From Reuters
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VSEVOLOZHSK, Russia - Ford Motor Co. opened a $150 million assembly plant for its Focus model in northwestern Russia on Tuesday, saying it was optimistic about its future in the market there.
The plant, located in the Leningrad region, will assemble 25,000 cars per year and have the capacity to increase annual output to 100,000.
Prices will range between $10,900 and $18,300 with the hatchback version costing $10,900 to $15,000.
"The quality/price ratio will be very good for the buyer," said Henrik Nensen, the president of Ford Motor Co. for Russia.
He added that Ford also was considering adding another model to the Focus.
"In six months, we shall look at the situation and maybe add another model," Nensen said, but gave no further details.
Nensen said Ford hoped to double overall sales of Ford cars in Russia in 2002 to 7,800 and boost sales to 27,000 by 2005.
He added that Ford had increased its number of dealers in Russia to 70 from 21 over the last 18 months.