Ford Motor held talks with Tamil Nadu to explore producing vehicles for export, chief minister MK Stalin said, potentially signalling that the US carmaker could restart production in India after exiting the country three years ago.
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.
Ford sold one of its two plants in India to Tata Motors in 2023. Its other plant, which is in Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, was shuttered.
"Had a very engaging discussion with the team from Ford Motors. Explored the feasibility of renewing Ford's three decade partnership with Tamil Nadu, to again make in Tamil Nadu for the world," MK Stalin said in a post on X.
Ford continues to explore suitable alternatives for its plant in Chennai, the automaker said in a statement.
Ford, which made its EcoSport and Endeavour SUVs in India, had a less than a 2% share of the country's passenger vehicle market when it stopped production, having struggled for years to turn a profit.
When it stopped production, Ford said it had accumulated losses of more than $2 billion over a decade and demand for its new vehicles had been weak.
The decision to exit the market came after Ford and local automaker Mahindra & Mahindra failed to finalise a joint venture partnership that would have allowed the US company to continue making cars in India at a lower cost.
Ford continues to build engines for its Ranger pickup trucks at its factory in western India and source parts from local suppliers for global operations.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Apple's Latest Lineup: iPhone 16, AirPods 4, And Watch Series 10 Unveiled!
Google To Help Tamil Nadu Build AI Labs To Train Youngsters Nokia, PayPal Lead Tamil Nadu Investment Rush, MK Stalin Signs Deals In US "Wait And See": MK Stalin Hints At Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reshuffle Did Kamala Harris Wear Audio Earrings During Debate? All You Need To Know Before His Death, Malaika Arora's Father Told Her He Was "Tired": Report Everyone Over 70 To Be Covered Under Health Insurance Scheme: Centre Hamas Says Ready To Implement Ceasefire Without New Conditions "We're Always Here When You Call": Eric Garcetti On India-US Ties "Pattern": Akhilesh Yadav Alleges Fake Encounters Under BJP Rule In UP Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.