Ford’s new production plant in Craiova, Romania is officially in business, as the first B-Max rolls off the production line. In an event attended by Romanian President Traian Basescu, who also purchased the first new Ford B-MAX, the 675 million Euro facility begins making up the money Ford spent modernizing and upgrading it. Besides vehicles, the site also makes engines, including the 1.0-litre EcoBoost and a new 1.5 liter unit.
The Romanian-built B-Max is quite a significant car in Ford’s lineup. The modern and beautifully engineered MPV comes with a number of advanced features that set it apart form the rivals. They include the best-in-class 1.5-metre unobstructed access to the cabin with the central body pillar uniquely integrated into the hinged front doors and sliding rear doors, and the Active City Stop, which can sense that a low-speed collision is likely and automatically apply the brakes.
The car launches with the 100PS and 120PS versions of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, offering class-leading CO2 emissions of 114g/km and fuel consumption of 4.9l/100km (57.6mpg).
“This is a great day for Ford Motor Company, our Craiova manufacturing facility, and for Romania,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “This is a world-class facility building two of Ford’s most advanced products – the Ford B-MAX and the 2012 International Engine of the Year, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine – to the highest quality levels for our customers.”
