OREANDA-NEWS. Ford China’s newest SUV, the new Ford Everest, recently rolled off the assembly line at the JMC Xiaolan Plant in Nanchang, China. With a pre-sale price set between RMB 269,800 to RMB 369,800, the new Everest blends rugged off-road capability with exceptional ride quality, and is the first SUV Ford has built with its Chinese commercial vehicle partner, Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC).

“The new Ford Everest gives Chinese drivers access to Ford’s most innovative, advanced SUV technologies,” said John Lawler, chairman and chief executive officer, Ford Motor China, “With the new Ford Everest, we’re setting a new bar in the segment, giving Chinese drivers great design, driving dynamics and advanced technologies that make for a smarter, safer and more capable vehicle at a very attractive price.”

With its premium refinement, advanced technologies and Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA, the new Everest will appeal to China’s growing number of SUV customers. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, nearly 3 million SUVs have been sold between January and July of this year—a 47 percent increase over the same period last year.

Unveiled in November 2014, the new Everest features a chiseled and sculptural design, intelligent Terrain Management System, four-wheel drive and a spacious interior with high-quality craftsmanship.

As Ford’s latest seven-seat SUV, the new Everest also offers a number of segment-first technologies, including Curve Control, designed to help drivers maintain control when approaching turns too quickly; Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid, two technologies that help prevent drivers from unintentionally drifting out of their lane; and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, which informs drivers when there is a vehicle in their blind spot while driving, or when preparing to reverse out of parking spots.

The new Everest is now available for pre-order through JMC’s Ford-brand network of dealers.

Expanding a Successful 20-Year Partnership

With the production of the new Everest, Ford and JMC have expanded their relationship by entering into the SUV segment. This milestone coincides with the 20-year anniversary of the partnership between Ford and JMC, which started in August 1995 with the very first Ford Transit, produced in December 1997.

“JMC is an important part of Ford’s growth strategy in China. We are committed to expanding our partnership with JMC to new segments,” said Lawler. “With the new Ford Everest and Ford Transit both in production and the Ford Tourneo coming online in 2016, JMC will have a portfolio of vehicles across several key segments.”

The new Everest is being built at the JMC Xiaolan Assembly Plant, which features Ford’s advanced global manufacturing technologies, ensuring the quality and craftsmanship Chinese drivers have come to expect from Ford.

The production of the new Everest is strategically located in the Xiaolan Economic Development Zone in Nanchang, China, where its EcoBoost 2.0L GTDi engine is also manufactured. Ford and JMC’s state-of-the-art engine plant—opened in June of this year—is the first petrol-engine production plant opened in Nanchang.

Ford launched its relationship with JMC in August 1995 and produced its very first Transit in December 1997. Ford increased its share in JMC to 32 percent in 2014.