Ford India
Bharat BillPay turns to education; From archives to AI
Happy Friday! Education sector has emerged as the next major opportunity for NPCI BharatBillPay. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
JSW MG India appoints Anurag Mehrotra as managing director
JSW MG Motor India has appointed Anurag Mehrotra as its new Managing Director. Mehrotra, with three decades of experience, has had key roles at Tata Motors and Ford India. He will focus on strategic growth initiatives and strengthening the company's four core pillars.
Ford’s India return delayed: Is the carmaker making a U-turn or just a pit stop?
Ford Motor Company delays its India comeback plans, initially expected in January, with final decisions now anticipated by late summer. The automaker is reassessing its strategy due to domestic manufacturing priorities in the US and the significant costs of retrofitting its Chennai plant for electric vehicles.
Ford India sales up 34% at 21,198 units in March
Domestic sales rose 43.91 per cent to 7,560 units last month as against 5,253 units in the same period a year ago, Ford India said in a statement.
Ford India launches contactless sales, services
Ford India announced the launch of contactless sales and service of vehicles as its dealerships resume ops.
Ford dealers invested over Rs 2,000 crore to set up sales infra; staring at huge loss: FADA
Terming the company decision as shocking, the industry body noted that the dealers have invested over Rs 2,000 crore in creating sales infrastructure while employing around 40,000 people across the country. "The auto retail fraternity is really shocked to hear another Ford India's announcement where it has said that it will shut down production with immediate effect," FADA said.
Another casualty, this time the axe falls within Ford India
Ford India has finally taken some specific measures in the wake of the raging storm over the controversial Ford Figo ads.
Anurag Mehrotra returns as the MD of Ford India, to curate new plan for independent operation
Under Mehrotra’s tenure as the MD, Ford India’s revenue had grown to more than Rs 24,000 crore in FY19 from Rs 19,000 crore two years earlier. EMOM has helped Ford India cut structural cost by 37%.
Anurag Mehrotra takes over as the new MD of Ford India
Mehrotra, 44, will be the youngest MD of Ford India. He played a pertinent role in enhancing sales of EcoSport as vice president, sales, during its launch.
Ford India sales up 27% to 29,795 units in December
Domestic sales were down 8.6 per cent at 5,087 units last month as against 5,566 units in December 2016, Ford India said.
Ford India sales rise marginally to 22,590 units in September
Domestic sales rose 9 per cent to 9,018 units last month as against 8,274 units in the same period a year ago, Ford India said in a statement.
Ford India sales down 18 per cent in December to 24,420 units
Commenting on the sales performance, Ford India President and Managing Director Anurag Mehrotra said, 2018 was a turnaround year for Ford in India.
Ford India MD, director granted pre-arrest bail in cheating case
The complainant, who is the managing director of Libra Cars Private Limited, said he entered into an agreement with Ford India through its managing director and director in 2018. He said Ford India or its directors could not authorise any other service station workshop within a 10-km radius of his showroom according to the agreement but he later learned about another service centre running within the approximate radius.
Ford India launches 'doorstep service' facility
Through the service, customers can have vehicle serviced at home or office at no additional charge. This latest offering expands Ford's bouquet of consumer-focused initiatives launched under 'Dial-A-Ford', where all sales & service queries get addressed via the helpline, Ford India said in a statement.
Ford India sales up 11% in January
Ford had sold 12,834 units in the same month of last year, Ford India said in a statement.
Ford India sales rise 21 pc to 19,988 units in September
Exports rose to 11,739 units in the previous month as compared to 7,756 units in September last year, Ford India said in a statement.
Ford India sales up 11% to 26,188 units in May
The company said its domestic sales stood at 9,069 units last month as against 6,742 units in May 2017, up 34.51 per cent.
Ford plans comeback by restarting manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu for global exports
Ford is planning a comeback in India by restarting its manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu for exports. The company exited the Indian market in 2021 due to losses and low market share. Discussions with Tamil Nadu officials indicate a renewed focus on electric vehicles and sustainability, aiming to leverage India's growing auto market.
Tatas roll out cars out of acquired Ford India plant in Gujarat
Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEM) rolls out the first Tata badged car from its new plant in Sanand, Gujarat, which was acquired from Ford India last year. The new facility has a manufacturing capacity of 300,000 units per annum, scalable to 420,000 units per annum. It is Tata Motors' second plant in Gujarat to manufacture internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) models.
Ford infuses over Rs 5,000 crore in Indian unit to manage exit costs
The funds have been infused in two tranches — Rs 2,175 crore in September and Rs 2,900 crore this month, totalling Rs 5,075 crore, according to financial data sourced through business intelligence platform Tofler. The reason behind the fund infusion in the Indian subsidiary is not known, but it is likely to be used for settling outstanding payments with dealers and vendors, and providing separation packages to employees.
Ford India sales down 22.46 per cent in May
Car maker Ford India today reported 22.46 per cent decline in total sales in May this year at 5,993 units.
Majority of Ford India's workers continue protest, some resume duty
"The majority of the workers are protesting demanding better severance package. However, about 150 persons have resumed duty. The management has not improved their package much," the union official told IANS preferring anonymity.
Ford India reports 26% decline in sales to 19,905 units in Nov
Domestic sales in November stood at 6,375 units as against 7,777 units in the same month last year, a decline of 18 per cent.
Ford India workers waiting for good compensation for loss of jobs
"The management said they will come out with their offer on Wednesday afternoon. We are waiting for the same. If the offer is acceptable, then it is fine and if not, we will continue our protest," the union official told IANS, preferring anonymity. According to him, around 1,000 workers are inside the plant at Maraimalainagar near here and about 700 are outside the gates.
Ford employees hope for better severance package at tripartite meeting on September 13
Maintaining that the company always cared for its employees, Ford said its attempts to negotiate a fair severance package did not yield results because of the union's 'unreasonable' demands. Responding to it, Ford India Employees Union representatives said the company has left out the tax deduction on the severance package as the employees would be receiving a meagre amount despite serving for several years.
About 2,000 Ford workers in Chennai who lost jobs await news on severance packages
Since Monday workers have been on a sit-in and sit-out protest at the Ford India's plant. On Tuesday, an official from the state labour department had come to the factory and had discussions with them.
Ford India launches new variant of its compact SUV EcoSport
The new variant features design cues are borrowed from its American and European peers, where the compact SUV is sold without a rear-mounted spare wheel, Ford India said.
Ford India workers continue protest demanding better compensation for job loss
"The management has offered 85 days pay for every completed year of service. Also, a fixed sum of Rs 42,500 for every completed year of service. Earlier they had offered 75 days of salary and the fixed sum at Rs 20,000 for every completed year of service," a worker union official told IANS preferring anonymity.
Ford India launches top-end variant of Freestyle starting at Rs 7.69 lakh
The new introduction, Freestyle Flair, is available in both petrol and diesel engine options.
Tata Motors acquires Ford’s manufacturing plant in Gujarat for ₹726 crore
Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited (TPEML), a subsidiary of Tata Motors, on Monday announced the acquisition of Ford India’s manufacturing plant based in Sanand city of Gujarat for ₹725.7 crore, excluding taxes. The companies have already signed a unit transfer agreement (UTA) to finalise this deal, which also includes the transfer of all eligible employees of Ford India’s vehicle manufacturing operations at the Sanand plant.
Ford's present and former workers in India are on the job look out
In September 2021, Ford India announced its decision to wind down vehicle assembly in Gujarat's Sanand by the fourth quarter of 2021, and vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the second quarter of 2022. Ford India has four plants in the country -- vehicle and engine plants in Chennai and Sanand.
Ford to hire 700 people in India this year
Having recruited around 90 business school graduates & 45 engineering graduate trainees so far, Ford India plans to increase its headcount by 700 people.
Ford India says controversial advert won’t have any negative impact
Carmaker Ford India on Friday said the controversial Ford Figo advertisements will not have any negative impact on the company.
Ford India spreads festive cheer, launches special BS VI-compliant Endeavour SUV at Rs 35.10 lakh
The Endeavour Sport will also offer Ford's mobility and connectivity solution, FordPass.
Ford to export Figo to 50 countries in 2012
Buoyed by the 'strong' mkt demand for its latest Figo, Ford India planned to export the car to 18 more overseas mkts by this year.
Tata Motors looks to drive into Ford India's Sanand plant
Tata Motors and Ford India have approached the administration in Gujarat to understand the incentive structure after the sale of the factory, clearly indicating that the maker of Nexon and Altroz is the frontrunner for the facility.
Ford India introduces 2019 EcoSport line-up, slashes prices
Depending on the trim level, the new line-up of EcoSport will be cheaper than last year's in the range of Rs 8,300 to Rs 57,400.
Ford India sales rise 29% to 27,019 units in November
The company had sold 21,004 units in the same month last year, Ford India said in a statement.
Ford India announces leadership rejig, MD to step down by month-end
After nearly three decades of struggling to make a mark in India, Ford Motor Co on September 9 announced that it would stop vehicle production at its two plants in the country and will sell only imported vehicles going ahead as part of a restructuring exercise.
Tata Motors appoints Anurag Mehrotra as Vice President of International Business, CVBU
Auto major Tata Motors has appointed Anurag Mehrotra as the Vice President- International Business and Strategy of its Commercial Vehicle Business Unit (CVBU) with effect from October 1, 2021. Before this, Mehrotra was the President & Managing Director of Ford India.
Ford India recalls 22,690 units of previous generation Endeavour over airbag concerns
These vehicles were manufactured at the company's Chennai plant between February 2004 and September 2014.
Ford India to hike prices of vehicles from January
On Wednesday, the country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India had announced that it would increase prices of its vehicles from January to offset adverse impact of rising input costs.
Ford India launches 2020 edition of Endeavour; price starts from Rs 29.55 lakh
The BS-VI compliant new Endeavour is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine mated with 10 speed-automatic transmission, the company said. "The introductory prices of 2020 Endeavour will only be valid till April 30, 2020, post which the ex-showroom prices will see an upward revision of Rs 70,000," it added.
Stung by $2 billion loss, Ford exits manufacturing operation, moves to niche imported models
Ford's hastily organised townhall by Indian management reflected the woes of the US automaker's journey in India. It has been struggling amid weak domestic volumes, falling exports, and a lack of new products for the domestic market. It seems to be following the lines of General Motors, which exited India in 2017.
Ford India to invest $72 million in engine plant
Ford plans to raise production capacity at its Chennai factory by 30%, to meet rising demand for diesel-powered vehicles.
Ford India to drop Mahindra engines from its future products, to rely on own engines and products
In a recent communication, the company informed that future compact SUVs - BX744 and BX772 will be managed internally. The shift from Mahindra's engine to its own would mean Ford India's projects - BX772 - Hyundai Creta rival and BX 744 - the new sub-4 metre SUV slated for 2022-2023 may get delayed by six months.
Products from M&M partnership to play key role in emerging market model: Ford India
The company is likely to share "some updates" in "a short period of time" on five agreements that it had signed with M&M in March this year, which included development of two SUVs and a battery electric vehicle.
Ford follows in Volvo's footsteps, asks 10,000 employees in India to work from home amid coronavirus fears
The company is continuing to act in real-time.
Ford Endeavour with sun roof feature launched at Rs 30 lakh
The new premium variant will be powered by a 2.2 litre diesel engine.
Ex-Ford India head may steer JSW MG Motor operations
Anurag Mehrotra, former Ford India head, is poised to become the new Managing Director of JSW MG Motor India. He will succeed Rajiv Chaba, the current CEO Emeritus, who is retiring on March 31, 2025. Mehrotra recently served at Tata Motors and is expected to join JSW MG early next month.
Ford India launches 2019 edition of Figo, prices start at Rs 5.15 lakh
The new Figo will be available in a simplified line-up of three variants across two fuel options -- petrol and diesel.
Tata Motors EV arm signs MoU for the potential acquisition of Ford India’s Sanand plant
The proposed MoU includes purchase of land & buildings, vehicle manufacturing plant, machinery and equipment and transfer of all eligible employees of Ford India’s Sanand’s vehicle manufacturing operations, subject to the signing of definitive agreements and receipt of relevant approvals, Tata Motors said in a statement on Monday.
Ford introduces CNG option for Aspire
The company is offering the CNG fitment in two petrol trims of the model.
Ford to recall over 20,700 EcoSport SUVs from India
Ford Motor will recall more than 20,700 units of its top selling model in India, the EcoSport compact sport-utility vehicle.
FADA seeks govt support regarding compensation structure for Ford dealers
FADA, which represents over 15,000 automobile dealers having 26,500 dealerships across the country, said that automotive dealers have lost around Rs 2,485 crore since 2017 due to the exit of five OEMs from the country.
Ford is returning to India, expresses intent to restart its Tamil Nadu plant for exports
After several reports about its return to India, popular American automaker Ford has expressed its intent to restart operations at its plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Ford is well known for its popular SUVs such as the Endeavour and EcoSport. Ford had exited the Indian market in 2021 due to declining sales. The company, which had two plants in the country had sold one to Indian automaker Tata Motors and planned a shutdown of the second plant. However, it could not wind down its vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the targeted timeline of the second quarter of 2022.
TN, Tatas in talks for takeover of Ford India's Chennai factory
The buzz about Tata Motors taking over the plant got stronger following news reports about Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran meeting with chief minister MK Stalin and state industries minister Thangam Thennarasu. This was said to be the second round of high-level talks that took place within a span of two weeks. On September 27, Tata Motors executive director Girish Wagh had met the CM.
Tata Motors completes acquisition of Ford India's Sanand plant
With the fulfilment of the necessary conditions, including receipt of relevant regulatory approvals, the parties have completed the transaction and TPEML has acquired the Sanand property and the vehicle manufacturing plant and machinery, Tata Motors said in a regulatory filing.
Ford's India factories near end of road, talks on with Ola for contract manufacturing
Ford went slow with their contract manufacturing discussions for two years because "talks were at an advanced level with Mahindra & Mahindra" and was looking at "cross badging and new product alliance plans with the Indian partner would take care of Ford India's 400000 units per annum capacity at Maraimalainagar and Sanand," said a source.
Ford India recalls 5,397 units of EcoSport to fix faulty parts
New Delhi, Jul 6 () Ford India today said it is recalling 5,397 units of its popular sports utility vehicle EcoSport to rectify faulty front lower control arm and driver and front passenger seat recliner locks.
Ford India to hike prices by upto 2.5% from Jan
Maruti Suzuki, Toyota Kirloskar, BMW, Renault and Isuzu have already announced price hike from next month citing impact of increase in commodity prices and foreign exchange rates.
Ford India revises final severance package to employees
Accordingly, the company would revise the final severance settlement to an average equivalent of 140 days of gross wages per completed year of service from the ongoing offer of 130 days.
Tata Motors, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan see churn in top executive positions
A major churn is underway in key positions of leading automobile cos in India, a task more challenging than selling cars in slowing passenger car market.
Ford likely to fuel India drive with $1 billion
Ford is likely to make an additional investment of as much as $1 billion in Indian operations.
Mahindra-Ford venture set to name Anurag Mehrotra as Chief Executive
Mehrotra, as the managing director of Ford India, was responsible for turning around the maker of the Figo and Eco-Sport that posted a profit in fiscal 2018 after remaining in the red for years.
Ford India launches refreshed Figo priced up to Rs 6.09 lakh
Ford India launched a refreshed version of its compact car Ford Figo priced up to Rs Rs 6.09 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) ahead of the upcoming festival season.
Ford India unveils 2021 line-up of compact SUV EcoSport
The American car maker, which recently called off its proposed partnership with domestic auto major M&M, had rolled out the sub-4 meter SUV EcoSport first time in the Indian market in June 2013.
Hundreds of Ford India workers protest over planned plant closure
Ford had excess capacity at its first India plant when it invested $1 billion on a second in 2015. It had planned to make India an export base and raise its share of a market projected to hit 7 million cars a year by 2020 and 9 million by 2025. After sinking $2.5 billion in India since entry and burning another $2 billion over the past decade alone, Ford decided not to invest more.
Tata Motors to complete acquisition of Ford India's manufacturing plant in January
The acquisition included the entire land and buildings; vehicle manufacturing plant along with machinery and equipment and transfer of all eligible employees of FIPL's vehicle manufacturing operations at Sanand.
DIPP deputes delegation to assess impact of floods on industry
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has deputed a high level inter-ministerial delegation and industry representatives to Tamil Nadu to assess the impact of floods on industry.
Cab aggregators & tech cos are our frenemies: Bill Ford
A century later, Bill — chairman of the American auto major — faces dilemma of a different kind — the era of personal mobility is gradually being threatened by the concept of shared mobility, led by ride-sharing companies.
Tata Motors to buy Ford Gujarat plant for Rs 750 crore
The takeover of the Gujarat plant will offer much-needed capacity for Tata Motors, which has set its sights on crossing half a million annual sales this financial year, up from 370,400 in FY22.
Ford eyeing a comeback? US car giant may re-enter India with a green twist
Ford Comback in India: Ford is exploring a re-entry into the Indian market, focusing on electrics and sustainability. After exiting India in 2021, Ford is evaluating a feasibility report on new investments and production for local sales and exports. The company, which had invested over $2 billion in India, sees the market as vital for future growth amidst stagnation in Western markets.
Ford expanding business in India, but for a different reason
Ford India expands Chennai tech hub, plans to hire 3,000 employees. Chennai has 12,000 employees, $250 million investment. Chennai responsible for designing manufacturing lines for EVs. Ford continues investment in Chennai in the coming years.
Ford Motor Company starts 'Operation Goodwill' in India; to invest $250,000 in CSR
Ford is investing $ 250,000 to improve health, safety and education in seven communities surrounding its operation in Chennai.
JV plan with Ford may give only a limited boost to M&M valuation
Synergies from the JV expected mainly from manufacturing platform; challenges from vendor base and work culture could be daunting.
Hyundai Motor takes the lead in car exports in April-August period
South Korea’s Hyundai Motor exports cars and SUVs to 88 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia and the Asia Pacific from India.
Ford launches EcoSport starting at Rs 6.79 lakh as counter to Creta, TUV 300
New EcoSport is equipped with rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps and electrochromic mirror that deflects beam of light from trailing vehicles.
Ford India's new BS-VI compliant EcoSport comes to India, starting at Rs 8.04 lakh
The compact SUV comes mated with a five-speed manual transmission.
Ford India launches automatic variant of its sub-compact SUV EcoSport at Rs 10.66L
The existing variant of EcoSport Titanium+ AT is priced at Rs 10.56 lakh. The new variant will be the only automatic compact SUV in its price range to offer its mobility and connectivity solution FordPass, a one-stop smartphone app at no additional cost. The new trim offers a six-speed, torque converter automatic gearbox that is paired to BS-VI compliant 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Ford rolls out last vehicle from Tamil Nadu manufacturing unit
Tata Motors had announced the signing of a tripartite agreement with Ford and the Gujarat government to acquire the American auto major's vehicle manufacturing unit in Sanand.
Anurag Mehrotra to take charge of Mahindra-Ford JV as CEO
Mehrotra, as the managing director of Ford India, was responsible for turning around the maker of the Figo and EcoSport that posted a profit in fiscal 2018 after remaining in the red for years. He will join Mahindra that owns a 51% stake in Mahindra Ford Automotive before formally taking over the as the JV’s CEO.
Ford offers discounts, freebies to boost dwindling sales
Under this scheme, the customers booking a Ford vehicle between December 3 and December 7 will win assured gifts such as LED TVs, washing machines, etc.
Ford drops plans of making EVs in India
The company was selected under the Government of India's Production Linked Incentive Scheme to avail the benefits, but it may withdraw its application now, as it no longer will be investing in the country.
GST impact: Ford Endeavour prices hiked, to set you back by Rs 1.8 lakh more
The automaker has hiked prices following a change in the GST cess rates.
Ford launches new EcoSport edition priced up to Rs 10.69 lakh
While the petrol variant has been priced at Rs 10.39 lakh, the diesel engine powered variant is tagged at Rs 10.69 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi)
Tata Motors inches closer to acquiring Ford Sanand car plant, may pay $100-150 million
Tata Motors is likely to pay between $100 and $150 million for the acquisition of the facility. The deal is for the vehicle manufacturing facility alone in Sanand and not the engine plant, which Ford uses for the exports market. The takeover will add to capacity at a time when utilization levels are running well ahead of 80-85% at the current monthly production rate.
Dealers’ body raises concerns over Ford non-disclosure pact
The Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) sent a missive to Ford India, raising concerns over its non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the company dealers after it decided to cease production operations and exit the mass-market segment in the country.
Ford drives in new Aspire priced at Rs 5.55 lakh
The petrol manual versions are priced between Rs 5.55- 7.24 lakh. The automatic petrol variant is tagged at Rs 8.49 lakh.
Ford introduces manual transmission, petrol top-end EcoSport
The new Titanium+ variant will be paired to Ford's latest three-cylinder 1.5 litre petrol engine and feature five-speed manual transmission, the company said in a statement.
Tata Motors to conclude deal to buy Ford India’s Sanand plant by January 10
This includes entire land and buildings, vehicle manufacturing plant along with machinery and equipment and transfer of all eligible employees of Ford’s vehicle manufacturing operations at Sanand, for a total consideration, exclusive of taxes, of Rs725.7 crore.
Ford declares 'no production days' on May 28, 29 at Tamil Nadu plant
Auto companies like Renault Nissan Automotive India and Hyundai Motor had recently declared holidays to their respective factories situated on the outskirts of the city after facing similar demands from employees.
Excise duty cut may not help buyers on wait lists
Take Ford India whose best-selling compact SUV EcoSport still commands anywhere between two and six months on wait list depending on the variant and location.
