(April 9, 2010) Ford has unveiled plans to build a small SUV in Brazil for global markets, boosting its investment plan in the country over the next five years by $281.4 million. The investment is the largest Ford has ever earmarked for Brazil, where the U.S. automaker has been operating for 90 years.

The new EcoSport, a pint-sized SUV developed at Ford's Camacari plant in the northeastern state of Bahia, will be sold in Brazil and in export markets. The vehicle has been a huge hit in Brazil, where it is the poster child for Ford's turnaround in a market that it once contemplated abandoning. The EcoSport is also popular in Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally outlined the new investments to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at a meeting in Brasilia, a day after unveiling a $250 million plan to increase production in neighboring Argentina.

Ford said the platform for the new EcoSport will be used in as many as five other vehicle lines, accounting for 1.6 million cars a year around the world by 2014.

Brazil has been a bright spot in recent years for global automakers, which are suffering much more in core markets like the United States and Europe.