NEW DELHI, India - Eight new Ford products will be launched in India by the middle of the decade.

Ford Asia Pacific and Africa President (APA), Joe Hinrichs made this announcement during his “Managing Growth - Evolving Dynamics” keynote speech at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Convention on August 25.

“We’re positioning India to be a key pillar of Ford’s global manufacturing presence and growth in the future and today, I am delighted to announce that Ford will introduce eight new models to India by the middle of the decade. This is an ambitious plan that will have a tremendous impact on manufacturing suppliers, dealers and employees,” said Hinrichs.

He added, “I am delighted to recognize the value and hard work of the men and women of the Ford India family – including our employees, dealers and suppliers! Because of their dedication, Ford India is successful and we have the confidence to bring so many vehicles here in the coming years.”

This news was very well received by the  people attending the convention that included India’s auto sector leaders, key regulators and senior politicians such as Kamal Nath, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Vilasrao Deshmukh, the Minster of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises and the Minister of Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh.

Press interest was also high with the news covered by CNBC, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and CNN as well as many leading local papers such as the Times of India, Economic Times and MINT.

Ford to storm India with eight new models, create export hub, Associated Press

Ford plans 8 new models to drive sales in growing Indian market, Wall Street Journal

Auto bloggers and relevant online communities were also quick to post stories and comments about the announcement.

Realising Ford India’s export potential 

Hinrichs shared more positive news regarding Ford India’s export ambitions.

“Ford is proud to play a key role in growing the local auto sector as well as developing India as a competitive export base.   

“On this point, Ford India is significantly expanding its export footprint with the addition of 50 new markets, including Mexico, Northern African countries and Dubai as new outbound markets for the Figo.

“In the first part of next year, we will begin exporting up to 10,000 Indian-built Figos to these markets, which is great news for both Ford and India,” added Hinrichs.  

As well as Ford’s development plans in India and APA, other topics covered in his speech included an overview of the ONE Ford strategy and its impact to all parts of the business - in particular working with supplier partners.

Namaste strategy 

He also proposed the idea for something called a “Namaste strategy” (to appreciate ones partners) for companies operating in India, specifically in how automakers work with suppliers and dealers.

“I don’t speak any Hindi, but my understanding of the word Namaste, is that it literally means my spirit recognises and honours your spirit. Or I recognize and honour the value in you. 

“Based on this, I’m proposing a new automotive term. When we need to better understand our partners and more efficiently utilize their strengths – and appreciate their value – then we can do a ‘Namaste programme with them.”

Hinrichs was one of a number of global and regional motoring luminaries invited to speak at the annual convention which also commemorated SIAM’s 50th anniversary. SIAM is the primary auto industry body in India and includes representatives from 44 leading vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers. The organization works closely with all sector players in the formulation of new industry rules, regulations and policies.

Following his speech, Joe joined a panel of auto industry experts in a question and answer session with conference delegates.