Ford to start building new plant in east China next year

Ford Motor said Monday it will begin construction on a new plant in Nanchang City, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, next year.

The plant will begin operations in 2013, Ford Asia-Pacific and Africa President Joe Hinrichs said at a meeting with Jiangxi Governor Wu Xinxiong.

Hinrichs did not give further details concerning the plant.

Ford hopes to boost Nanchang's automobile industry and will increase its stake in Nanchang-based Jiangling Motors Co. (JMC), Hinrichs added.

Ford has a 30 percent stake in JMC. The two companies have been strategic partners since 1995.

Jiangxi provides Ford with a great opportunity for development as the province has low costs and huge potential for economic growth, Wu said.