Ford will build the new model in Craiova 2012 B-Max

Ford remains committed to investing in the plant in Craiova over 675 million euros, and cars will begin hiring in 2011, but the project of manufacturing the new model will be delayed a year, said U.S. group representatives.

Head of Government was on Wednesday at Victoria Palace, a meeting with Ford representatives, in which the investment was considered state of Craiova, informed the Government through a press.

In this context, John Fleming, recently promoted to president of production and labor relations aspects of the Ford Motor Company has confirmed its commitment to Romania and factory in Craiova, show source, quoted by Mediafax.

"Ford Motor Company remains committed to investing in the project in Craiova over 675 million. However, from the first part of next year, will begin hiring in Craiova. Our intention is that the factory in Craiova to reach the 3,500 employees, as they are currently 7,000 in the coming years, "said John Fleming, was quoted in press.

During the meeting, John Fleming presented the Prime Minister on the new president of Ford Europe, Stephen Odell.

Ford and representatives of the Government is currently negotiating terms of an addendum to the contract to privatize the company in Craiova.

The new Ford class B, hitherto known under the name B-MAX will be produced at the plant in Craiova since September 2011, will reach the market in 2013. Fleming said that is completely new model for Ford's portfolio and will be produced in up to 150,000 units per year.

"The vehicle which we will launch next year will be a small car. Will be ... approximately 150,000 units per year. Will be a unique vehicle. There will be a car that we have in the portfolio at this time, "said president of production and labor relations of the American company Ford, John Fleming.

"The new model will begin production late next year, probably in September," he added, declining to provide more details on the car "for reasons of competition."

Ford Transit Connect, the model is now assembled in Craiova, will receive a replacement in 2012, but Ford officials have not disclosed information about it.

Of total production at the plant in Craiova, Ford officials estimated that 80% will be exported. Among the products will be exported and EcoBoost engines, newly launched Ford models.

The penalty for failure to comply with contractual terms (attainment rate stipulated in the contract production, 250,000 units per year) will not be paid because Ford officials talked with representatives of Romanian and reached the conclusion that it is better money to be invested directly the plant in Craiova.

Fleming acknowledged that Ford is behind the implementation of its plans for factory in Craiova. The company would have to produce up to 250,000 units by the end of 2011, as agreed with the Romanian government.

"We notice, but we will be able to produce 300,000 vehicles by 2013, although actual production will be lower, around 225.00 units, said Fleming.

Source: http://www.ford.com/