Ford's return to India - New Everest could be the start | Deep Drive Podcast Ep.4 | Autocar India
On this episode of Autocar Deep Drive, Hormazd Sorabjee and Sergius Barretto discuss what's fuelling the buzz about Ford's return to India, why Ford stopped sales in the first place and what to expect in the future.
Editor: Deven Bhalla
0:00 - Introduction
0:29 - Ford's return to India
1:29 - Ford and Mahindra JV
3:54 - Ford didn't entirely leave
4:43 - Chasing Maruti
5:55 - Signs of a return
6:13 - Sanand plant: A wrong move
7:55 - Keeping the Chennai plant going
10:30 - Ford Endeavour could return
13:37 - Ford electric cars for India
15:49 - No new ICE models for India
16:45 - Imported cars an option
17:40 - Ford could come in with a measured approach
18:00 - Ford's DNA in an electric era
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Read the inside story on why the Ford and Mahindra joint venture fell through - www.autocarpro.in/analysis/mahindra-ford-second-time-unlucky-80287
Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:29 - Ford's return to India 1:29 - Ford and Mahindra JV 3:54 - Ford didn't entirely leave 4:43 - Chasing Maruti 5:55 - Signs of a return 6:13 - Sanand plant: A wrong move 7:55 - Keeping the Chennai plant 10:30 - Ford Endeavour could return 13:37 - Ford electric cars for India 15:49 - No new ICE models for India 16:45 - Imported cars an option 17:40 - Ford could come in with a measured approach 18:00 - Ford's DNA
India is buying SUVs. Ford knows how to build SUVs. Ford should come back and make kick as$ SUVs in India. It will sell.
😂😂😂😂
SUVs are not the same everywhere. In America SUV means a car with a big engine & 4x4 capability, whereas in India it means a jacked up 4x2 hatchback with puny engine & large ground clearance. Ford knows how to make real SUVs, not the pseudo SUVs that we people like.
Honestly it would only sell if it is priced equivalent to fortuner. But it does look like it would be priced much higher like the Skoda Superb
But the ones in America are all Buses😂
Agreed, just don't built the bullshit hatches like Figo and sedans like fiesta, just build compact to large suv's.
Just holding my purchase plan for a few months if Everest is coming. Almost finalised Jeep Merdian and dropped the plan for now and eagerly waiting for Everest's comeback. Hope I won't be disappointed in every aspects 😊
Meridian has great discounts all the time but Everest will be for sure 2x in price so keep that in mind
You will be disappointed by the price as it is an import only product. Will cost upward of 65 L for sure.
60 to 70 lakhs ex showroom but few insiders are saying 90 lakh on road prices
Go for Gloster
Consider the Tiguan or Kodiaq also. You won’t be disappointed.
keeping my classic TDCI alive till new models arrive!
Ford now should understand how much Ecosport was loved and is being loved. They should prioritise ecosport in their 2.0 game
16:20 A small thing to not forget is Ford still operates an ENGINE plant in Sanand! While they gave away the rest of the plant to TATA, they have held on to the Engine plant. I wouldn't discount a few more ICE vehicles from Ford if they're really serious about coming back to India. Despite all the hype, EV infrastructure as well as EV costs still have miles to go to come close to the realm of middle class India. EVs haven't been the blockbuster everyone thought they would be even in US. So yeah I'd say Ford is likely to keep its options open in India as dar as ICE is concerned
My 2020 Figo P costs about 6k to maintain. Thats still cheaper and the service is always on point.
Have been deiving Ecosport 2015 with Ecoboost 1.0 engine. Love it. Can't beat this engine. ❤
My EcoSport can't go above 130 km/h. I have the same model as you mentioned. How is your car performing?
Mine is also same.i love it ❤ Excellent performance 😊
Ford vehicles has been great, and it’s really tough to find replacement for my Stage 2+ EcoSport.
what's stage 2+? turbo or ECU or kit?
correct.. its been 1.2L kms ive been driving my Stage 2 tuned aspire Tdci and finding an upgrade in my budget has become a dresm
If no ICE vehicle other than Everest than what about the "Territory" trademark they registered few days back? Territory is an ICE MPV sold in other markets.
I think by the time of recording it’s not in the news
Just a slight correction about the Territory. It's actually a compact crossover that served as the successor of the Escape in certain markets. While the first gen was just a rebadged Yusheng crossover, the second generation is now more of a Ford even if it's still made under the same JV in China.
Superb Insights ! Please bring more podcasts like these ❤
hey autocar, its good to hear podcasts from industry experts. great podcasts, keep doing more
Loving these podcasts , please keep'em coming...❤
I have a ford & the service is delight They have honoured their warranty commitment Ford should be back
Lol 😂
There are lot of information going in an around about Everest and Eco sports but I am curious to know about there under dog car of Ford "freestyle". Is there any chance if Ford returns there are chances that new freestyle will come to road!
Better buy a used top end titanium plus bs4 freestyle
Ford has called off hatchbacks internationally
Good car. I own one. Won’t run in Indian market with that design
I've still held on to my "new" Fiesta 10 years hence (12th year running). Still not a single body rattle and to top it off, no new mid-size sedan or hatchback handles as good. Truly a hoot to drive!
Was in Gandhidham a few days back and saw the local dealership getting renovated and new Ford logos and signage outside :)
What happened to Ford in India is a tragedy. As one of the first major auto OEMs to take India seriously and launch class-leading products, it's truly disappointing if they're going to ignore their affordable lineup. People will miss successors to the Ecosport, Aspire, and Figo.
Our wallets didn't match the "fandom". My figo still feels relevant 7 years after I purchased it with tech like speed governance and audio tuning matched to speed. 6 Airbags were unheard of and also built like a tank. I wonder why would they build a "good car" . Check how the journos reviewed the figo then.
You guys should do more such podcasts
Autocar podcast is the best among all automotive podcast well researched, precise and fun to watch
How many CBU cars are allowed to import now ? What will be the sales channel for Ford as old dealers are gone .
podcast series is really good!
i hope they bring back hothatchs , focus is an excellent car and would be feasible in india with polo being small, coming back next year maybe and golf and civic type r not available it may work. i would definitely buy one if they introduce rs or st line
what about the patents they're filing in India of what looks like Creta rival and karens rival?
What to do with Ford DPF problem ? is ford come out with solution ?
U said No ICE vehicle can come except Everest than how they patented the suv like car in India which is similar to Equator or territory in some markets... I don't think so its an ev model
10:30 What about Mustang GT?
It will come back in India on 2025.
Dear Mr.Hormazd Sorabjee, I am an admirer of yours. I have read both the articles. They are very informative and have rather overly tried to be balanced. Actually I am a Ford Ecosport owner myself (my brother owns an Aspire) and can tell you that a Ford car in India is perhaps the most Honest Deal. I had owned three other brands earlier but his was entirely different. In fact I blame the pathetic craving of Indian buyers for substandard cheap unsafe cars for missing out on the real cars that could have been here. Ford was too honest with their offerings - but our buyers would go for cheap and Ugly Maruti cars - they are horrendous and should be avoided. Korean cars are all of shine and jingbang but very unsafe and ridiculously pricey. SO IT IS OUR IGNORANT BUYERS WHO ARE TO BE BLAMED FOR KILLING A GREAT CAR. As regards JVs - Tata killed Fiat - I bore the brunt as a Fiat car owner - and Mahindra did Ford in. Too bad. The mindset behind looking for everything that is "cheap" actually destroyed the car market. Maruti/Korean brands are NOT leaders as you have called them. They make cheap/ ugly/highly unsafe cars and constitute a great fraud perpetrated on our ignorant buyers. The only silver lining is TATA - even Mahindra has demonstrated a fundamental lack of Grace in their design Elegance. Tractors and earthmovers look better perhaps. It is the responsibility of the society to differentiate between the "good" and the "bad" in any field for that matter.
Which ever brand Mahindra partners up goes through the bottom.
I have my 3.2 litre endeavour for 6 years now and no complaints still. Thought of purchasing fortuner but changed my mind. Will wait for the new version. And still won’t sell the older 3.2
When you say, they wouldn't want to go through the process of updating their engines to BS6.2 specifications, and homologation, can they just not enter a JV with the likes of Tata or Mahindra, and just use their IC Engines?
Please come back..🙏
As a ford Fan I really want Ecosport to comeback with same diesel engine😪
But diesel variants cars will be banned in India on 2027.
@@sudarsan.n_youtuber bhai mere kehne se konsa aajaygi ecosport 🥲 i am just telling my feelings
Will Bronco ever come to India?
Waiting for Everest, booked harrier now waiting for an update from Ford. Please come back to India.
We used Ford Figo for more than 10 years…… it’s a great car….. we thoroughly enjoyed the car…… Happy that it’s coming back….. Everest( upcoming Endeavour) will be a great car
Ford should seriously focus on suv's and nothing below that they will be the leader in coming year's
Come man what to do ? I think they will receart history for all the sectors as it was the first company that created assembly lines and India cannot be ignored Missing you Ford plz come soon Team Autocar Thank you for the highlights and rase the information 🙏 Let's see when the show gets a come back
The problem Ford had in India was that the people who knew Ford was affordable to own and maintain was Ford owners. Everyone else saw them as “premium and too expensive”. That ended any momentum they had. For a long time, their ultimate pitch to consumers were “hey, look, we are affordable!!” and in that chase they cooked their balance of quality and quantity. Also, chasing Maruti Suzuki customers was another fault. If Ford has to succeed today, now, in India, they need to get marketing, dealer network and quality control right. This is attempt 2. Hope it goes well for them. Sincerely, a Gen 1 Figo owner.
Will Ford Territory too be coming as an EV?
Hope Territory is coming to India and I sincerely hope they are bringing their diesel engines here. One of the best engines in the market. Buying diesel Ecosport in 2020 was the best decision I took and I am glad I chose it over Kia Sonet.
Please make podcast on problems indian consumers facing in India. From build quality to right to repair and spare parts availability.
Whoever partners with Mahindra seems to lose more than they gain.
I have 10 year old ecosport with 56,000 km. I what to know how long can I keep it in good working condition (spares and service)
Another 10 years parts may expensive in upcoming years
Ecosport is a solid car. There’s no point selling it rightnow if the mechanicals are working fine. Ford did say that their sevice centres are gonna stay for atleast 10years when they left so spares and services shouldn’t be a problem. Enjoy the car for now, you won’t get any better VFM product rightnow in the market with prices of cars going up like crazy and also selling ecosport won’t get you much money so better enjoy it as long as you can.
Thanks
Don't you think, the electrification has taken a hit worldwide..... It seems full electrification by many companies are put on hold , for the time being
Still own my 2013 TDCi and no regrets or worthy replacements to date 💪
Betting too much on EVs is also not a great strategy. I think hybrids could be the near future in India. If govt gives subsidies on hybrids then everyone will buy hybrids for at least 5-6 years before charging infrastructure comes up in India to support EVs.
Definitely EV s not going to future
I being a Ford TDCI owner can confirm that it's cheaper to own than the Tata for sure. Maruti are cheaper though but the whole quality of service & Spares is way better.
Toyota can still beat Ford by adding hybrid technology to increase mileage! How about a Diesel fortuner which gives 25kmpl
What about the mustang GT?
They should really look at the maverick platform and build a 25L Rupee Hybrid
We welcome ford come back to India n I am using ford ecosport it's super love it.
Waiting for ford to return to India ❤
I got to drive the new Ford Endeavour today. Very impressive, but will wait for Pajero Sport to arrive before making a decision.
Even today the emissions norms are high and flex fuel…. Possible end of Diesels and EV still developing they would need reimagined rework. We have seen international brands aligned with Indian brands so Ford need to get down from the high horse and work on ground to their strengths. Instead of just competing with Maruti
I am still keeping my 2012 Ford Figo TDCi till it go for scrap ❤. Currently Ford service is very good, really pocket friendly and trouble free.
EV Market 4 Wheeler market is still around 2% of overall 4 Wheeler sales. The majority of the country still lacks a charging infra. Don't know what will happen after 4 years but the global ev market has crashed for the same reason due to which We all hesitate to buy an EV. Investing in a market which sells around 15 K units that are majorly occupied by Tata. You still need a handful of ice engines running on the road to sustain the investment
The Tamil Nadu plant is lucky 🍀 for Ford. All the best Ford..ecosport owner ..future Everest owner.
I think there will be more ICE cars. For example they just patented "Ford Territory" name.
If they re-launch the Diesel *Ecosport* the first booking would be mine ❤
Ford is the common man’s BMW.
We are expecting more international model's of Ford in India..
I had booked Scorpio n waiting period of 9 month's 😂 Nd *Ford* filed a trademark of *territory* 😅 and after hearing this we ( father & son ) are confused Because we own ecosport nd now we would love ho buy *FORD* again ❤
Ford territory suv also trade marked and one mpv to compete crysta
It is a Chinese product developed by JMC
Along with everest one more ice car is require like ford puma,mondeo(sedan)
Next we need chevy and fiat back❤
Conpact SUVs are rocking Indian market way more than hatch back, sedan etc. In fact, every car maker is tending towards mini SUV. So, why not KING OF COMPACT SUV ECOSPORT in India? India is growing up slowly, now, middle class families in India are buying 8 to 12 lacs cars unlike 2000 to 2010. Ford has to come back with new/next Gen. Ecosport and regain its deserted thrown.
If they are bringing the 2.0 diesel as the only engine option, they should take the next boat home. 🚢
Automakers must learn to introduce new Models, like Ford never bothered about new models, they release in the World wide. Many Models available in other Countries Why not in India
What happened to ford ? Why with mahindra .
I think the mass Diesel mkt in India is tilting towards the Hybrids ( petrol+E). Ford will get in EVs which will lose out again. The Maruti & Toyota game plan for India will again be Fords nemesis!
They need atleast 1 more suv in 10L bracket.. else they will suffocate again.. Right now it's hard to pierce EV market from tata as they have the support of tata power..
Judging by fords recent shift of judgement towards evs its dumb to expect ford to go all ev
If Ford is not going to sell ICE then what are they going to sell in India ?? Are they going to serve 5% EV market or only Premium SUV which is also less than 3% market.. They have already patented SUV's like Territory, Creta competitor segment... Still ICE market is alive in India more than 90% may be they can try Hybrid as well..
Territory is a 7 seater and will be in segment of Xuv 700 and Safari
Very happy to hear that Ford is back to India.
So basically a dumping ground because of low electric cars sales abroad?
We want the engine with 6 cylinders in the Everest
I am also happy Ford is returning. I own Ford fiesta 2011 UK model
People think maruthi is having low maintainece I have used both compared to maruthi Ford is having very low maintainance. Proud to drive my ecosport
11:03 Everest masala 😂
TATA struggling with ev reliability which makes opportunities for others to capture market.
Can I buy a used ford car..
Bring the upgraded Ecosport 😏
It would be crazy to go back to a market, which they never understood, from the first time they set-up shop there, so many years back. Why would things be different this time around? They don't have any experience with marketing cars cheaply, so they don't stand a chance against established players like Suzuki (who combined with Maruti to capture almost the entire market of profitable small cars: hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs). Ford is almost bankrupt - even in the US. They have already quit from most markets worldwide.
Ford and Mitsubishi should return to India. ❤
Mahindra and JV - never worked - Ssangyong, Navistar, Reva. The powers whosoever at Ford - I will say - never understood the Indian market the way Suzuki and Hyundai did.
would be great if they bring the mustang as well
#Ford should bring SUV as Creta rival, a large market in India
something about the mitsubishi comeback ??
Even every farmer in India would welcome FORD 3600.
❤❤❤❤
🎉🎉🎉
People had given lots of love and support to Ford from Ikon to Ecosport. But Ford took Indians for granted, From giving more features and safety, they started taking away those from cars and the result is in front of us. In fact I doubt Ford for their attitude, Infact companies should learn from Ford.
Woow😱 Beast come back ❤❤❤Ford endeavour ❤❤❤
India needs Branco,it will be perfect for India
Welcome back to Bharat, Ford! 🙏
Expecting launching soon
Ford disrespected Indian market for a very long time.They were selling cars in India even until 2015 which were stopped production in Western market prior to 1995. They were always out of sync.