Aug. 18 – Ford India has begun exporting cars in bulk from Chennai for the first time; exporting 158 units through Chennai port to Durban, South Africa.
The company plans to export more models. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, data, Ford India between April and June produced 6,752 cars, of which 219 units were exported, through containers in different shipments.
Initially the company is looking at exporting small cars from the middle of next year to countries in the Asia-Pacific and Africa, Mr. Michael Boneham, President and Managing Director, Ford India, told the Business Standard. He added: “We are having discussions and intend to export more in the future, provided the infrastructure is set up at the port.”
The Asia-Pacific and African markets have higher demand for small cars. “Europe and the US markets will not be included at this point of time,” Boneham said.
Mr. Nigel E. Wark, Executive Director, Marketing, Sales and Service, also recently told Business Standard:“We are looking at increasing the share of exports (from India) once the capacity is expanded. Plus, we will export the small car in the region, apart from petrol and diesel engines,”
