Ford Sollers says it has started full-cycle manufacture of the Transit van on a new US$100m production line in its Elabuga, Republic of Tatarstan plant in Russia.
For Transit full-cycle production, which includes full welding, painting and assembly of the vehicles, Ford Sollers installed what it maintains is “some of the most technologically-advanced production equipment on any commercial vehicle production line in Russia,” such as a welding system and new robotic equipment for the paint line.
More than 30 of the major components used to build the Transit in Russia will be sourced from local suppliers.
“We remain committed to continuing to expand the range of Ford models we build and sell in Russia, including commercial vehicles,” said Ford Sollers president and CEO, Ted Cannis.
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“The Transit and modernisation of the Ford Sollers Elabuga assembly plant with its US$100m refurbishment and vehicle build capabilities are an important part of that strategy.”
Ford Sollers will build Transit models with a variety of payload capabilities and in three length variations and two different roof heights. All will be powered by the 2.2L Duratorq diesel engine in a choice of three power ratings.
In addition to the Transit standard models, Ford Sollers is also introducing a range of Transits specifically for Russia.
These include shuttle and school buses with a range of seating capacities and enhanced safety equipment, as well as ambulances which meet Russian regulations.
“By bringing special vehicles to the market based on the Ford Transit, we will open new business opportunities,” said Ford Sollers executive director and COO, Adil Shirinov.
“These Transit models not only enable us to provide our customers with solutions that meet their specific needs, but also extends the number of local suppliers we and our qualified Russian bodybuilder partners will work with in building these vehicles.”
Later this year, Ford Sollers will open a new engine plant in Elabuga. In addition, in 2015 Ford Sollers will launch four more new vehicles into the Russian market, including the Ford Mondeo launched earlier in April, plus the new Focus and the new Fiesta coming later this year.
