Gasgoo.com (Shanghai February 28) - Changan Ford Mazda's second production site in Chongqing officially begun operation last Friday, Economic Observer News reported. The $490 million site is estimated to increase Ford's overall annual production capacity by around 30 percent to a total of 600,000 vehicles.

Changan Ford Mazda held an inauguration ceremony for the factory, with the new Focus (pictured above) being its first official product. The one million square meter site has a planned yearly production capacity of 350,000 vehicles, valued around four billion yuan ($635.52m). It is Ford's third factory in the country, and will be able to manufacture up to six different models.

Ford Motor China CEO and Chairman David Schoch was very pleased with the site, stating that it will help the manufacturer grow in the world's largest automobile market.

According to CEO Alan Mulally (pictured below), Ford's global sales are expected to grow 50 percent by 2015, with China playing an increasingly important role in the manufacturer's strategy. Ford will bring over 15 new models to China in the run up to 2015, as well as continue to develop its network of dealers.