A Russian newspaper reports that production of the Ford Focus in Russia has been halted due to a conflict between Ford and Russian customs authorities over duties.
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The Vedomosti newspaper says that the Russian authorities are demanding Ford produces more components locally or stumps up and extra 140,000 rubles (USD5,150) per car in duties.
Sales of Ford cars in Russia increased from 39,241 in 2004 to 60,564 units in 2005 and Ford resorted to making extra cars in Belgium for the Russian market at the end of last year as capacity limits in Russia were neared.
Ford is increasing Focus II production capacity at its Russian plant and said that its 2006 target was to make 60,000 Focus II models for the Russian market.
