Ford continues high-tech engine investment at Dagenham

Ford continues high-tech engine investment at Dagenham

Ford has confirmed a second investment for a new advanced technology 2.0-litre diesel engine for cars and commercial vehicles. The company will be investing £190m at its Dagenham London site, including £8.9m from the Government's Regional Growth Fund.

With the second investment, this brings the project to £475m and highlights Ford's commitment to high-tech engine manufacture at Dagenham, as well as creating 318 new jobs.

The investments from Ford will go toward the production of state-of-the-art low carbon 2.0-litre diesel engines for commercial vehicles globally, as well as for passenger cars.

This new range has been designed and developed at Ford Dagenham and at the Ford Dunton Technical Centre in Essex.

This new, low carbon diesel engine will satisfy the air quality restrictions of the London Mayor's proposed Ultra Low Emission Zone by delivering significantly lower NOx emissions.

The first "phase one" engines will come off the line towards the end of next year, whilst the second phase is scheduled to start in 2017.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "From pencil line to production line, these engines will be fully designed and built in the UK, securing the future of the plant at Dagenham and creating over 300 new jobs."

This new diesel engine from Ford Dagenham is part of a £1.5bn investment in low-carbon and environmentally friendly engine and vehicle technology over five years.

Stephen Odell, Ford Executive Vice President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, added: "Ford is delighted to announce this next phase of investment at Dagenham. The overall investment of over £475m, supported by the UK Government, underlines Ford's commitment to the UK."

by: Rebecca Chaplin