The company began operations in 1973, assembling Ford models including the
Cortina,
Escort, and
Granada. In 1974 assembly of the Philippine-made Ford Fiera
AUV began, although sales were slow as it was more expensive than its more comfortable Japanese competitors. In the 1980s, it began assembly of
Mazda-based models, such as the
Laser (
Mazda 323),
Telstar (
Mazda 626) and
Festiva (
Mazda 121). The Taiwan-built
Laser hatchback was exported to
Canada in the late 1980s, badged as the
Mercury Tracer. Former Ford models unique to
Taiwan include the "Ford Tierra", based on the Mazda 323 sedan, later rebadged as the facelifted
Ford Laser in other Asian markets, the "Ford Activa", a rebadged Mazda 323 sedan and hatchback, and the "Ford Mondeo Metrostar" which later also sold in China, based on the European Mondeo sedan. Taiwan-market Ford and Mazda vehicles include locally assembled
Ford Mondeo,
Ford Focus,
Ford Fiesta,
Ford Escape,
Mazda3,
Mazda5, and
Mazda Tribute. Also, all 2007 model year Asia/Pacific (except Chinese and South Korean markets) Ford Escapes are assembled by Ford Lio Ho. The Taiwan-assembled Mondeo is also exported to
China and
Saudi Arabia. After the ban on diesel-engined passenger cars was lifted in Taiwan in 2004, Ford Lio Ho became the first local manufacturer to build a diesel car. This was a diesel Focus, introduced in August 2007. Before Ford divested
Jaguar and
Land Rover in 2008, and significantly reduced share-holding of
Mazda in 2010, the Taiwanese units of these brands were organised under Ford Lio Ho. == Design Technology Centre ==