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Ford Motor, a prominent global automaker, is preparing to make a comeback in the Indian market, emphasising electric and hybrid vehicles. According to sources, the company may produce these cars at its Chennai manufacturing facility.
“In its comeback to India, Ford will play on factors which are its strength in the US market. Globally, Ford is strong in the SUV (sports utility vehicles) segment and hybrid and EV power terrains have emerged as its dominant play. It plans to replicate its global strategy in India as well,” said a person knowledgeable about the development. It was also learned that Ford may have applied for a patent in India for EcoSport, its once best-selling SUV category.
Ford Motor might be eager to work with a regional manufacturing partner to strengthen its position in India. According to sources, the auto major and the Tata Group are discussing the possibility of a joint venture. “Being a market leader in the EV segment, Tata will be the first port of call for Ford,” said a senior executive in the automobile sector. However, he clarified that re-entry into India will not be contingent on the JV materialising with the Tatas. “Given that Ford evidently wants to be in the Indian market, it will go ahead with its plans whether or not there is a JV partner,” said another industry source.
Ford intends to use its India facility as an export centre for the Asia Pacific area due to its proximity to the port and logistical advantages. “Located in Chennai, the plant in Maraimalar Nagar will be the export hub for Ford to cater to the APAC region,” said one of the sources cited above. It may be recalled that in December 2023, Ford terminated its agreement to sell the Chennai manufacturing to JSW despite the transaction being considered a done deal, while Ford India’s Gujarat plant was sold to Tata Motors. For the Tata group, if the JV consummates, it may give the Indian auto giant an entry into the EV market in the US.
Sources add that Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley will likely visit India in September to crystallise and implement the carmaker’s renewed plans to re-enter the Indian market. When contacted, Ford Motor said it would refrain from commenting on unsubstantiated speculation, while Tata Motors said, “As a policy and practice, we do not comment on market rumours”. In September 2021, Ford decided to halt operations in India, citing unviable operations and mounting losses. A year later, while there were talks about returning to India, plans were scrapped quickly because of unfeasible market conditions, particularly for EVs.
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