Ford's China chief resigns

Ford China chief Jason Luo has resigned after heading the U.S. automaker's operations in the Chinese market only five months, Ford announced on Monday, adding that his resignation is effective immediately.

File photo of former Ford China chief Jason Luo [Photo: people.cn]

Peter Fleet, Vice-President of Ford, says Luo has offered his resignation for personal reasons. "We have already accepted his leave as the right way for both of him and the company. Luo's decision was not related to the business strategy and performance of Ford China," said Fleet.

Luo's sudden resignation has raised questions over how Ford will handle the sales slump in the Chinese auto market, reports Reuters.

A sports car on display at the Ford stand during the Auto Shanghai 2017 on April 19, 2017. [File Photo: AP/Ng Han Guan]

Data shows the sales volumes of Ford vehicles in China dropped 6 percent in 2017. This compares to a 3-percent overall rise for the whole of the Chinese auto industry.

Jason Luo was brought on by Ford to try to help the automaker improve ties with its Chinese partners and revive its sales recovery in the market.

Luo's replacement has yet to be announced.