Ford India exports are set to triple over the next five years. Besides exports from their Chennai plant, the company will also be starting exports from its Sanand facility, wherein the company has invested $1 billion. Sanand plant manufacturers Figo and Figo Aspire, while Chennai plant manufactures Endeavour and EcoSport.
To export vehicles from their Sanand plant, Ford India will be utilizing Kandla Port in Gujarat. Apart from this, they will also be utilizing the same port to reach North Indian markets, which will be a more cost effective way than sending vehicles in containers via roads.
Ford India will send its consignment of cars in Ro-Ro vehicles from the company plant in Chennai, via Cochin to the Kandla port. Ford India have been provided with a dedicated berth at the Central Government run Kandla port.
Speaking about exports to international markets, Ford India will be dispatching around 60,000 units from Kandla which will be increased in due course. They have been provided with a dedicated paved area which spans 50,000 sq mtrs, where vehicles, trailers and other machinery can be parked.
Kandla Port Trust has confirmed that preference will be given to Ford India for berthing of Ro-Ro vehicles while also ensuring that no pollution causing loose bulk cargo such as coal will be allowed within the immediate vicinity.
Ford India and the Chairman of Kandla Port Trust have been conducting talks for this venture with the final meeting held on December 12, 2015. Ford India vehicles produced at the company plants in Chennai and Sanand will be shipped in Ro-Ro vehicles to Kandla. Use of this sea route will result in cost saving for the company as the Central Government offers a 40% rebate on vessel and cargo related charges both to the shipping company and to the exporter.
New Ford Endeavour – Photos
via TimesofIndia.com