Ford in discussions to restart car production in India for exports: minister: Report

Ford Motor held discussions with Tamil Nadu to assess producing vehicles for export, the Chief Minister said, in what is seen as a signal that the company could potentially begin production once again in the country, after exiting India three years ago, Reuters reported. 

The automaker stopped making cars in India domestically, in 2021, after grappling to bolster volumes and ceased export production in 2022, the newswire reported. 

Ford sold one of the two plants in India to Tata Motors in 2023, and its other plant in Chennai was closed, the newswire noted. 

"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," M.K. Stalin said in a post on X.

Ford continues to assess viable options for its plant in Chennai, the automaker said in a statement.

The decision to exit the market came when a JV did not materialise between Ford and M&M, which would have enabled the American automaker to continue producing cars in the country at a lower cost, the newswire noted. 

Ford continues to make engines for its Ranger pickup trucks at its factory in western India, and source parts from local suppliers for global operations, Reuters stated.