24 September 2009

Ford seeing global growth

Ford Motor Co. is making some moves as it is starting production of a small car in India early next year, and it is looking at building a third manufacturing plant in China.

At the same time, the company’s chief executive feels the U.S. market is showing signs of recovery, and he expects industry sales to rise in over the next two years.

Ford is banking on small cars, which it feels will increasingly drive sales. Company chief executive Alan Mulally also said the Asia Pacific market will play a bigger role in the company’s future.

“When you look at vehicle size, about 60% of the vehicles worldwide would be smaller vehicles like the new vehicle here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ford and its Chinese partner are planning their third car manufacturing plant in China.

Ford produces the Focus, Mondeo, and other sedan models in China in a tie-up with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co and Japan’s Mazda Motors.

The new plant, based in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing, will have annual production capacity of at least 150,000 units per year, adding to Ford’s current car manufacturing capacity in China of 447,000 units.

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