• March 24, 2008

The company is backing expansions there and ties to Mazda, of which Ford owns 30%.

Effective this week, Mei-Wei Cheng has been elected group VP/Ford Motor Company and executive chairman of Ford Motor China. Cheng previously served as chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China. He will continue to report to John Parker, executive vice president, Ford Motor Company's Asia-Pacific and Africa business region.

Cheng will be responsible for Ford Motor China's business strategy, as well as strengthening strategic partnerships and government relations.

Robert J. Graziano, currently EVP for Mazda Motor Corporation, has been appointed president and CEO, Ford Motor China. In his new role, Graziano, who continues as a Ford Motor Company vice president, will assume direct responsibility for the operations and business leadership of Ford Motor China. Graziano will remain a representative director on Mazda's Board of Directors.

--Karl Greenberg