There, the auto maker produced this week the 400,000th unit of the model, a model which is part of the outgoing generation. The moment was memorable for Ford, a company that has enjoyed the sweet fruits available to it from the top of the industry, where it sits for the past seven years as the leader of the pack of non-domestic manufacturers.
“Ford changed the Russian perception of cars when it started producing Ford Focus in 2002," said Mark Ovenden, president and managing director, Ford Russia. “The Focus proved that a volume-produced car could be safe and affordable with attractive design and high quality.”
Currently, the manufacturer produces all three body styles of the Focus (five-door, four-door and wagon). The Vsevolozhsk facility employs 2,700 people that work in two shifts to manufacture 300 cars each day (last year, the plant was responsible for the production of 70,000 units).
By the end of the year, production of the current generation Ford Focus will end. The plant will undergo some changes and upgrades in order to be brought in shape for the start of production for the new Focus.
"We have a phenomenal team at our plant, and it has been building the Focus with high quality since it was launched in 2002. The customer expects nothing less from a new car, and the team is delivering,” added Gray Greenway, the plant's general director.
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