US carmaker Ford is planning to launch its luxury car brand Lincoln in China in 2014 in an efforts to further expand its market.
Lincoln brand cars will be sold in the China in the second half of 2014 through an independent dealer network, and the company will meet dealers in the fourth quarter of 2012 as part of the brands growth in the region.
Ford Motor president and CEO Alan Mulally said introducing Lincoln in China marks the next step in its expansion in Asia and its commitment to serving customers in the luxury market.
"We recognize the growth potential for Lincoln in China, building on the growing appeal of our new Lincoln products and unique, personalized customer experience in North America," Mulally said.
The luxury brand cars are claimed to deliver a personalised brand experience for Chinese customers seeking luxury tailored to their own needs.
Ford Motor Global Marketing Sales and Service group vice president Jim Farley said, "Lincoln will distinguish itself by providing more individual and personalized motor cars, and a more personal and crafted experience to match."
Ford Motor China chairman and CEO Dave Schoch said the company is on track to deliver 15 new Ford-branded vehicles and 20 powertrains by 2015 to Chinese customers.
"With Lincoln, we will be expanding our product offering to cover China's fast-growing luxury car segment," Schoch said.
In addition, the company is also building five new plants in China, including in Chongqing, which is home to the largest manufacturing location for Ford outside southeast Michigan.
Upom completion, the new plants are claimed to double the company's capacity in China to 1.2 million passenger vehicles a year.
