Some foreign auto makers have launched so-called indigenous, or China-only, brands with their local partners, in part to comply with Chinese government regulations that allow global carmakers like Ford to manufacture cars in China.

"We always are in discussions with our joint venture partners. All I can tell you is we are studying indigenous brands, but our total focus in terms of brand enhancement is really on the Ford brand," said David Schoch, chairman and CEO of Ford's China operations.

Ford makes its Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo and other sedans in China in a three-way tie-up with Changan Automobile and Japan's Mazda Motor Corp (7261.T). It also holds 30 percent of Jiangling Motors Corp 000550.SZ, which makes Ford's Transit vans.

(Reporting By Lee Chyen Yee; Editing by Alex Richardson)

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