Ford Motor Co. (F) announced that it is investing $550 million to transform its Michigan Assembly Plant to build next-generation Focus global small car and a new battery-electric version of Focus for the North American market.
Ford's investment includes more than $430 million in manufacturing investment at the site, and $120 million for launch and engineering costs.
The company specified that the new Focus will begin rolling off the line next year, with the battery-electric version debuting in 2011.
As part of the retooling, Ford said it will consolidate operations from Wayne Assembly Plant. When production launches in 2010, approximately 3,200 employees will be building the new Focus at Michigan Assembly Plant.
In addition, Ford said it is collaborating with Smith Electric to sell a Transit Connect battery electric commercial vehicle for North America in 2010.
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