Mazda’s financial upheavals  during the 1960’s attracted a new investor in the U.S. based, Ford Motor Company. For the Japanese Automotive manufacturer, this partnership turned into a healthy partnership for years to come with shared technology and improved sales.  However, as Ford tried to stabilize its financial position during the economic downturn,  the American company finally decided to give up its 20% stake in Mazda, bringing its stake to 13.4%. Now, Ford has  revealed that the duo will finally part ways completely in China by 2012.

According to  The Nikkei [sub],  Mazda and Ford will dissolve their joint venture partnership in China by 2012. The Chang’an Ford Mazda Automobile Co. has two plants at Chongqing and Nanjing, where while 50 percent is owned by Chang’an, Ford and Mazda share 35 percent and 15 percent respectively . According to the news, The Chongqing will be jointly operated by  Ford and Chang’an, while the  Nanjing business will be equally divided amongst Mazda and Chang’an with Mazda’s Axela production moving to Nanjing.