US automotive giant Ford Motor is planning to shift the production of Focus small cars and C-Max hybrid vehicles from its Michigan Assembly Plant near Detroit in 2018, to outside US.
Even though the automobile major has not disclosed the site, the company said that it is facing difficulties in producing these vehicles profitably.
Previously, the company had announced that it would inject $2.5bn in engine and transmission units in Mexico.
The carmaker's assembly units in Mexico manufacture Fusion midsize sedans and Fiesta small cars, Reuters reported.
Leaflets by UAW members said Focus and C-Max hybrid vehicles would be made in a foreign country, according to a Bloomberg report.
Focus is already being built at plants in Germany, Argentina, China, Vietnam and Thailand, according to Wall Street Journal.
The Michigan Assembly Plant, which provides employment to 4,400 workers, makes gasoline, electric and hybrid versions of the two cars. The manufacturing unit was earlier used to make light trucks and SUVs.
Low gasoline prices have brought down demand for small cars in the US, forcing carmakers to underutilize their factories leading to loss of cash.
Ford Motor spokeswoman Kristina Adamski said: "We actively are pursuing future vehicle alternatives to produce at Michigan Assembly and will discuss this issue with United Auto Workers leadership as part of the upcoming negotiations."
