[Uppili_N55]

Although I think the chances are slim, I really wish Ford makes a comeback even with just 2 offerings, the Bronco Sport and the Everest. It would simply end the monopoly of the Fortuner and would be received with wide open arms (They know this themselves too), but we understand it takes a lot of effort to return.

I live near their Dearborn, Michigan HQs- The birthplace of Ford and regularly see all sorts of Fords being tested on manufacturer plates, hence I am biased and would love to see some of them run on Indian roads and show the competition that driving dynamics is not only for the premium offerings. This company is the only one among the Big 3 who have their dynamics sorted out and have a fan following in India. Even their Transit Vans and they drive and feel like cars every time I drive them. Come on Ford, just partner with some existing manufacturer and send us the Everest aka Endeavor and slowly a few more CBU SUVs.

[montsa007]

Had been speaking to a friend of mine who is in touch with car dealership owners, they were hinting of a Ford comeback. I do not have a link to it for obvious reasons, but I have a strong feeling that comeback is happening soon .

[partha379]

Rumour:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXEoBycOzvQ

this Tamil portal claims that Sept 9th will be the date when Ford will announce 2 SUVs - Everest and Territory as CKDs. He claims this as "confirmed" news and not speculation, whatever that means. I have added Rumour as a disclaimer, will remove it on Sept 9th if the announcement does come :-).

[sharmanova]

I hope this is true, and Ford please don't disappoint us this time.

Launch the Everest and EcoSport successor, and you've a guaranteed sales of 3-4k units/month.

[LionX]

Originally Posted by Uppili_N55

Although I think the chances are slim, I really wish Ford makes a comeback even with just 2 offerings, the Bronco Sport and the Everest.

Totally agree on the Bronco. I think Ford should bring all Bronco models not just Bronco sport and export it to all possible RHD markets to make it financially viable. A product line up with territory, Bronco & Everest make sense for a comeback. As of now there isn’t much choice for the indian customers in the 25 - 45 L price range.

Originally Posted by partha379

Rumour: https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=yXEoBycOzvQ this Tamil portal claims that Sept 9th will be the date when Ford will announce 2 SUVs - Everest and Territory as CKDs.

Since Everest/Endeavour was assembled in the Chennai factory, September 9 timeline make sense for Everest CKD assembly line but the same timelines for Territory is not that realistic. It’s a new product offering and they will have to build the assembly line from the scratch. I would say 2025 Q1 (April/May ) sounds more reasonable for territory.

[DivyanshuDiv]

Ford won't bring NA cars to India until and unless we are talking about high-end EVs in limited numbers. But before that could if even happen, in case they want to enter and sustain as a premium brand, the Chinese and/or South-Asian arms will supply the portfolio, and Everest or Raptor makes sense.

[Remsoft]

I saw this news article today in the Times of India:

Ford may take definitive call on India plans, Chennai plant soon

I hope they make a positive decision to return to India.

[Bhodrolok]

Looking at the current situation of the Indian market, I dont see why Ford would even try to come back to the frame in this window.

Expect them to come with their low cost EVs in 2026.

[Cresterk]

Ford left riiiight before car manufacturers started minting gold after the pandemic shortage. While I expected them to renter the market, that was way back when it still made sense. Re-entering the market at this point when sales have started slowing down, unsold stock is at an all time high and discounts have ramped up, would be idiotic. Large companies move slowly so now there really isn’t any chance left.

It’s the equivalent of panic selling a stock during lows and then trying to desperately re-enter after the stock already reached all time highs and is now going back down.

[diwakarmuthu]

Even if we assume they are going to re-enter the market, they will need an investment somewhere in the range of 250 to 500 crores. At a time where there is a slowdown of electric vehciles globally, Ford have reworked their manufacturing plan, so there is very little hope of their board approving anytime soon.

Also, I strongly believe they will not focus on mass market products and might focus on the luxury segment only.

Endy can come in CKD version. No feature cuts, just give what is available in Australia or Thailand

The Chennai Plant would still have the setup for the Ecosport. They can build to it and then look at the next generation of Ecosport making it a premium offering with 1.5L or 2.0L engines, AT, AWDADAS (blue cruise), upmarket fixtures, et. all. They can come with a slight premium and hopefully will have a good run given its history.

[DivyanshuDiv]

I still think they will push EVs in India. The government might give them some perks for catering this segment, and that will define their flagship lineup. Whereas Endeavor and Raptor will be more at the lower part of their offering. The numbers will be limited, but the brand reincarnation might be great.

[jfk1975]

Originally Posted by diwakarmuthu

At a time where there is a slowdown of electric vehciles globally, Ford have reworked their manufacturing plan, so there is very little hope of their board approving anytime soon.

Precisely. Proof is in the pudding and one of the most reliable information is their earnings release transcripts (and SEC filings if you are inclined to delve further). Their Q1 and Q2 2024 have zero references to India. They have updates on their positioning in China, but absolutely nothing about India.

References:
https://shareholder.ford.com/Investo...s/default.aspx

https://s201.q4cdn.com/693218008/fil...Transcript.pdf

https://s201.q4cdn.com/693218008/fil...ss-Release.pdf

Originally Posted by DivyanshuDiv

I still think they will push EVs in India. The government might give them some perks for catering this segment, and that will define their flagship lineup.

Recent statement from Hon. Transport Minister makes this sound unlikely.

https://www.livemint.com/auto-news/s...531299561.html

[DivyanshuDiv]

Originally Posted by jfk1975

Recent statement from Hon. Transport Minister makes this sound unlikely.

https://www.livemint.com/auto-news/s...531299561.html

As soon as someone discovers a way to blend ethanol in EVs, he will be the most interested eminent minister .

[chakravorty]

Originally Posted by partha379

Rumour: https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=yXEoBycOzvQ this Tamil portal claims that Sept 9th will be the date when Ford will announce 2 SUVs - Everest and Territory as CKDs. He claims this as "confirmed" news and not speculation, whatever that means. I have added Rumour as a disclaimer, will remove it on Sept 9th if the announcement does come :-).

I wonder what this fellow has to say now.

[Cliff9091]

Originally Posted by chakravorty

I wonder what this fellow has to say now.

Just pure fanboyism, Ford is not coming back to India, not even the CBU route. They had great cars on sale, killed by terrible marketing. They could not even make the best use of Mahindra as a partner till 2021. With the current market situation, where market leaders are facing slumps was the final nail on the coffin for ford's return.