Ford Motor Co said on Friday it plans to produce electric vehicles (EVs) in India for export, and possibly for sale in the domestic market, just months after the US automaker decided to stop production.

Ford's comments mark a shift in strategy after it said in September it was taking a hit of about $2 billion because it does not see a path to profitability and was leaving the major auto market. The decision came as a setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" campaign.

Ford has two car plants in the country. In a statement on Friday, the company said it was "exploring the possibility of using a plant in India as an export base for EV manufacturing."

When asked if the company may consider selling electric cars in India as well, a Ford India spokesman said, "there have been no specific discussions on this right now, but it is not out of the realm of future consideration".

Ford is increasingly targeting customers in what it said was a "global electric vehicle revolution". The automaker has previously said it plans to invest $30 billion in EVs and batteries through 2030.

Ford had less than 2% of the Indian passenger vehicle market when it stopped production in the country, has struggled for more than two decades to turn a profit. The restructuring was viewed positively by analysts.

The move allows Ford to keep a door open to re-enter India if it so decides at a later stage, said Gaurav Vangaal, Associate Director, Light Production Forecasting at IHS Markit.

There is a cost-benefit to manufacturing in India, and the company has historically exported vehicles to North America and Europe - both of which are now large and growing EV markets, said Vangaal.

"Ford will have to prove India can also be cost-competitive for making EVs, for which it will need big investments to localize the supply chain," he said, adding that it will also need to figure out how it would source lithium-ion batteries.

Ford's comments to explore India as an EV manufacturing hub came after the company's proposal to seek incentives under the government's $3.5 billion scheme for clean-fuel vehicles was approved on Friday.

The plan is a cornerstone of the Modi government's agenda to cut oil imports and reduce pollution by giving benefits of up to 18% of new investments made by companies to manufacture electric and hydrogen fuel-powered vehicles. Ford is among 20 other companies eligible for benefits under the scheme.

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"With 2020 Ford Endeavour, we are offering a product that combines best of both worlds - outstanding capabilities & class-leading fuel efficiency - and thereby delivering more than SUV customers expect. With its enhanced value proposition, we are confident that the Endeavour will become the SUV of choice for several new customers." Stated Anurag Mehrotra, President & Managing Director, Ford India, on the launch of Ford Endeavour BS-6 version.

The motor offers a 20 percent more low-end torque from the outgoing 2.2L TDCi engine. Ford EcoBlue engine is also more refined and quieter with a 4-decibel reduction in idle noise.

 

Ford Endeavour Specifications

Ford Endeavour Engine Specification

The maximum power produced by the 2000 cc engine is 168 bhp @ 3200 RPM and the peak torque produced by the car is 420 Nm @ 2500 RPM.

Ford Endeavour Mileage

The fuel tank capacity of the car is 80 litres and the mileage provided by it is 14.20 kmpl.

Ford Endeavour Ground Clearance

The kerb weight of the car is 1879 Kg and the Ford Endeavour ground clearance is 225 mm.

Ford Endeavour Price in Nepal

The Ford Endeavour price in Nepal is Rs. 1,65,00,000.

Click here to Compare Ford Endeavour with any other cars

Ford Endeavour Design and Looks

Visually, the Ford Endeavour BS6 SUV looks identical to the BS4 model, however, on the features front, the SUV now also comes with the company's mobility and connectivity solution FordPass. The system offers functions - like starting, stopping, locking or unlocking the vehicle, know remaining fuel levels & distance to empty & locating their vehicle remotely. The SUV also gets all-LED headlamps offering low and high beam provide up to 20% greater lighting penetration for enhanced night-time visibility. The SUV will continue to offer features like - Terrain Management System (TMS), SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay, A panoramic sun-roof, covering up to 50% of the roof, Semi-Auto Parallel Park Assist, push start button, hand-free power lift rear gate, and 8-way power-adjustable driver & front passenger seat. The SUV also gets Hill launch assist and hill descent control.

The price of the Ford Endeavour in Nepal is 1,65,00,000 NRS as an introductory price.

Also Read: FORD BOOKING OPEN FOR 2020 MODELS

 

Ford India has offered its existing customers in Nepal continuous assistance for service, parts, and warranty on Ford vehicles, G.O. Automobiles Pvt. Ltd., the authorized importer and distributor of Ford vehicles in Nepal.

This decision came after the America-based carmaker ceased its manufacturing process in India in September 2021.

Ford has launched a new campaign called #CommittedToServe, which emphasizes the company's commitment to providing consumers with ongoing parts, service, and warranty support.

The new campaign promise drives home the message of:

• Accessibility of service and spare parts

• Competitive cost of ownership and transparency with service price

• The promise of extended Warranty

• Quality of service with a family-like commitment

“Committed To Serve campaign is all about Ford service with a family-like commitment. It is all about Ford standing by your side just the way we always have been.

This commitment will continue to get delivered to you in Nepal via the able and professional team at G.O. Ford,” said Vinay Raina, Executive Director, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford India.

Ford's commitment to service has been steady and repeatedly verified in India's top auto magazine Autocar's Annual Vehicle Maintenance Survey, making the brand one of the most economical brands to win such accolades.

According to the survey, Ford's service and parts are among the most economical.

Reassuring this commitment, Akash Golchha, Managing Director, G.O. Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. said, “We shall continue import of Ford vehicles from the third country for the models like Ford Everest, Ford Ranger, and Ford Raptor and continue our support for the existing customers with spare parts availability and warranty support.

It also underlines Ford’s continued service touchpoints across Nepal which will help us to serve our customers more efficiently.”

Thanking customers for their confidence in the company and its products, the company reaffirmed its commitment to providing the best services as a family. 

Ford, #heretostay and #CommittedToServe.

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