Ford decides to shut plants in India after bleeding US$2 billion in 10 years

New Delhi: In a major setback to its customers and dealers, American auto giant Ford Motor Company on Thursday announced to shut its production units in India as part of the restructuring exercise.

As part of the plan, Ford India will wind down vehicle assembly in Sanand by the fourth quarter of 2021 and vehicle and engine manufacturing in Chennai by the second quarter of 2022.

“As part of our Ford+ plan, we are taking difficult but necessary actions to deliver a sustainably profitable business longer-term and allocate our capital to grow and create value in the right areas,” said Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company’s president and CEO.

“Despite investing significantly in India, Ford has accumulated more than $2 billion of operating losses over the past 10 years and demand for new vehicles has been much weaker than forecast," he added.

Ford said that company will work closely with employees, unions, dealers and suppliers to care for those directly impacted.

The company in its press note said it will restructure its operations and has plans to significantly expand its Chennai-based Ford Business Solutions team and bring to market some of Ford’s iconic global vehicles and electrified SUVs while ceasing vehicle manufacturing in India.

Anurag Mehrotra, President and Managing Director of Ford India, added: “Ford has a long and proud history in India. We are committed to taking care of our customers and working closely with employees, unions, dealers and suppliers to care for those affected by the restructuring.”

About 4,000 employees are expected to be affected by the restructuring.

"Ford will work closely with employees, unions, suppliers, dealers, government, and other stakeholders in Chennai and Sanand to develop a fair and balanced plan to mitigate the effects of the decision," the company said. (UNI)