Ford Begins B-Max Production in Romania

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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has begun mass production of the B-MaxFord B-MAXUnited Kingdom, 2011 > 201110 photos
as its new factory in Craiova, Romania. Romanian President Traian Basescu purchased the first car off the line. Ford has invested €500 million into the plant. Last month, Ford began producing the 1.0 liter Ecoboost  at the factory to prepare for production of the B-Max.

“This is a great day for Ford Motor Company, our Craiova manufacturing facility, and for Romania. This is a world-class facility building two of Ford’s most advanced products – the Ford B-MAX and the 2012 International Engine of the Year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine – to the highest quality levels for our customers,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe.

The B-Max will go on sale in Europe later this year. It will be available with either the 100ps or 120ps tunes of the 1.0 liter Ecoboost, and other engine options will come later.  It comes standard with stop/start and Active City Stop.

In early 2013, it will expand from building the B-Max to constructing a 1.5 liter, petrol four-cylinder.