Ford will convert Mich. truck plant to build new Focus

WAYNE, Mich. -- The retooled plant, which once built sport-utility vehicles such as the Lincoln Navigator, will now build Ford's next-generation Focus, expected to roll off the line next year.

The plant will also build a new battery-electric version of the Focus for the North American market. That vehicle is expected to debut in 2011.

Ford and Magna International are developing the battery-electric Focus. It will have a lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged at a standard outlet and is part of a broad electrification plan Ford announced in January.

The automaker says about 3,200 jobs will be created in Michigan because of the plant conversion.

The majority of Ford's investment will be spent on manufacturing at the site and the rest on engineering and launch expenses.

Ford says it will also consolidate operations at its Wayne Assembly plant and transform two other truck and SUV plants — the Cuautitlan Assembly in Mexico and the Louisville Assembly in Kentucky — as part of the retooling.

Ford is converting its Cuautitlan Assembly plant to build the Fiesta subcompact early in 2010 and will convert its Louisville plant to build small vehicles starting in 2011.

"We're changing from a company focused mainly on trucks and SUVs to a company with a balanced product lineup that includes even more high-quality, fuel-efficient small cars, hybrids and all-electric vehicles," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas.

The automaker will also build the same Focus it is offering its North American customers in Europe and Asia.

In addition to Ford's zero-emission Focus battery-electric car, the company is working with Smith Electric to sell a battery electric commercial vehicle for North America in 2010. It also plans to introduce in 2012 a next-generation hybrid vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Michigan, Wayne County, and the city of Wayne have contributed more than $160 million in tax credits and grants to support Ford's expansion.