(September 2, 2010) SHANGHAI / NEW DELHI — Strong demand for Ford products in China and India led to a 37 percent increase in August sales compared to a year ago in the world’s fastest growing automotive markets.

Ford India tripled sales in August with 7,925 vehicles sold, a 220 percent increase compared to August 2009. 

In China, Ford and its joint ventures reported sales of 44,047 units in August, a 24 percent increase from August 2009.  Combined, Ford sold 51,972 units in August, up 37 percent from the same month last year.

“We are gratified that consumers in two of the fastest growing markets in the world are choosing the high quality, fuel efficient, fun-to-drive vehicles Ford offers,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.  “We are working hard to expand sales and production here, and to offer more of the stellar vehicles from our vast global portfolio to markets in this region.”

So far this year, Ford has sold 422,779 vehicles in the two countries combined, a 52 percent increase compared to January – August 2009.

In China, Ford and its partners have sold 368,103 vehicles, an increase of 42 percent compared to January – August in 2009.  Ford has sold 54,676 vehicles in India so far this year, a 195 percent increase compared to January – August in 2009. Ford has sold more than 30,000 Ford Figos in the 25 weeks since its introduction. 

Ford expects 70 percent of its growth in the next ten years to come from its Asia Pacific and Africa region.  Last week, Hinrichs announced that Ford would bring eight new vehicles to India by mid-decade.

“We have big plans for India, China and the region,” said Hinrichs.  “As part of our 'better plan' for the region we are investing in additional capacity, expanding our dealer networks and further developing our supply chain.  The growth potential in this part of the world in the next ten years is astounding. China will remain the largest car market in the world for the foreseeable future and we estimate India will be the third largest market in the world in the next ten years.”