Ford Revives Chennai Plant for Engine Exports, Skips Car Manufacturing

Ford, the American manufacturer, has made the decision to restart operations at its idle plant near Chennai, where it plans to manufacture and export engines and other components as per the people in the known. It is expected that the official announcement will come during this quarter.

Ford last manufactured vehicles in India in 2021 and exited the country in 2022. Rather than making vehicles, it has decided to repurpose its Maraimalai Nagar facility for engine exports. According to a source, Ford will commence engine manufacturing at the Chennai plant, which will exclusively focus on export production as part of the company’s global plan.

Officials said that Ford has endorsed its undertaking amidst speculation that it might exit India due to policy changes in the US. Ford executives have also had discussions with Tamil Nadu government officials, reaffirming their commitment to the state.

The facility, which has been dormant since mid-2022, will help streamline Ford’s global powertrain supply operations. Ford is already sending parts out of its Sanand plant where it sold most of its manufacturing business to Tata Motors in 2022.

Ford reportedly planning to manufacture an engine at the Chennai plant is currently at an advanced stage with an announcement expected soon. Earlier, Ford was looking to come back to India with electric vehicles and was conducting feasibility studies on Endeavour, Everest and Mustang but no official decision has been taken.