BEIJING -- Ford Motor Co. will launch a plug-in hybrid car in China in 2018 and a fully electric crossover in the next five years, as it works toward electrifying most of its lineup in the market by 2025.

The plans come as Beijing presses automakers to sell more EVs, laying out strict fuel economy targets and subsidizing certain new energy vehicle models, in a bid to cut air pollution and promote technological innovation.

"The time is right for Ford to expand our EV lineup and investments in China," Ford CEO Mark Fields said in a statement on Thursday.

The automaker, which makes cars in China through a joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., said it plans for 70 percent of Ford brand vehicles sold in China to be conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids or full battery electric by 2025.

Ford said it will launch its first hybrid that is locally made with Changan, the Mondeo Energi sedan, early next year.

Source: Automotive News