Similar to the deal in which Chrysler plans to source a new low-cost minicar from China’s Chery Auto to be sold in North America, Ford too will import a new model to the US, this time built in Brazil. The information comes from parts suppliers, who also revealed to Wards Auto that production is tipped to start in late 2009.

The car will be a new B-segment model based on the Mazda2 platform. On sale by early 2010, the source reveals that Ford is expecting to import between 50,000 and 100,000 units annually.

Auto industry analyst Paulo Cardamone from CSM Worldwide, explains that Brazil beat out Mexico for the contract to build the new car, which “will be targeted only for export.” According to Ford CEO Alan Mulally, the final production version will debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show, however, a concept version is rumored to make a showing at either the Frankfurt or Detroit shows.