Ford to Move to Three Shifts in Russia

The recovering Russian automotive industry is causing foreign auto makers to resort to moves that no more than a year ago seemed to be a dream of a very distant future. Swamped with orders coming from a market in continuing expansion, American car maker Ford announced today it would increase the number of shifts at the St. Petersburg plant from two to three, to bring the production in line with the demand for the Focus model.

The American manufacturer did not say for how long the production at the Russia plant would be ramped up, but given the fact that the facility is currently producing the Focus generation that will soon be replaced by the new version, it's doubtful the three shifts will be a long-time measure.

"The shift to a three shift production pattern is further evidence of the recovery in the Russian economy and increasing demand for both Focus and Mondeo," said Gray Greenway, Ford Motor Company ZAO general director.

The demand for the current-generation Focus, despite the fact that its replacement is on the doorstep, is increasing constantly in Russia. Last year, the Focus was the best-selling foreign car on the market, managing to reach the hearts and minds of 67,000 people. The other model produced there, the Mondeo, also managed to achieve an important milestone, becoming segment leader in 2010.

Production of the new generation Focus will begin in Russia later this year, probably after the summer break, which will allow Ford to upgrade the facility in order to accommodate the new model.