Ford officials show off the new Focus that is part of five new midsize cars the maker plans to debut in China.

The Chinese market is too large and too important for Ford Motor Co. to ignore so the company is planning to launch five new midsize models this year in a bid to boost its fortunes in the world’s biggest market.

The new models will go on later this year Ford representatives said this week after company unveiled them at an event in Chongqing, the base of its principal partner in China, Changan Ford.

The unveiling also comes ahead of Auto China 2018 in Beijing, which has become one of the world’s most important auto shows.

The cars unveiled in Chongqing included the all-new Focus car for global customers, featuring the latest advanced and affordable technology with more comfort and space and a better driving dynamics. The next-generation Focus will be tailored to each global region.

(Ford offers a first look at its next-generation “global” focus. Click Here for the story.)

Peter Fleet, head of Ford's Asia-Pacific region, talks about the company's plans for China.

“We’re evolving our successful One Ford strategy to find new ways to create a sporty-looking small car our customers will love,” said Jim Farley, president of Global Markets. “We’ll tailor which cars in the Focus line-up we offer in markets around the world to ensure we best meet customers’ different needs and preferences.”

The all-new Focus will be available in four-door sedan, five-door estate/wagon and five-door hatchback body styles.

“These launches are a testament to Ford’s ongoing commitment to China’s critical midsize car market,” Peter Fleet, group vice president and head of Ford’s Asia-Pacific operations, said in a statement.

(Click Here to see why the popular Ford Escape flunked its IIHS crash test.)

Ford’s sales in China during the first two months of this year were down 23%. The company is expected to announce its March sales results on Friday.

By 2025, Fleet has said the U.S. automaker plans to boost China revenue by 50% from 2017 levels, leveraging the more than 50 new or redesigned products it plans to launch here over the next several years.

(To see more about Ford recalling nearly 400,000 Mustangs and SUVs, Click Here.)

Those new cars include 15 electric vehicles that Ford will launch with partners to meet the Chinese mandates, requiring increase in the production of EVs.