 2.98 million SUVs sold.
Unveiled in November, 2014, the new Ford Everest features a chiseled and sculptural design, intelligent four-wheel drive with Ford’s Terrain Management System and a spacious interior with high-quality craftsmanship.
As Ford’s latest seven-seat SUV, the new Ford Everest also offers a number of segment-first technologies, including Curve Control, designed to help drivers maintain control when approaching turns too quickly; Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid, two technologies that help prevent drivers from unintentionally drifting out of a lane; and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, which informs drivers when there is a vehicle in their blind spot while driving or when preparing to reverse out of parking spots.
The new Ford Everest is now available for pre-order through JMC’s Ford-brand network of dealers.
Expanding a Successful 20-Year Partnership
With the production of the new Ford Everest, Ford and JMC have expanded their relationship by entering into the SUV segment. This milestone coincides with the 20-year anniversary of Ford and JMC, which started in August 1995 with the very first Ford Transit produced in December 1997.
“JMC is an important part of Ford’s growth strategy in China. We are committed to expanding our partnership with JMC to new segments,” said Lawler. “With the new Ford Everest and Ford Transit both in production and the Ford Tourneo coming online in 2016, JMC will have a portfolio of vehicles across several key segments.”
The new Ford Everest is being built at the JMC Xiaolan Assembly Plant, which features Ford’s advanced global manufacturing technologies, ensuring the quality and craftsmanship Chinese drivers have come to expect from Ford.
The production of the new Ford Everest is strategically located in the Xiaolan Economic Development Zone in Nanchang, China. Ford and JMC opened the first petrol-engine production plant in Nanchang in June this year and the state-of-the-art engine plant manufactures the EcoBoost 2.0L GTDi engine, which powers both the new Ford Everest and the Ford Transit.
Ford launched its relationship with JMC in August 1995 and produced its very first Transit in December 1997. Ford increased its share in JMC to 32 percent in 2014.
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services. Ford employs approximately 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
