Since Ford’s first electric vehicle launched in China last year, the automaker has sold far fewer electric vehicle (EV) units than some of its fellow automakers, though it’s hoping to change that with a new company and testing entity.
Ford established a new company in China called Ford Electric Mach Technologies (FMeT), as detailed in an article posted on the automaker’s official WeChat on Monday (via CnEVPost).
The company plans to create a new R&D system with an advanced driver assistance center, a digital experience center and an overall electrification center. The goal of the new operation is to more closely meet the needs and wants of Chinese consumers, according to a statement from the company.
Ford Tells Dealers They Must Set No-Haggle Pricing to Sell EVs https://t.co/oajsl3r2uT
— TeslaNorth.com (@RealTeslaNorth) September 14, 2022
The move marks the first foreign automaker to establish and manufacture smart vehicles and EVs.
The news also comes after a tough sales period for its first EV in the country, the Mustang Mach-E.
After it began selling in China late last year, Ford has only sold a cumulative 2,098 units of the Mustang Mach-E EV in the country.
Ford currently uses its direct sales network Ford Select in China, featuring 106 sales outlets in 43 cities across China. The automaker also hopes to open its flagship store in Shanghai by the end of the year.
