The Ford Plant in Craiova on Tuesday launched the production of the new EcoSport SUV for Europe, in order to cover for the growth in demand from clients on this segment, according to the company. The Ford Europe representatives on Tuesday stated that the investment in the production of the new model in Craiova was worth approximately 200 million euros, with 1,700 new people to be hired, so that by the end of the year the Craiova-based facility will have 3,900 employees.
"EcoSport is a new example of the manner in which Ford is developing its operations based on the advantages of its own product series - implicitly based on some world class SUVs. Once with the increase in demand for EcoSport and in general for the SUVs in this category, this is a favourable time to relocate production in Europe and raise up to our customers' level, the Vice-President of the Group and President of Ford Motor Company Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Seven Armstrong, said.
The facility in Craiova will be the single Ford unit that will produce the new model EcoSport for Europe (except from Russia). Overall, the facility will deliver the Ford SUV to 56 markets on four continents. These include very diverse markets such as Great Britain, New Caledonia (Oceania), Turkmenistan (Central Asia) or South Africa. Besides the new EcoSport, Ford Craiova will continue the production of the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost motor, the only winner of the title "The International Engine of the Year" for four consecutive years.
Both President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Mihai Tudose attended the launch event for the EcoSport, alongside other representatives of the central and local public administration and almost 4,000 Ford employees. They all had the chance to see the first EcoSport car coming out the Craiova Plant assembly line. President Klaus Iohannis said that once with the launch of the new Ford model, the Romanian automotive industry is becoming more stronger as a presence on the European car market.
Prime Minister Mihai Tudose said the launch of the new Ford EcoSport represents "a new historic stage" for Ford. The new Ford EcoSport offers a high level of versatility and enhanced capabilities, a more sophisticated interior and exterior design and sophisticated technology dedicated to its customers, such as the Intelligent All Wheel Drive, which improves traction and grip on and off the road. The advanced 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine develops up to 125 hp and offers an optimized emission level. The redesigned cabin offers easier-to-use and soft-touch controls, a new center console and more comfortable seats. EcoSport is also available in premier version in a sporty ST-Line, inspired by the Ford Performance range.
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