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20 March 2019 | AutoData AUTOMAKERS » FORD Production of Ford trucks in Brazil Sales of the New Fiesta made in Taboao an hour before the official announcement, no one was informed by Ford, but by the press. The decision to leave the truck bu- siness took away the production of the Fiesta model in Sao Bernardo do Campo as well, which also caused some stran- geness: it would, at least in theory, be perfectly possible to manufacture the car in Camacari, BA, since it shares the same platform as the Ka and EcoSport produced there. The Fiesta itself, by the way, was actually produced in that unit in the previous generation, while the Ka was produced in Taboao. IN THE RED AutoData prepared a unique analysis of Ford’s financial results in South America referring to the last years that, if it does not justify, at least helps explain the decision to close the unit in Taboao. Since 2013, Ford has suffered losses in the region: in six years, in other words, until 2018, the accumulated negative re- sult reached more than US$ 4,5 billion. The worst year was 2014, U$$ 1,1 billion, which was repeated very soon in 2016. From then on the bleeding slowed a bit, but very slowly. The decision to close the factory in Taboao will add at least another US$ 460 million to the region’s loss in 2019, accor- ding to Ford’s own calculations. US$ 100 million for the accelerated depreciation and amortization of fixed assets, while US$ 360 million will directly impact the cash, intended for compensation of em- ployees, dealers and suppliers. This number may increase, due to the probability of lawsuits or judicial and ex- trajudicial agreements and other nego- tiations with all parties involved. Whatever the value, in any case, the decision certainly overshadows what should have been the main number in evidence for Ford do Brasil this year: the 100, one century in the country – it was the first vehicle manufacturer to arrive in Brazil. The first present, however, was quite hard to swallow. 2011 2014 2014 2012 2015 2015 2017 2017 2013 2013 2016 2016 2018 2018 40 686 136 710 4th 17th 34th 6th 30th 42nd 40 063 19 057 108 381 16 986 14 505 23 462 25 975 22 199 12 848 9 949 7 810* 9 314* In units *Number of registrations. Ford did not inform the production of trucks in 2017 and 2018 to Anfavea. “The decision of leaving the truck business in South America just happened after months searching for viable alternatives, including possible partnerships and selling the operation.” Lyle Watters, Ford’s president for South America