Ford May Move More Production to Craiova Plant in Romania
Ford is said to be adding production of both the Ka minicar and EcoSport small SUV to its Craiova, Romania manufacturing plant, according to a report from Automotive News Europe.
A report released Tuesday from the Ziarul Financiar business paper stated that Ford was considering moving production of both models to the plant in order to reduce or eliminate importing of the EcoSport from India for sales in Europe. The next-gen Ka is currently built in Tychy, Poland at the Fiat plant as part of a production deal that is set to end in April.
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Because the Ka and EcoSport both utilize the same platform, adding production for both at the underutilized plant would simplify the sales process and cut down on importing costs.
When asked by Automotive News Europe, Ford of Europe President Jim Farley declined comment saying, “Craiova remains a very critical part of our operation. Expect the Ford team to be laser-focused on continuing to get most of the plant.”
Farley also dispelled rumors that the automaker would discontinue sales of the Ka in Europe, saying that Ford is committed to the small car in Europe moving forward.
The Craiova plant currently manufactures the B-MAX subcompact minivan, but with a max annual output of 300,000 units, it is well short of peak operation capabilities.
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News Source: Automotive News Europe (subscription required)
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