Ford to resume manufacturing in India for export markets

17 Sep 2024 CW Team

While Ford has not confirmed any plans to resume sales operations in India, the decision comes as the country has become the third-largest car market globally. Currently, Ford's sales outlets in India have closed, leaving only service and spare parts centres operational.

Ford began its Indian operations in 1995, with manufacturing facilities in Chennai and Sanand, Gujarat. The Chennai plant, which had an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles, was known for producing SUVs like the EcoSport and Endeavour. The Sanand plant, with a capacity of 240,000 vehicles and 270,000 engines annually, produced models including the Aspire sedan, and the Figo and Freestyle hatchbacks. Ford sold the Sanand vehicle manufacturing unit to Tata Motors in January 2023 for Rs 7.25 billion, though it continues to produce engines there and run service operations in India.

Ford has submitted a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu government to confirm its plans for the Chennai plant. This move is part of Ford's Ford+ growth plan and follows a meeting between Ford leadership and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin during his visit to the U.S.

Kay Hart, President, Ford International Markets Group, expressed gratitude for the Tamil Nadu government's support and emphasised the company's commitment to leveraging local manufacturing expertise to serve new global markets.

Ford currently employs around 12,000 individuals in Tamil Nadu and expects to increase this number by 2,500-3,000 over the next three years. With engine manufacturing operations in Sanand, India remains Ford's second-largest salaried workforce globally. Further details on the types of vehicles to be manufactured and other specifics will be disclosed in due course.

(India Today)

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Ford has announced plans to restart manufacturing operations at its Chennai plant in Tamil Nadu, focusing on producing vehicles for export markets. The company had ceased vehicle production for sale in India in September 2021, but this new initiative will leverage the Chennai facility for international exports. While Ford has not confirmed any plans to resume sales operations in India, the decision comes as the country has become the third-largest car market globally. Currently, Ford's sales outlets in India have closed, leaving only service and spare parts centres operational. Ford began its Indian operations in 1995, with manufacturing facilities in Chennai and Sanand, Gujarat. The Chennai plant, which had an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles, was known for producing SUVs like the EcoSport and Endeavour. The Sanand plant, with a capacity of 240,000 vehicles and 270,000 engines annually, produced models including the Aspire sedan, and the Figo and Freestyle hatchbacks. Ford sold the Sanand vehicle manufacturing unit to Tata Motors in January 2023 for Rs 7.25 billion, though it continues to produce engines there and run service operations in India. Ford has submitted a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu government to confirm its plans for the Chennai plant. This move is part of Ford's Ford+ growth plan and follows a meeting between Ford leadership and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin during his visit to the U.S. Kay Hart, President, Ford International Markets Group, expressed gratitude for the Tamil Nadu government's support and emphasised the company's commitment to leveraging local manufacturing expertise to serve new global markets. Ford currently employs around 12,000 individuals in Tamil Nadu and expects to increase this number by 2,500-3,000 over the next three years. With engine manufacturing operations in Sanand, India remains Ford's second-largest salaried workforce globally. Further details on the types of vehicles to be manufactured and other specifics will be disclosed in due course. (India Today)

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..