Could Ford Motor Company be staging a comeback in India? That question lingers, awaiting an answer tied to the passage of time. It’s worth noting that the American automaker ceased production of vehicles made in India back in July 2022, with the EcoSport marking its final production unit. Operations came to a halt for both domestic and export markets.
Nearly 19-20 months have elapsed since that event, and according to media reports, Ford is currently engaged in discussions with Tata Motors regarding a potential joint venture aimed at re-entering the Indian market. This time, the focus will be on electric and hybrid vehicles, assembled at Ford’s Chennai-based facility starting next year.
Furthermore, Ford plans to introduce its renowned SUV lineup via the Completely Built-Up (CBU) route. The termination of the deal with the JSW Group initially sparked Ford’s interest in returning to India, subsequently followed by the patent of new models such as the Endeavour, Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, and a new mid-size SUV. Additionally, a design patent has already been filed for a compact SUV reportedly positioned to compete with models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
What do other theories suggest?
Speculation suggests that Ford’s backend operations, specifically Ford Business Solutions, have experienced growth, with approximately 15,000 employees engaged in virtual production engineering in Chennai. India serves as one of the largest technology hubs for Ford Motor Company. The rationale behind the decision not to sell the Chennai plant to the JSW Group remains unclear. However, rumors hint at VinFast, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer, having explored the possibility of purchasing the Ford plant at one point, which could have influenced this decision.
Ford Motor Company has maintained secrecy regarding its plans to return to India. Speculations abound, but only time will unveil the details of Ford’s comeback strategy. Stay tuned to IndiaCarNews for the latest updates.
