PRODUCTION has started in Germany of Ford's 3-door Fiesta.

The new model goes on sale in many European markets next month and is manufactured at Ford's plant in Cologne.

It plans to make 36,000 new 3-door Fiestas this year.

'When production of the new Ford Fiesta began in November 2001, it marked the start of a new manufacturing era at Ford,' said Ford of Europe's vice-president of manufacturing John Fleming. 'After its complete redevelopment Ford's Cologne plant has become a template for modern and flexible car manufacturing in Europe.'

The plant is also responsible for producing the 5-door Fiesta and the Ford Fusion.