Huntsman's ambassadorship in China should prove useful to Ford, which wants to reorganize its three-way joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. and Mazda Motor Corp.

Ford wants to dissolve that partnership, then launch a new two-party joint venture with Changan. Chinese authorities have yet to approve it.

Ford is investing heavily to expand its manufacturing operations in China. Its joint venture with Changan and Mazda soon will open a new-vehicle assembly plant in the southwest China city of Chongqing.

Ford also is building two new plants to produce engines and transmissions. And the automaker has announced plans to introduce 15 new models by 2015 to boost China sales.

Last year, Ford sold 519,390 vehicles in China, up 7 percent from 2010. The company trails far behind Volkswagen AG and General Motors, which sold 2.3 million units and 2.6 million units respectively.

The election of Huntsman, 51, was approved by Ford's board at a meeting on Wednesday, Ford CEO Alan Mulally said during a conference call with journalists.

Huntsman was twice elected governor of Utah. He held the post from 2005 to 2009.

Said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford: "Jon brings to Ford's board of directors extensive global knowledge and experience -- particularly in Asia with trade issues -- and operational experience gained as governor of Utah, a state that has grown jobs even during the economic crisis."