Ford Launches Operations In Myanmar

Ford Motor Company Officially Launches Operations In Myanmar

- Ford becomes first global automaker to offer complete automotive solutions in Myanmar – opening a full-service showroom and service center facility in Yangon with exclusive dealer partner, Capital Automotive Ltd.

- Capital Automotive Ltd., is a subsidiary of leading Myanmar conglomerate, Capital Diamond Star Group

- Internationally-recognized Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants program announced for Myanmar market

YANGON, Myanmar, April 30, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today officially announced its entry into the rapidly opening Myanmar market through an exclusive agreement and partnership with Capital Automotive Ltd., a subsidiary of leading Myanmar conglomerate, Capital Diamond Star Group.

By the end of the year, Ford plans to offer Myanmar customers a full showroom of global cars and trucks, representing all vehicle segments. The vehicles will be sourced and imported from Ford's global production facilities, including North America and Thailand.

'We see tremendous potential and opportunity for Ford in Myanmar, and we're looking forward to serving customers in this exciting market,' said David Westerman, regional manager, Asia Pacific, Ford Export & Growth Operations. 'We're also committed to making meaningful contributions and investments that will support the country's ongoing economic and social development.'

Through its landmark deal with Capital Automotive, Ford will become the first global automaker to offer complete automotive solutions in Myanmar.

Ford's first dealership facility is nearing completion in Yangon - the country's commercial center and most populous city – and will offer an integrated sales, service and spare parts solution. Both the facility's design and operations are fully aligned to Ford's global standards.

'We could not have found a better long-term partner than Ford, and we are looking forward to introducing world-class Ford vehicles and services to our developing market,' said Ko Ko Gyi, owner and managing director of Capital Diamond Star Group.

Ford and Capital Automotive plan to expand with facilities in other markets across the country as business grows.

'With our exclusive partner, Capital Automotive, we are well-positioned to fully realize the huge potential of this market over the long-term,' added Westerman.

ASEAN Opportunity

Ford's entry into Myanmar will help support its overall growth strategy for the ASEAN region, which represents a combined population of 600 million.

'Our entry into Myanmar is the latest step in Ford's aggressive expansion in Asia Pacific, and will help us to more fully realize the opportunity within the ASEAN region,' said Matt Bradley, president, Ford ASEAN.

Ford's starting lineup in Myanmar

Myanmar benefits from a strategic location between India and China, and a shared border with Thailand, Ford's operations hub for the ASEAN region. This provides a variety of vehicle supply and logistics options from adjacent Thailand, as well as importing U.S.-sourced cars and trucks directly into Myanmar.

The iconic Ford F-Series pickup truck and class-defining all-new Ford Ranger will be among the first models to arrive in Myanmar.

'We're committed to bringing the best of our global Ford lineup to Myanmar – world-class vehicles that Myanmar customers will want and value,' said Westerman.

Establishing an industry

In addition to the marketing and sales of its vehicles in Myanmar, Ford is committed to an enduring presence and ongoing investment in the market.

This will include providing opportunities for extensive, hands-on, skilled labor training to employees. Through this venture, Ford already is bringing in world-class training resources and technical experts to help educate the technicians, sales and service personnel that the company has employed.

'Part of Ford's core values as a company is to invest in the places where we do business – to invest in people, in their careers and in the local communities,' explained Westerman. 'It's both an honor and our responsibility to train and develop a skilled workforce, and quite literally, to help shape the future of Myanmar's automotive market.'

Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants in Myanmar

Ford also announced that it will bring its internationally-recognized Conservation and Environmental Grants program to Myanmar in 2013. This effort has become an annual event in select markets around the world.

Through the program, Ford plays a pivotal role in advancing hundreds of environmental initiatives in the region, from protecting wildlife and preventing forest fires, to funding cultural heritage projects and replenishing resources in rural communities.

In Cambodia, for example, Ford recently helped to launch an aggressive multi-year clean water initiative to bring fresh water to thousands of individuals living in rural villages across the nation.

When Ford Motor Company and its partners announce an open call for grant proposals in Myanmar later this year, all individuals, communities, non-profit groups and institutions that have projects in the areas of environmental preservation, environmental education or conservation engineering will be eligible to apply for funding.

By providing necessary funding and visibility, Ford hopes to encourage local, grassroots efforts that will serve as catalysts for change across Myanmar and across the globe.

Funding amounts and details for the program in Myanmar will be confirmed when the program is officially announced later this year.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information on the company and about Ford's products, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

About Capital Diamond Star Group

The Capital Diamond Star Group is one of the largest, fastest growing companies in Myanmar, with an annual turnover of nearly USD$400 million and 4,000 employees. Its distribution network and established infrastructure across the country will provide a solid foundation for Capital Automotive and Ford to meet the market's growing demand.

Source: Internet