Ford Motor(US:F) Yahoo Finance·2025-10-31 10:19Core Insights - Ford Motor plans to invest approximately Rs32.5 billion ($370 million) to restart and retool its Maraimalai Nagar factory in Tamil Nadu, India, which was closed four years ago [1][2] - The factory will focus on manufacturing high-end engines for export markets, with an expected annual output capacity exceeding 200,000 engines [1][2] - The engines produced will not be for the US market, and specific export destinations have not been disclosed [1] Investment and Production Plans - An announcement regarding the investment could be made as early as this week, following indications from Ford about a potential return to local production over the past year [2] - Ford originally established its manufacturing presence in India in 1995 and opened a second plant in Sanand, Gujarat, in 2015 [2] Historical Context - Ford ceased vehicle production in India less than a year after Jim Farley became CEO in 2020, citing unsustainable investments in marginal markets like India and Brazil, leading to over $2 billion in losses [3] - The Sanand vehicle plant was sold to Tata Motors, which now produces electric vehicles at that location [3] Geopolitical Considerations - Ford's decision to refurbish the Maraimalai Nagar site comes amid strained relations between India and the US, particularly following a 50% tariff imposed on Indian imports by former US President Donald Trump [3][4] - Trump has criticized India's purchase of Russian oil and has previously expressed concerns about Ford's overseas production expansion while also praising its domestic investments [4] Industry Landscape - Tamil Nadu is a key automotive manufacturing hub in India, hosting plants from major companies like Hyundai, Renault, and BMW [5] - Ford is also exploring opportunities in other markets, including setting up a new wholly owned subsidiary in China earlier this year [5]