Ford will invest $ 850 million to increase its electric vehicle production capacity – TechCrunch



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Ford plans to invest more than $ 850 million to increase the production capacity of a second US plant as part of its next-generation battery-powered electric vehicle program.

The investment, which will be made until 2023, will focus on the expansion of Ford's Flat Rock assembly plant in southeastern Michigan. The investment in the plant also includes funds for the construction of the new generation Mustang and is part of a $ 900 million investment in Ford's Southeast Michigan operations.

The announcement is linked to Ford's earlier plan to invest $ 11.1 billion in electric vehicle development.

Ford's 100% electric SUV, which will enter 2020, will be produced at its plant in Cuautitlán, Mexico. The next generation of electric vehicles, which will share a flexible architecture, will be produced at Flat Rock.

"We have taken a fresh look at the growth rates of electrified vehicles and we know we need to protect our additional production capabilities given our accelerated plans for all-electric vehicles," said Joe Hinrichs, President of Ford Global Operations. in a statement. "This is good news for the future of southeastern Michigan, which will create more well-paying manufacturing jobs."

Ford also announced Wednesday the construction of its commercial utility van and North Connect next generation in Mexico, from 2021.

Ford's $ 11 billion investment will serve to add 16 100% electric vehicles to its global portfolio of 40 electrified vehicles by 2022. The Corktown project, at the heart of the company's effort 39, electrification of the company, is a huge space of 1.2 million square feet dedicated electric and autonomous vehicle companies.

Corktown aims to create a "mobility corridor" – the Ford version of its own Sand Hill Road in Silicon Valley – that connects the research, testing and development centers of the Ann Arbor University Center to the headquarters from Ford to Dearborn, and finally to Detroit. .

One of these electric vehicles – and perhaps the most anticipated – will be a Electric crossover inspired by the Mustang that it plans to market in 2020. Ford shared the teaser image of last year, illustrating a sketch of the rear of the vehicle, which shows a leaning towards the profile of the Mustang.

The company has also announced plans to offer electrified options in its popular F-Series collection line.

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