DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. says it will spend $72 million to expand an engine plant in India to support sales and export growth.
The company said Tuesday the investment in its Chennai (CHe' nigh) engine plant will create more than 300 jobs. Ford plans to run the factory on three shifts per day.
When the expansion is complete in mid-2012, the factory will be able to build 80,000 more diesel engines per year than it does now. Currently the plant can make about 250,000 gasoline and diesel engines.
Ford India President Michael Boneham says the expansion will help Ford build more fuel-efficient engines for India and other markets.
The Dearborn, Mich., company says it plans to introduce eight new models in India by 2015.