Following Fiat, which has acquired Chrysler’s Tritec facilities in Paraná state, and GM’s announcement of a new engine plant in the neighbouring state of Santa Catarina, it is Ford’s turn to expand output.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Engine supply is currently one of the biggest bottlenecks in the auto industry here. Ford has earmarked US$350m to update facilities and nearly double annual output from 280,000 engines to 500,000 in less than two years. It’s expected to export some of that expanded production.


Volkswagen kicked off the new wave of engine output expansions. At the end of last year, it said its São Paulo state São Carlos plant would raise capacity from 1,800 to 2,300 engines daily this month and to 2,700 next September.


Like VW, Ford opted for the speedier option of enlarging an existing plant, this one in Taubaté, also in São Paulo state. It acquired this facility in 1967 and, since 1987, has also made gearboxes and other parts there.


The investment includes development of a new engine family to be added to the current Zetec Rocam line. The new engines will be flexible-fuel units from the start.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

One version will be a 1.4-litre motor, a displacement that has been the most viable alternative in a market where half of all sedans and wagons are powered by one-litre engines due to favourable taxation.


Ford of Brazil CEO Marcos Oliveira said: “The new Sigma family will more fuel-efficient and less polluting and will position us in an engine displacement category from which we are currently absent”.


With the recovery of buying power and generous loan terms, there is now a clear tendency for buyers to migrate to engines with higher torque and more power, better suited to Brazilian driving conditions.


One-litre engines nonetheless account for over 70% of local sales. They are outstanding in specific power output, well above the world average.


Fernando Calmon