Ford Motor Co is to offer more localized models in China through its joint venture in an effort to regain popularity in the world's largest market.

The United States-based carmaker's Chinese joint venture Changan Ford will launch 18 new models by the end of 2021 to better meet the demands of Chinese customers, including five new energy ones, said Anning Chen, president of Ford China.

Chen made the remarks as Ford and Changan Auto, which have been partners for 18 years, vowed to deepen their cooperation on Thursday.

Zhang Baolin, chairman of Changan Automobile, said the two parent companies are confident that Changan Ford will return to the ranks of excellent automotive joint ventures in the country within three years.

To better meet the demands of local customers, Changan Ford will also set up a research institute and develop models that will be more appealing to Chinese car owners.

Chen said all of the joint venture's new models by the end of this year will have connectivity features, and Ford's first model featuring cellular vehicle-to-everything technology will be produced in China.

Besides Ford-branded vehicles, Changan Ford are expected to produce Lincoln vehicles starting late this year.