Ford’s St. Petersburg assembly plant will increase capacity by more than 60%

Ford of Europe intends to increase capacity of the St. Petersburg Assembly Plant and to start building the new Ford Mondeo for the Russian market under an expansion plan announced today. The capacity increase would represent an incremental investment of more than $100 million, lifting Ford's overall St. Petersburg investment to over $330 million.

Ford's Plant in St. Petersburg, Russia

The announcement coincides with the St. Petersburg Plant's five-year anniversary, and builds on Ford's leading position in the Russian vehicle market.

Ford was the first foreign automaker to open its own assembly plant in Russia and the Ford brand was the Russian market leader among import brands in 2006. The Ford Focus has been the best-selling car among non-Russian brands for four consecutive years.

"The Russian car market has experienced tremendous growth over the last several years," said Ford of Europe President and CEO John Fleming. "We see consumer demand continuing to rise for stylish cars that offer great driving dynamics – exactly the type of vehicles Ford offers."

Under the new expansion plan, annual production capacity of the plant is targeted to rise to 125,000 units in 2009 from the current level of 72,000 units. The additional capacity would include 25,000 Mondeo units and 28,000 Focus models. Ford expects to begin production of the new Mondeo for Russia in late 2008, pending government approvals.

The St. Petersburg plant, which employs 2,200 workers, currently makes the Focus in all four body styles: 3-door, 4-door, 5-door and wagon versions. The plant started production in July 2002 with an initial annual capacity of 25,000 units.