New Ford Territory Crossover Coming to China in 48V, Plug-In Hybrid Form

The Ford Territory will be sold in China with a “fuel efficient” gasoline engine and in 48V mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms as well.

The crossover is actually based on a vehicle from Ford’s Chinese joint venture partner JMC called the Yusheng S330. The S330 boasts a 163 hp 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, so we imagine that’s the same engine that will appear in the gas-only version of the Territory. Details on the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are not yet available, but both will tap hybrid technology from JMC, according to Car News China.

Ford says the Territory will help them to appeal to young families and other budget-minded consumers in China. The Yusheng S330 starts at 80,000 yuan in the country, which is equivalent to about $11,500 USD, so we imagine the Ford variant will be similarly affordable.

“The Territory is a breakthrough for Ford in China in terms of our ability to successfully compete with Chinese automakers for millions of customers that we do not currently serve,” said Ford China CEO Peter Fleet. “Territory is a key proof point for how we will grow in China. We brought Territory to market with speed, high quality and cost efficiency. It will be affordable for young families and new buyers across China, not just the coastal mega-cities. And the technology will delight customers.”

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It’s not clear if the Territory will be sold outside of China, but the ‘Territory’ name was previously used on a crossover introduced by Ford in Australia back in 2004. The Australian Territory went out of production in 2017, but Ford says it engineered the Territory at its Australian development center, so perhaps it will make its way there eventually.

The Ford Territory will be built at JMC’s Xiao Lan plant in Nanchang, China and is set to go on sale in early 2019.

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