Ford to expand investment in Thailand

Ford has announced that it will invest around US$450 million in establishing a new plant in Thailand as part of its bid to expand in Asia. The facility, based in Rayong, will begin operations in 2012 and will initially produce the Focus passenger car until the future portfolio is determined in response to demand conditions. The 750,000-square-meter vehicle assembly plant will have a production capacity of 150,000 units per annum (upa), with up to 85% of its output designated for export markets. Moreover, it will be Ford’s first wholly owned facility in the country. (June 25, 2010)