Ford may look at LCVs in India

Ford is planning a return to India by exploring the light commercial vehicle and pick-up segment, including both internal combustion and electric options. The company is considering partnerships, potentially with Volkswagen, and has submitted a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu government for using its Maraimalainagar plant for export manufacturing. A final decision is expected in December.

CHENNAI: Ford, as part of its return to India strategy, may be looking at entering the light commercial vehicle and pick-up segment in India. According to a source close to the matter, Ford is currently running a programme, which is looking at both internal combustion engines as well as electric commercial vehicles for the Indian market. When contacted, the Ford India spokesman refused to comment.

Sources added that Ford is actively considering partnerships for a commercial vehicle play in India. There is also a strong buzz in Motown that Ford may also consider expanding its global relationship with Volkswagen to the Indian market for commercial vehicles with a particular focus on EVs. While there was no response from Ford on this query, VW global spokesman Tobias Riepe said: "There are no plans for Volkswagen commercial vehicles to enter the India market with our product portfolio.

" Last week, Ford announced its re-entry into the Indian market, saying that it has submitted a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu govt, confirming its intention to utilise the Maraimalainagar plant for manufacturing for export. Sources in Tamil Nadu govt said Ford would have frozen its India plans already if it had not been for the ongoing turmoil in EV market. "Ford will take a final call about its India plans in December," said a senior state govt source.

"Uncertainty in the EV market is a problem so they are cautious about taking long term calls including partnerships.".