Ford Hikes Production in Europe

Ford Motor Co. is increasing output in Germany to meet demand for four of its models.

Next week the company's factory in Saarlouis will boost production of the Focus small car and C-Max/Grand C-Max MPVs 16% to 1,770 units per day.

In February, Ford's plant in Cologne will hike assemblies of Fiesta small cars 19% to 1,850 units per day. The facility also will work six more weekend shifts in January-February.

Last year Ford's sales in Europe grew 7% to 1.16 million units. The company's market share in the region climbed 0.2 points to 8.0%, its best result since 2011. Ford of Europe plans its biggest new-vehicle introduction schedule ever this year with 16 new or updated models.