Ford in talks to build Lincoln models in China: sources

Southfield, Michigan

FORD Motor Co, aiming to make China the top market for its Lincoln luxury line, is in talks with partner Changan Automobile Group about producing the brand's vehicles in Chongqing, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Ford is considering a major manufacturing presence in the south-western Chinese city that would serve the domestic market and be an Asian export base, said one of the people, who asked not to be named revealing internal deliberations. Output could begin as soon as 2018 if Lincoln continues strong growth in China, where it got off to a fast start last year, the person said.

No agreement has been reached on key points such as profit sharing, and it may still take until 2020 or later for the first Lincolns to roll off the line in…