Ford's Long-Ago Bet on Russia Could Soon Pay Off

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) said that it's expanding production in Russia. The Blue Oval said that it's adding a shift at an assembly plant that it owns with Russian automaker Sollers in response to increasing demand for several Ford-brand products.

It's the first time in several years that Ford has moved to increase production in Russia, which has suffered through a protracted downturn in new-vehicle sales. Here's why it's important for Ford.

Sales of the Ford Explorer in Russia have more than doubled this year. The factory that builds the Explorer and other hot-selling Fords for the Russian market is hiring to boost production. Image source: Ford Motor Company.

Source: Fool.com