15.10.2020
Sollers Ford announces restart of engine plant situated in Alabuga special economic zone. Lined up for the plant is manufacturing of diesel engines for Ford transit LCV line. Mass production of engines is planned for 2023.
Sollers Ford has received concessional loan from Industrial Development Fund (IDF) in the amount of 500 mln rubles for purchasing additional equipment for the plant under the “Component parts” program. Attracted IDF funds will be directed to purchasing of necessary additional equipment for mechanical processing of cylinder blocks of diesel engines. The level of production automation will be very high (95%), that will positively affect the quality of manufactured engines.
Engine plant occupies an area of 42 600 sq. m. and is situated in the proximity of Sollers Ford plant. The plant is equipped with modern, high-tech equipment, which meets every requirement for efficiency, sustainability and safety in accordance with Ford Motor Company global standards. Plant capacity will be 40 000 engines per year.
«Within the strategy to maximize the localization of Ford Transit vehicles production in Russia the decision was made to restart the plant to manufacture diesel engines – says Sollers Ford President and CEO Adil Shirinov. – This step will allow us to ensure business stability in current situation and strengthen our positions of an important player in Russian automotive industry».
The production of Sigma 1.6 engines for passenger cars started on the plant in 2015 and was suspended in 2019 after the company’s restructuring. The plant became the first such high-tech enterprise on the territory of Russia where the automation of production processes was 95%.
Ford Transit is one of the most commercially successful vehicles in LCV segment on the market. Clients’ choice and loyalty are driven by the number of important advantages of the vehicle – quality and reliability, low cost of ownership, high level of service maintenance in official dealer network with the affordable cost of maintenance – one of the lowest in LCV segment – and many more.
Ford Transit vehicles are manufactured at Sollers Ford plant in Elabuga using the full cycle technology, which allows to offer modern, up-to-date product, fully customized to the client’s needs and adapted for use in Russian climate, competitively priced, to Russian customers. Basic models line includes panel van, bus and chassis, vehicles offer three options of base length, two options of roof height and all options of drive, including all wheel drive. As of now, the full range of Ford Transit vehicle versions includes 141 modification for special and social needs and it continues to grow.
