Ford to restart India plant for exports

Ford Motor is looking to restart its manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu for exports, the company said on Friday, marking its comeback in India after a gap of three years.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based auto giant said it submitted a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu government on Friday, two days after state chief minister M.K. Stalin said they were in talks to restart manufacturing in the state for exports.

“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!” Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin posted on X on Wednesday, 11 September.

Ford had stopped manufacturing cars in the country for domestic sales in 2021 as it struggled to grow volumes before halting exports the following year and effectively exiting the world’s third-largest car market.

“The move will see the facility re-purposed to focus on manufacturing for export to global markets,” Ford said in a statement.

Kay Hart, president, Ford International Markets Group, said “This step aims to underscore our ongoing commitment to India as we intend to leverage the manufacturing expertise available in Tamil Nadu to serve new global markets.”

The company said it will soon announce the cars that it plans to make at the facility and other details.

Ford built its cars and engines at its plant in Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

Last week, Carrefour announced its comeback in India after a decade through a partnership with Dubai-based fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate Apparel Group.

The French retail giant earlier ventured into India through a partnership with another local retailer, but withdrew in 2014, saying the market was underperforming.