Ford to export CKD kits to Thailand, Malaysia

Aside from completely built units (CBU), Ford Motors Philippines will begin exporting completely knocked down (CKD) kits to Thailand and Malaysia starting next year.

According to David M. Macasadia, vice president of Ford Motors Philippines, up to 41 percent of the CKDs for export would be sourced locally.

Initially, Macasadia said Ford will export 20 lots per year with each lot equivalent to 20 units of autoparts.

Ford’s CKD exports, however, would not be entitled to any incentives from the government.

The Philippine government had earlier agreed to grant export incentives to Ford amounting to P$400 per unit for every CBU export.

Ford is exporting completely built-up Escape sport utility vehicles to Thailand and Indonesia.

The Automotive Export Program, which grants the export incentive, was signed by President Arroyo during the recent visit of Ford chairman William ‘Bill’ Ford to the country recently.

During Ford’s visit, he announced the Ford Group’s additional $50 million investment into its local operations.

The additional $50 million investment would be used for Ford Philippines’ Santa Rosa facility upgrade, tooling and engineering costs related to its new vehicle program.