Ford announced plans $500M battery plant in Michigan

Ford Motor Co. has outlined plans to invest as much as $500 million in Michigan to engineer and assemble battery packs

These moves would consolidate much of Ford's electric vehicle research, development, engineering and manufacturing in the state, creating approximately 1,000 new jobs at the company.

If the state does not approve tax credits for Ford, the automaker said it is considering other sites.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20091208/AUTO01/912080423/1361/Ford-to-spend-$500M-on-Michigan-battery--hybrid-production

 

LANSING -- The Legislature gave final approval for $78 million in tax credits for Ford Motor Co. to develop battery packs for future hybrid and plug-in vehicles.

The tax credits would be given only if the companies create the number of new jobs required by the legislation. Ford must produce at least 225,000 lithium-ion battery packs in three years, and would qualify for additional tax breaks after 2014.

Ford plans to begin building a new version of the Focus late next year at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne and an electric version of the Focus at that plant in 2011.

Ford already has pledged to spend $500 million to retool Michigan Assembly to build the Focus and is to receive more than $160 million in local and state tax credits and grants for that project.

Ford lands $78 million in tax credits for battery packs | freep.com | Detroit Free Press