MOSCOW (MRC) -- Ford Sollers has started full-cycle production of the new Ford Kuga at its modernized assembly plant in Elabuga, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, said Ford.
More than 52,000 Kuga vehicles have been sold in Russia since its launch. In 2016, Ford Kuga sales have increased by 21 per cent in Russia.
"The start of the new Ford Kuga production is a significant milestone for both the manufacturing facility and the Russian automotive industry in general," said Alexander Morozov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
The new Kuga will be available for Russian customers with the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a choice of 2 power ratings (150 and 182 hp), as well as a 2.5-litre engine.. The new Kuga will offer customers the choice of front- and all-wheel drive.
"The launch of the new Kuga will allow Ford Sollers to further strengthen Ford’s position in the SUV segment on the Russian market," said Mark Ovenden, president and CEO, Ford Sollers.
As it was written before, on 1 October 2011, the CEO of Ford Alan Mulally and Sollers' general director Vadim Shvetsov announced the creation of an equally owned joint venture called Ford Sollers to produce Ford-branded cars. The new company took control of the Ford's factory in Vsevolozhsk, near Saint Petersburg, (opened in 2002)and two Sollers' factories in Tatastan region, one in Yelabuga and the other in Naberezhny Chelny. The head offices/product development centre were established in Khimki, Moscow.
Ford Sollers is a joint venture between the American car manufacturer Ford and the Russian Sollers established in 2011. The purpose is to produce vehicles for Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus locally.
MRC