Changan Ford CEO hints at Ford embarking on large scale production in Chongqing

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai June 10) - Chongqing is slated become Ford's largest production base outside of Detroit, Changan Ford CEO Marin Burela told auto.163.com during an interview earlier this week. The news squashes recent media speculation that Ford is considering expanding facilities in Tianjin.

Mr. Burela said that fervent Chinese reaction to the new Mondeo, which has been reaching monthly sales of over 6,000 since March of this year, has been hard to match. "We are really not able to satisfy market demand!," he lamented. Mr. Burela anticipates the new Focus, which will launch next year, and the other 15 new models Ford is planning to introduce will also receive the same attention.

It is under this background that Ford has been researching into expanding its production capability. Beginning next year, the JV will be investing and building new automobile, engine and transmission factories. However, the facilities plan will only help boost production by 750,000 vehicles, only fulfilling half of Ford's target.