Ford recently launched the new 5-seater SUV called Ford Territory in the select Asian markets. While Ford calls it an all-new SUV, but a media report suggests that the Territory is not all-new but only a badge-engineered version of the JMC Yusheng S330. JMC or Jiangling Motors Corporation is one of the American brand joint venture companies in China.
Though it appears that the brand has taken the short route, the front fascia, headlamps, wheels and even the interiors of the Ford Territory are new. The brand is also offering a wide range of powertrain options on the Territory including a turbo-petrol, 48-volt mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains but the specification are not available yet.
The Ford Territory features a trough radiator grille, sleek segmented LED headlamps, wide lower air intakes, flared wheel arches giving the SUV a muscular stance, chrome window beltline, silver-finish roof rails, chrome door handles, black-out B- and C-pillars, a panoramic moonroof, a large rear quarter window, sleek LED taillamps, a chrome garnish in between the left and right units as well as a sharply raked rear windscreen. On the inside, the SUV features a fully digital 10-inch instruments cluster, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, automatic air-conditioning, 360-degree camera, multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking etc.
While Ford’s focus is to boost sales in Tier 2 and 3 cities in China the brand opted to change the front fascia and the interiors of the S330 which is said to be a popular car in the segment and is also offered in the same target cities. This is likely to improve the sales in the Chinese market as the Territory will bring both technology and affordability in the segment. Rumours in the recent past also suggest that Ford will launch the Territory SUV in the Indian market as well.