LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 23, 2017 / Pro-Trader Daily takes a look at the latest corporate events and news making the headlines for Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F), following which we have published a free report that can be viewed by signing up at http://protraderdaily.com/optin/?symbol=F. The Company announced on June 20, 2017, revealed its latest manufacturing plans which are aimed at improving operational capabilities of the Company. Firstly, the Company plans to invest approximately $900 million in upgrading its Kentucky Truck Plant that manufactures Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models. Secondly, the Company will produce next-generation Focus cars from China and not from Mexico. For immediate access to our complimentary reports, including today's coverage, register for free now at:

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Commenting on the Company's manufacturing strategy and plan, Joe Hinrichs, Executive Vice President and President of Global Operations at Ford said:

"Large SUVs are attracting a new generation around the world ? and we're finding new ways to deliver the capability, versatility and technology that customers around the world really want with our all-new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. At the same time, we also have looked at how we can be more successful in the small car segment and deliver even more choices for customers in a way that makes business sense. Finding a more cost-effective way to deliver the next Focus program in North America is a better plan, allowing us to redeploy the money we save into areas of growth for the Company ? especially sport utilities, commercial vehicles, performance vehicles as well as mobility, autonomous vehicles and electrified vehicles."

$900 million upgrade for Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant

Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville is where its Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models are manufactured. Ford plans to invest $900 million at this plant to upgrade in a bid to prepare for demand for both the SUV models. Both SUV models are expected to be ready for sale at Ford Dealerships in fall of 2017. These SUV models manufactured at the Kentucky Plant will be sold in the US as well as exported to over 55 global markets, including export of Navigator to China.

Ford feels that the investment will enable the Company to retain 1,000 existing jobs at the facility that employs close to 7,600 full-time hourly workers. In 2015, the Company had invested approximately $1.3 billion at this plant, when it was being readied for manufacturing its Ford Super Duty model. The 2015 investment had resulted in the addition of 2,000 new jobs at that time.

Shifting the manufacture of Ford Focus small cars to China

The next generation Focus will be more spacious and will be equipped with the latest technology that customers will seek in their vehicles. The next-generation Ford Focus models will be manufactured in China and then imported back for sales in North America. The Company had originally planned to manufacture the Focus models at the plant in Mexico. However, the plan was scrapped in January 2017, in support of President Donald Trump's "pro-growth policies". The production of the current generation of Focus models which are assembled at the Michigan Assembly Plant will end in mid-2018. The new Focus models will mostly be sourced from China and later from Europe. Focus models will be available in North American markets from the beginning of 2019.

The Company has assured that the shifting of manufacturing of Focus models to China will not result in any reduction in the number of hourly employees at the Michigan plant. Ford plans to convert the Michigan plant to start the manufacture of its Ranger model of midsize pickup trucks from late 2018 and the manufacture of its midsize SUVs, Bronco from 2020.

According to the Company, the decision to shift the manufacturing of Focus to China will result in a total savings of $1 billion. Out of this $500 million savings will be due to the importing Focus models from China instead of Mexico and the other $500 million savings is a result of the Company's decision to cancel the building of a new factory at San Luis Potosi, Mexico and shifting of production of Focus to the Hermosillo, Mexico plant.

The recent strategic decisions by the Company are following the change in leadership, as Jim Hackett took over as President and CEO in late May 2017. Recent trends show that car sales in the U.S. are declining and Ford is under pressure to improve its financial performance. SUVs models have become more popular with US customers compared to small cars which are showing a decline in sales numbers. Hence the Company's decision to build SUVs in the U.S. and shift manufacturing of small cars to countries like China and Mexico makes a lot of financial sense. Not only are the labor costs much cheaper than in the US, but also the small cars are more popular and accessible to customers in these countries. However, the Company has not specified as to how much cheaper it will be to manufacture in China compared to manufacturing in Mexico, given the shipping, transportation, and import costs.

Last Close Stock Review

At the close of trading session on Thursday, June 22, 2017, Ford Motor's stock price rose slightly by 0.82% to end the day at $11.13. A total volume of 26.96 million shares were exchanged during the session. The Company's shares are trading at a PE ratio of 11.94 and have a dividend yield of 5.39%. At Thursday's closing price, the stock's net capitalization stands at $44.40 billion.

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