Ford Inches Closer To India Re-Entry: Trademarks Mustang Mach-E

[Nairrk]

After having applied for a design patent for the next-gen Endeavour in India, Ford has now trademarked the Mustang Mach-E nameplate, suggesting that it is inching closer to a re-entry in our market. In fact, the Mustang Mach-E was the first vehicle that Ford had actually confirmed for an India launch soon after it wrapped up local operations in 2021.

1. Ford Mustang Mach-E trademark filed in India
2. Likely to come in as a fully built import
3. Gets up to 600km range with range extender battery

Ford Mustang Mach-E to be a CBU
The Mustang Mach-E will likely come to India as a CBU under an import rule that allows up to 2,500 units to be brought in without homologation. It will surely be an expensive one – likely north of Rs 1 crore – although it will benefit from the lower GST rate for EVs.

Ford recently also made a U-turn on the sale of its Chennai plant despite having multiple offers from carmakers like Vinfast, MG and Tata Motors. They even listed out new job openings, further validating talks around its introduction in the market. However, there's nothing official from the carmaker yet.

Ford Mustang Mach-E details, specs
In international markets, the Mustang Mach-E can be had in either RWD or AWD configurations, as well as in standard and extended range variants. The entry-level RWD Mach-E gets a 72kWh battery that produces 269hp and 430Nm of torque, and returns a range of 470km. The range extender variant uses a 91kWh battery with 294hp and 430Nm, and has a claimed range of 600km.

Meanwhile, the AWD version with the 91kWh range extender produces 351hp and 580Nm of torque, and has a range of 548km. Lastly, the top-spec GT AWD variant gets the 91kWh battery with 487hp and 850Nm of torque, and returns a range of 489km. It is early to speculate which variant of the Mach-E could be headed to India.

If launched, the Mustang Mach-E will find itself in the company of luxury EVs such as the Mercedes-Benz EQE, BMW iX and Audi Q8 e-tron.

Autocar

 

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Ford eyeing a comeback? US car giant may re-enter India with a green twist

US carmaker Ford is considering re-entering the Indian market with a new strategy focused on electrics and sustainability. CEO Jim Farley and the global team at Ford's headquarters are set to review a feasibility report regarding this potential re-entry.

The company exited India in 2021 but is now preparing for the possibility of new investments and production aimed at both local sales and exports, reported The Times of India quoting sources.

"A report on the feasibility of re-entering India and the growth potential of the market has been prepared. This will now be considered by the global team at Ford's headquarters. We expect a positive response," a source told ToI.

Having previously invested over $2 billion in India, Ford experienced success with models like the EcoSport mini-SUV and the Figo small car. The company now believes India as a crucial market for future growth as Western markets stagnate.

With China's and Europe's markets not being as significant, India becomes a focus for growth.

"Feeling is that it is not right to stay out of India, especially as the brand is still well-known to potential buyers," a source told ToI.

The company's re-entry plans, if approved, will involve a comprehensive overhaul of the Chennai plant. Legal preparations and updates to existing machinery will be required to resume production. The sources expect a positive response to the proposal from Ford's global team.

Ford's India re-entry plan
An early indication of Ford's reconsideration of its exit from India surfaced late last year when the company decided to backtrack on a deal to sell its Chennai plant to Sajjan Jindal's JSW. It had already sold its plant in Gujarat to Tata Motors. A spokesperson for Ford stated, "We continue to explore suitable alternatives for the Chennai plant and have no further information to share."

"If a re-entry into India is approved, Ford may still take around one year to start production at the Chennai factory. There will be a lot of work that needs to be done, both on the legal side as well as making the plant and machinery fit for making cars again," a source revealed to ToI.

Ford's history in India dates back to 1995. Despite three decades in the country and partnerships with Mahindra & Mahindra, the company struggled to establish a stable business. The joint ventures with Mahindra & Mahindra, initiated in the late 1990s and then again around 2019, did not yield the expected results.

Earlier also reports indicated that Ford is contemplating a re-entry into the Indian market with a focus on electric vehicles. Meanwhile, India also unveiled a new EV policy in March, aimed at attracting major automotive players to invest in and develop electric mobility solutions in the country.

ET

 

[Nairrk]

Ford drives back to India, Chennai plant to reopen after 2 Years

Ford Motor plans to restart a manufacturing plant for exports in Tamil Nadu, India, the company said on Friday, potentially re-entering a market it exited three years ago.

Ford said it has submitted a letter of intent to the state's government, two days after Tamil Nadu's chief minister said that the two were in talks to restart manufacturing in the state for exports.

Ford stopped producing cars in India for domestic sale in 2021 after struggling to boost volumes and pulled the plug on exports in 2022, effectively exiting the world's third-largest car market, which is dominated by Asian rivals.

"The move will see the facility re-purposed to focus on manufacturing for export to global markets," Ford said in a statement.

The cars that Ford plans to make at the facility and other details will be announced later, the company said.

Prior to its exit, it built cars and engines at its plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

NDTV