Ford Will Build Next-Generation Fiesta In Thailand

by Derek Kreindler

Published: August 19th, 2014

ford will build next generation fiesta in thailand

Nikon cameras, condoms and the Mitsubishi Mirage are the only three products that come to mind when I think of “Made in Thailand”, but starting in 2017, we’ll have another to add to that list: the Ford Fiesta.

According to TTAC sources, the next-generation Fiesta will be built at Ford’s Rayong, Thailand assembly plant, and exported to America. Even though the current car is built in Mexico, Ford is apparently not making any money on US-spec Fiestas (instead, they are profiting on Fiesta sedans sent to South America). Moving assembly to an even lower cost assembly location should help Ford increase profitability on their smallest passenger car, which has seen a 7 percent drop in sales year-to-date.

#Ford #FordFiesta #Mexico #Production #Sales #Thailand

Derek Kreindler

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6 of 38 comments

Tankinbeans on Aug 19, 2014

Are Thai robots any worse at producing decent cars than Mexican robots? My brother has an 05 Mexican-built Sunfire, formerly my mom's, and maintenance has never been anything other than a mere suggestion. It's still running strong at 135k miles.

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- Big Al from Oz on Aug 20, 2014
  
  Actually, Thai built cars are more 'handmade' than Mexican vehicles. Labour costs in Thailand are one third the cost of Korea and cheaper than China.
  
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Volt 230 on Aug 19, 2014

It's not just robots in the assembly of a modern car, there is still a lot of human handling in the process.

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APaGttH on Aug 19, 2014

Will the driver seat have a Thai massage setting? Will the infotainment system come preloaded with Murray Head's One Night in Bangkok? Will the navigation system be voice by Yule Brenner?

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Dtremit on Aug 19, 2014

Thailand is also a global center for hard drive production -- about 40% of all hard drives were made there in 2012.

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- Spike_in_Brisbane on Aug 19, 2014
  
  Thailand Ford builds most of the world's Rangers and has for years. There is also huge growth in U.S. Standard hospitals and clinics providing services such as cosmetic surgery, dentistry, artificial joints and prostheses for Americans who cannot afford their own services. Thailand is on a fast track forward.
  
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