Ford Inaugurates New China Plant – May Export Mazda2 & Fiesta

Ford’s China joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA), launched operations at its new US$510 million manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China where it will produce the new Mazda2 and its European sibling, the Ford Fiesta (production version of the Verve concept), scheduled to begin production in the second half of 2008. The plant’s initial capacity is 160,000 vehicles per year, boosting Ford's total annual passenger car capacity in China to more than 410,000 vehicles. -Continued after the jump

During the ceremony in Nanjing, Ford’s CEO, Alan Mulally, told Automotive News that Ford might even export cars from the plant. "Export is a possibility. It's all about competitiveness. We will use our research and engineering and manufacturing in China for worldwide operations. The real competitors going forward will be the ones who leverage their assets around the world," said Mulally. “I can imagine making the Verve in China is a possibility."