Ford India today launched the commercial production of its compact car 'Figo' at its Maraimalai Nagar plant here.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi inaugurated the production of Figo, the company's first compact car through which it aims to capture a big slice of the booming small car market.

Ford had signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government in September last year, under which it would invest an additional Rs 1,500 crore to expand the facility.

The investments include ramping up operations to make new engines for production of Figo.

After the expansion, the company would add 1,000 employees to the existing 2,100 at the facility.

Ford India currently manufactures mid-size sedan 'Fiesta', 'Ikon' and SUV 'Endeavour' range of vehicles at the facility.

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