Europe To Get Ford India Built Engines

Published: Friday, September 7, 2012, 11:46 [IST]

Ford Motor Company the American car manufacturer, is paving the way to export Indian-built engines to Europe. In order to cater to this project, Ford is looking at setting up a new factory at Sanand in Gujarat. An investment of more than $2 billion is expected to be pumped in towards the new factory. This plant at Sanand is expected to get operational by late 2014. The plant would be involved in engine and vehicle making.

Gary Johnson, vice-president (manufacturing) Asia Pacific and Africa said, "We would have a cumulative capacity to build 4,50,000 cars and 6,00,000 engines in India by 2015. We plan to export Indian-built engines to Europe as per the market demand."

Currently Ford India, exports 40% of its engines and 25% of cars to 35 countries across the globe. Ford's compact hatchback Figo is shipped from India to to Mexico and South Africa. The company has plans to open out into other markets as it launches new cars in India.

Michael Boneham, president of Ford India, said the Indian market is expected to generate major volumes and may grow to 5 million cars by 2015. "We are looking at introducing several new cars in the Indian market. Notwithstanding the current slowdown in the Indian market, we are expecting to post steady growth with big volume generation across segments," he said.

Ford is looking to broaden its reach and the company is working hard behind close doors. The American car maker is focussed on building nine new plants in the Asia-Pacific region and launch 50 new vehicles and powertrains by 2015.

Article Published On: Friday, September 7, 2012, 11:46 [IST]

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