Ford India produces Figo hatchback and Figo Aspire sedan from the Sanand plant in Gujarat. Apart from selling the two cars here in India, they are also being exported to Mexico, Middle East and South Africa. To further enhance their export markets, Ford India now has plans to export the new Figo to Europe, starting form early 2016.
Ford India plant in Sanand is spread over an area of 460 acres. It has seen investments to the tune of US$ 1 billion and has manufacturing capacity of 240,000 vehicles and 270,000 engines per annum.
Having commenced exports in August this year, the company expects triple exports from India in the next five years. This plan is as per the company’s commitment to make India as a manufacturing base for export markets.
Ford India has already started exporting the new Figo to South Africa from October 2015.Ford India is not a big domestic player but definitely one of the largest car exporters in India. During the period April to October 2015, Ford India exported 66,233 units recording a 50% increase in growth YoY. Currently, Ford India exports to 40 countries across the globe.
Besides the Ford Sanand plant in Gujarat, Ford India also has manufacturing facilities in Chennai from where it produces the Fiesta, Endeavour and EcoSport. In November 2015, Ford India Chennai plant reached a milestone by producing its 1 millionth car and 1 millionth engine over a period of 16 years since the plant started operations in 1999.