TL;DR
Ford is investing Rs 3,250 crore to resume engine manufacturing at its Chennai plant by 2029, producing next-gen powertrains for global export and creating over 600 jobs.
American automaker Ford is making a significant return to manufacturing in India, announcing a substantial investment of Rs 3,250 crore to restart engine production at its former Maraimalai Nagar plant near Chennai. This move comes nearly four years after the company ceased local vehicle manufacturing in the country in 2021 as part of a global restructuring.
The investment is aimed at manufacturing next-generation powertrains specifically for global export markets. Ford has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu, solidifying its commitment to leverage India's manufacturing capabilities. The facility is projected to have an annual capacity of 235,000 engines, with production expected to commence in 2029.
This strategic decision is anticipated to create over 600 direct jobs, in addition to numerous indirect employment opportunities across the automotive supply chain. While Ford's immediate focus is on powertrain manufacturing for exports, the company continues to provide service, spare parts, and warranty support for its existing vehicles in India. This development reinforces India's growing importance as a manufacturing hub for global automotive giants.
