New Delhi: Ford is giving its Chennai factory a new purpose, making engines for global markets. Though car production is still off the table, the Maraimalai Nagar plant will now focus solely on engine exports. Sources say an official announcement is expected in Q2 2025, in line with Ford’s worldwide restructuring plans.
This plant has been idle since mid-2022, following Ford’s decision to stop selling cars in India. Some had thought the company might leave India altogether due to U.S. policies favoring domestic manufacturing, but recent talks with the Tamil Nadu government suggest otherwise. Meanwhile, Ford’s other facility in Sanand, partly sold to Tata Motors, continues to export components. Now, Chennai will take the lead in exporting engines.
There’s no official word yet on which engines will be made or how many, but experts believe this confirms that Ford has no plans to return to selling cars in India. Previous discussions about launching EVs or bringing models like the Mustang here have been put on hold. Instead, the company is going all-in on export-focused projects.
Will Ford Endeavour come back in India again?
There’s a lot of buzz online about the possibility of Ford bringing back the Endeavour SUV to India, Car enthusiasts and Influencers on Social media and online Forums are excited after spotting a test vehicle in Australia, which could be a new version in the works, meanhile Ford hasn’t said anything official, people are discussing two possible ways it could return which are as follows:
- CBU (Completely Built-Up) Import: Ford could bring the new Endeavour directly from Thailand or Australia, skipping local production.
- CKD (Completely Knocked-Down) Assembly: The SUV could be assembled in India using imported parts, but this goes against Ford’s current “export-only” plan.
If the Endeavour does come back, it could cost between ₹50–60 lakh (ex-showroom), competing with the Toyota Fortuner. But many doubt this will happen since Ford shut down its dealerships and moved away from selling cars in India.
What’s exactly is happening?
While fans would love to see the Endeavour return, experts believe Ford’s focus remains on exports, not selling cars. Here’s why:
- Dealerships Are Gone: Without a retail network, restarting sales would be tough.
- EV Plans on Hold: Ford was considering launching electric cars like the Mustang Mach-E in India, but there’s no progress on that.
- Global Policies Matter: U.S. trade policies could impact Ford’s India operations, but for now, the export plans seem solid.
What’s next for Ford in India?
Ford’s India strategy is clear, it’s all about streamlining and strengthening global supply chains. The Chennai engine plant will play a key role in this, taking advantage of India’s cost-effective manufacturing. As for the Endeavour’s rumored comeback, there’s no solid proof yet. Fans can hope, but for now, it looks like Ford is sticking to exports rather than making a big return to the Indian market.
