Ford has confirmed that it plans to invest in Mexico as part of its ‘Way Forward’ plan, but has not confirmed that it will build a new low-cost manufacturing plant in the country, as reported in the press last week.
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Details of Ford’s plans for Mexico were reported in a Detroit-area newspaper by a journalist who had seen an internal document.
Ford has confirmed that it will upgrade two existing assembly plants – located in the cities of Cuautitlan and Hermosillo – and its engine plant in Chihuahua.
Details of the upgrades will be announced during the next several years, as the improvements take place.
The investment does not include Ford’s plan to build a new low-cost manufacturing facility in North America. The intention to build such a facility was announced in January as part of the company’s Way Forward plan.
Mark Fields, Ford’s President of the Americas said; “We remain committed to a new low-cost manufacturing facility. But we have made no decisions on where it will be located. The key to success will be high quality and low cost, and that certainly can be in the U.S., Canada or Mexico.”
Ford builds the F-Series pickup and Ikon small car in Cuautitlan. Engines for several vehicles sold globally are made in Chihuahua. The Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr are built in Hermosillo.
See also: US: Ford plans massive investment in Mexico to reduce costs
