Ford Optimistic About Chinese Auto Market

The head of global purchasing at Ford Motor Co. tells a conference in New York City the company remains "very bullish" about the long-term prospects for China's vehicle market.

Hau Thai-Tang adds that Ford does not expect a lengthy recessionary period in China in spite of this year's sales slowdown. Last month Ford's sales in the country fell 6%, marking the company's third consecutive month of year-on-year sales shrinkage.

Thai-Tang notes that Ford is expanding its dealer network into relatively smaller cities in western China. The company expects sales in those markets will offset slower growth in China's largest cities.