Gasgoo.com (Shanghai December 27) - Following its recent engine and gearbox manufacturing programs in Chongqing and the establishment of its second automobile factory with Changan, Ford is setting its sights on its next target, Jiangxi's capital of Nanchang. According to a report by Economic Observer News, Ford Motor China CEO and Chairman David Schoch said that he was extremely satisfied with the status of Ford's progress with local manufacturer Jiangling Motors Group and that he would like to further strengthen ties between the two companies and the city of Nanchang. Mr. Schoch stated that such a partnership would help Ford increase its presence in China.

Mr. Schoch made the comments in a meeting with Nanchang Mayor Chen Junqing earlier this week. Mr. Chen expressed similar enthusiasm, saying that deeper cooperation between Ford and JMCG would aid the growth of the city's automobile industry. "We will devote all our energy [in cooperating] with JMCG and Ford, in order to ensure that both sides are able to make larger and more substantial gains", Mr. Chen said.

However, Mr. Schoch did not say whether or not Ford was committed to cooperate with JMCG in developing passenger vehicles. Current cooperation between the two companies is limited to commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks. There were previously rumors that JMCG would help bring a Ford brand SUV to the market.

JMCG's annual production capacity totaled 300,000 automobiles and 290,000 engines in 2010, helping the group stabilize its position in the commercial vehicle market while allowing it to branch out into the realm of passenger vehicles.