* Ford, Mazda to build redesigned compact pickups at plant
* Production of new pickups to start in mid-2011
* Vehicles for Thailand market and for export
DETROIT, Aug 25 - Ford Motor Co and Mazda Motor <7261.T> will invest $350 million in their joint venture in Thailand to build a redesigned version of their compact pickup trucks starting in mid-2011, Ford said on Wednesday.
Ford said the investment -- in the AutoAlliance Thailand plant in Rayong, Thailand -- also affirms the automakers' long-term commitment to the country.
The investment will go to plant upgrades and tooling for the production of the pickup trucks.
The venture was established 1995, and Ford and Mazda export pickups to more than 130 markets around the world. The alliance also builds the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 for Thailand and export.
The announcement of the investment in Thailand came the same day that Ford affirmed its plans to close a plant in Minnesota that produces the Ranger compact pickup for the U.S. market.
* Production of new pickups to start in mid-2011
* Vehicles for Thailand market and for export
DETROIT, Aug 25 - Ford Motor Co
Ford said the investment -- in the AutoAlliance Thailand plant in Rayong, Thailand -- also affirms the automakers' long-term commitment to the country.
The investment will go to plant upgrades and tooling for the production of the pickup trucks.
The venture was established 1995, and Ford and Mazda export pickups to more than 130 markets around the world. The alliance also builds the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 for Thailand and export.
The announcement of the investment in Thailand came the same day that Ford affirmed its plans to close a plant in Minnesota that produces the Ranger compact pickup for the U.S. market.
