Ford to woo Japanese Vehicle buyers
Ford sees a big chance to snatch buyers away from Japanese automakers battling production delays caused by the March earthquake and tsunami, and vehicles in the works could help deliver it growth in a long-difficult market.
Like other U.S. automakers, Ford Motor Co. has lagged in a market dominated by local manufacturers such as Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co.
American cars don’t enjoy much of a reputation in Japan, partly because they tend to be too large for Japan’s streets, and they have built an image over the years as gas-guzzlers. But Japanese car makers have not been able to produce at full capacity since the March 11 magnitude-9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami destroyed key auto-parts makers in northeastern Japan.
Some customers aren’t expecting their vehicles delivered for months in Japan, some until next year. And that is an opportunity for imports, including cars made by Ford, based in Dearborn, Mich.
Ford is planning 50 new products and powertrains over the next four years in the Asia-Pacific and Africa. It also plans five environmentally friendly models, such as electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-ins, globally next year, but declined to say if any would be sold in Japan.
Ford’s sales in Japan grew 5 percent in 2010 over the previous year, but it sold just 700 Explorer vehicles here last year. That contrasts with Explorer sales in North America totaling 42,000 in January-April alone.
Like other U.S. automakers, Ford Motor Co. has lagged in a market dominated by local manufacturers such as Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co.
American cars don’t enjoy much of a reputation in Japan, partly because they tend to be too large for Japan’s streets, and they have built an image over the years as gas-guzzlers. But Japanese car makers have not been able to produce at full capacity since the March 11 magnitude-9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami destroyed key auto-parts makers in northeastern Japan.
Some customers aren’t expecting their vehicles delivered for months in Japan, some until next year. And that is an opportunity for imports, including cars made by Ford, based in Dearborn, Mich.
Ford is planning 50 new products and powertrains over the next four years in the Asia-Pacific and Africa. It also plans five environmentally friendly models, such as electric vehicles, hybrids and plug-ins, globally next year, but declined to say if any would be sold in Japan.
Ford’s sales in Japan grew 5 percent in 2010 over the previous year, but it sold just 700 Explorer vehicles here last year. That contrasts with Explorer sales in North America totaling 42,000 in January-April alone.