02/07/2008 15:29.     BEIJING, July 2 -- Food Motor Co has had exploratory talks with China's third-largest car maker, Dongfeng Motor Group, as a potential partner for Volvo, sources told Reuters yesterday.

    And Ford also talked to French car maker Renault SA about selling Volvo, but the talks ended quickly due to price differences, sources close to the matter said.

    Ford spokesman Mark Truby declined to comment directly but said: "We announced earlier this year that Volvo is not for sale and that we are focused on improving Volvo's business results."

    Even though Ford has said it has no plans to sell Volvo, the auto maker has been having informal talks with interested parties, the sources said.

    Ford in March said it was developing a plan that would help Volvo... // Xinhua