Ford to re-enter India with SUVs, hybrids and EVs: report

Ford Motor, which exited India and sold its Gujarat plant to Tata Motors, is now all set to make a comeback with the launch of new car models, including SUVs and hybrid and electric vehicles, reportedly with Tata Motors as partner.

Ford Motor, however, retained its manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, possibly with the intention of a future comeback.

By collaborating with Tata Motors, Ford India can boost its market presence while expanding its distribution and service network.

Ford is reported to be planning its reentry with new version of its workhorse Endeavour and the popular EcoSport, as well as the eco-friendly hybrid and electric cars.

For Ford and Tata the world seems to have come full circle after Tata Motors approached Ford Motors for a deal to save its dying car business, back in 1998. Ford not only rejected the deal, but Bill Ford also humiliated Ratan Tata saying that ‘he would be doing a favour on Tata buying its car business.’

Tata made sweet revenge buying out Jaguar and Land Rover from bankrupt Ford for $2.3 billion. Ford had bought Jaguar in 1989 and Land Rover in 2000 for $5.2 billion. 

Ratan Tata not just succeeded in turning JLR profitable, but Tata Motors saw its India business also thriving as Ford faded out.