Changan Ford Mazda Automobile said it will add around 70 new dealerships in China this year, mainly in second and third tier cities.

"We hope to meet the growing need with the continuous development of the Chinese market," said Nigel Harris, general manager of the firm's sales department.

The auto maker also announced it will introduce its new Focus model domestically in 2012.

Ford Motor Co debuted its new Edge sport-utility vehicle in Asia at the Beijing Auto Show, which will be imported into the Chinese market at the end of this year.

"The Asia Pacific and Africa region will account for the largest percentage of future growth of Ford Motor Company," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president and president Asia Pacific and Africa. Sales in the region grew 15 percent annually to 508,793 units in 2009.