NANJING, China - Ford Motor Co. announced Thursday that production has begun at the Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co. Ltd. (CFME), a joint venture with Ford, Mazda Motor Co. and China's Changan Automotive Group.
The first BZ series engines left the production line at the $312.5 million facility, representing the latest strategic deployment by Ford to enhance its competitiveness and continue its rapid expansion in the world's fastest growing major automotive market.
CFME, with a 350,000-unit annual production capacity, will supply production operations for Ford and Mazda vehicles in China. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility consists of three major plants for casting, machining, and assembly. Five key components of the motor are being manufactured on-site, including the cylinder block, cylinder head, crankshaft, camshaft, and connecting rod.
Changan has a 50 percent share and Ford and Mazda each have a 25 percent share in the joint venture.
CFME plans to produce additional Ford and Mazda engine series as its future volume utilization expands.