Ford In Talks To Restart ‘Make-In-India’ For Exports

US car major Ford held discussions with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to explore the production of four-wheelers for export. This comes after Ford exited India in 2021 and pulled the plug on exports the following year after struggling to boost volumes. It had less than 2% share in the domestic market before production was halted entirely.

In 2022, Tata Motors had bought the Sanand (in Gujarat) facility for over Rs 7 billion. It was the Chennai plant that was shuttered and may see light if both parties agree. 

“Had a very engaging discussion with the team from Ford Motors. Explored the feasibility of renewing Ford’s three decade partnership with Tamil Nadu, to again make in Tamil Nadu for the world,” MK Stalin said in a post on X. Ford somewhat confirmed the same by stating that it “continues to explore suitable alternatives for its plant in Chennai”.

The EcoSport-maker had decided to shut its India operations after talks on a joint venture with Mahindra failed. It would have allowed Ford to manufacture cars at a lower cost. Ford continues to manufacture engine blocks for its Ranger pickup truck at its factory in western India and source parts from local suppliers for global operations, Reuters reported. 

News On Ford Everest

It is reported that the Ford Everest may arrive here in 2025. Reportedly, the new SUV would not be called Endeavour (as previously named) in India. This strategy will help Ford to save on costs which would go into the localisation of new badges, logos, stickers and nameplates. Considering the Indian government’s cap on imports, it may be brought as a completely built-up (CBU) initially. Under the mandate, automakers do not need to undergo homologation for up to 2,500 unit imports. Per the response it gets, the Mustang Mach-E may also make a debut. 

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