Mazda and Ford consider dissolving China JV

Ford and Mazda have entered discussions to possibly dissolve their joint venture in China, under which the foreign auto makers currently share manufacturing bases in Chongqing and Nanjing with Chongqing Changan Automotive, reported the Wall Street Journal. The discussions could result in a restructuring in which the Chongqing operations would be jointly owned operated by Ford and Changan, while the Nanjing facilities would be shared between Mazda and Changan. A catalyst for the decision is Ford’s 2008 fundraising effort that reduced its controlling stake in Mazda, granting the Japanese automaker greater independence in its China strategy. Any decision to restructure the relationship will require the approval of Beijing before proceeding.