Ford plans to double sales in China during 2006 after a strong showing last year saw from its Changan Ford Mazda joint venture, which saw sales rise 41% on 2004 to hit 61,000. The company as a whole sold 220,000 vehicles in China last year, giving it a 1.5% market share to Volkswagen's 17.3% and General Motors? 11%. Ford is boosting its capacity in the country in the expectation of strong demand for smaller vehicles. Meanwhile, GM believes sales in China will rise by more than 20% to around 800,000 vehicles this year, led by the Buick Excelle sedan and eight or nine new models. GM sold 665,390 vehicles in China last year and the company has started 2006 brightly, boosting its market share from 11.2% to 13.5%. Profits climbed to US$70 million over the US$33 million recorded during the first three months of 2005. Shanghai General Motors, its largest mainland operation, sold more vehicles than any other manufacturer during the first quarter.