Ford reports 53 pct rise in 1st-half vehicle sales in China, setting record

Ford reports record first-half China sales

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. says it sold a record 301,524 vehicles in China during the first six months of the year, up 53 percent from the same period in 2009.

The Dearborn, Mich., automaker said Tuesday its passenger car joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile, sold a record 205,563 vehicles, up 46 percent for the six-month period. Its commercial vehicle venture, Jiangling Motors Corp., sold 88,363 vehicles, also a record.

Ford also sells its Volvo brand in China. The sale of Volvo to Zhejiang Geely Holding Co. is awaiting Chinese government approval.

Ford still trails rival General Motors Co. in Chinese sales. GM sold 1.21 million vehicles in China from January to June.