Ford’s new plant in Phillipines to export 2012 Focus to ASEAN; CKD operation to India on cards?

Hot Focus sedan is what Ford need to take on the Civic and Corolla

Ford has been mulling over the launch of its Focus in India for half a decade now and the upcoming plant in Philippines might just be the answer. Ford are setting up a new state of the art facility in Rayong, Thailand to produce the next generation Focus and export it to the ASEAN region, Asia Pacific and Africa. Although India does not come under ASEAN, the availability of CKD kits for the Focus could finally help the Focus make its way to India once the plant starts production in 2012.

Hit the jump for more details and 12 high resolution images.

The plant has an initial capacity of 150,000 units of which Ford will retain 15% for Philippines while the rest are meant for exports to Asia Pacific and Africa. Ford has made huge investments to have all the parts supplied by local vendors. The Rayon facility will be a flexible facility producing a range of vehicles starting with the Focus in 2012. The plan seems to be right as Ford India are better off waiting till 2012 and bringing the all new model then.

We would like to recall that Ford announced they would be bringing more global models to India.

[Paultan]