U.S. automotive giant Ford Motors is eyeing a surprise return to India. Three years after shutting down its car production in the country, Ford is now interested in resuming its operations for export purposes.
M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Indian state Tamil Nadu, confirmed the news in a recent social media post.
“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!” Stalin wrote in a post shared on X (former Twitter) while attaching photos from the meeting.
Ford previously produced cars for domestic and international markets at factories in Sanand, Gujarat, and Chennai, Tamil Nadu. However, following weak sales and $2 billion in losses over the past decade, the company decided to halt production in both plants. The move came after a proposed partnership with domestic automaker Mahindra & Mahindra fell through.
In 2021, Ford sold the Sanand factory to India’s Tata Motors and later closed the doors at the one in Chennai. The latter plant has the capacity to produce 200,000 cars and 340,000 engines.
The news about Ford’s intention to return to India doesn’t come as a surprise. It was reported earlier this year that the company is interested in making electric vehicles and hybrids in the country.