Ford has big plans for India, China and the region. As part of our better plan for the region we are investing in additional capacity, expanding our dealer networks and further developing our supply chain. The growth potential in this part of the world in the next 10 years is astounding. China will remain the largest car market in the world for the foreseeable future and we estimate India will be the third largest market in the world in the next 10 years.
Ford expects 70 percent of its growth in the next 10 years to come from its Asia Pacific and Africa region. This region encompasses markets on three continents, including Australia, China, India, Thailand and South Africa. Industry sales in the region increased from 24.5 million units in 2009 to an estimated 30.7 million units in 2010.
In India and in the rest of the world, we are simplifying the way we work with suppliers by reducing complexity and expanding parts commonality. By 2014, at least 80 percent of the vehicles sold under the Ford brand globally will be built off 13 core platforms. By bringing suppliers into the development process earlier we can ultimately generate a healthier and more efficient supply chain.
This process also leads to lower development cost and greater economies of scale for our suppliers, and ultimately a higher quality and more economical vehicle for consumers.
We are listening more closely to our customers, dealers and suppliers. Our One Ford plan says to adapt and to localize. It has made us a better company around the world.
Through our investments in Argentina and Brazil, Ford is also demonstrating our high expectations for the opportunities and growth potential for the region. The One Ford plan includes a long-term growth strategy for South America and calls for Ford Argentina to play a major role in supplying key products for the Latin American markets.
Growing Market SegmentsA new state-of-the-art passenger vehicle manufacturing plant in Rayong, Thailand is scheduled for completion in 2012.
The facility will begin building the next-generation Ford Focus in 2012 for Thailand and other markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The highly flexible plant will be capable of building a diverse range of vehicles in the future and will follow Ford’s global model of sustainability initiatives and environmentally responsible processes and systems.
Globally, we are committed to delivering a full lineup of Ford brand vehicles with best-in-class quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technology that customers want and value.
Originally published in the Ford Motor Company 2010 Annual Report.