FORD Motor yesterday said it will begin building a new plant in Nanchang, capital of Jiangxi Province, next year.

The plant will begin operations in 2013, Ford Asia-Pacific and Africa President Joe Hinrichs said at a meeting with Jiangxi Governor Wu Xinxiong.

Ford hopes to boost Nanchang's auto industry and will increase its stake in Nanchang-based Jiangling Motors Co, Hinrichs added.

Ford has a 30 percent stake in Jiangling.