Saarlouis (Germany)

Germany’s Saarland, close to its western border with France (south of Luxembourg) was originally a coalmining area. To expand its business, Ford built a huge new car assembly plant in Saarlouis, which opened in 1970, originally as the centre of Escort manufacture. Later Capris, Fiestas and — of course — Focuses, also featured. Well over 5 million cars have been built in Saarlouis, including Escort RS (Mk2) models, Escort RS1600is and RS Turbos, and Focus RS MkI, Mk2 and Mk3 types.