Recent media reports said that Ford was rethinking its India strategy on account of the shift in the US political climate that's pushing its companies to produce locally. Another factor, according to reports, is the investment needed to make its Tamil Nadu plant operation-worthy again.
However, when contacted, Ford said that the reports were untrue and that their plans are advancing. “We remain committed to utilising the manufacturing capabilities in Chennai to serve global markets and are thankful to the Government of Tamil Nadu for its continued support as we advance our plans.”
The American carmaker did not state when it would begin manufacturing in India and only said, “Further details regarding the type of manufacturing, timelines and other specifics will be shared in due course and we have nothing additional to share at this time.”
Last September, Ford had submitted a Letter of Intent to the Tamil Nadu Government confirming its intentions of restarting manufacturing operations in India for exports, after having ceased domestic sales in 2021 and exports in 2022.
So far, Ford continues to manufacture engines for export from its Sanand facility on lease from Tata Motors, one of its two India plants which it sold to Tata Motors in 2023, the other plant being the Maraimalai Nagar unit in Chennai, which it had shuttered.