Ford Business Solutions India, presently with a staff of 12,000, is poised to expand by an additional 3,000 employees. Ford, recognized for its efforts in developing an economic EV platform, has already injected $250 million into its Chennai centre and is anticipated to continue investing further.
Ford, the renowned American car manufacturer, is actively expanding its electric vehicle (EV) software development capabilities at its Ford Business Solutions India centre located in Chennai. This expansion is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to create a cost-effective EV platform. The Ford Global Technology and Business Centre (FGTBC), established in Chennai in September 2019, has become a pivotal centre for pioneering engineering, technology innovation, product development, mobility solutions, and business services that cater to a global clientele.
Currently, Ford’s technology hub in Chennai boasts a workforce of 12,000 professionals, including software developers, data scientists, research and development engineers, and specialists in finance and accounting. The hub is poised to grow further, with plans to hire an additional 3,000 employees. This expansion underscores Ford’s commitment to enhancing its software development capabilities in India, which will play a significant role in supporting the company’s worldwide EV business initiatives, including the creation of new products.
Since its inception in 1988, Ford Business Solutions India has been a strategic initiative aimed at providing Ford with state-of-the-art solutions, emphasizing innovation and collaborative efforts. To date, the company has invested approximately US$ 250 million (Rs 2,082 crore) in its Chennai centre and is planning additional investments to bolster its capabilities.
The Ford Business Solutions program serves as a global nexus for technology and business services, offering a wide array of innovative solutions to support Ford’s international business operations. The centre’s expertise spans various domains, including software engineering, analytics, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, product engineering, and fintech, as well as accounting, financial analysis, digital marketing, enterprise connectivity, manufacturing engineering, logistics, and supply chain management.
Although Ford has ceased manufacturing operations in India, the nation continues to hold strategic significance for the company. The expanding activities of Ford Business Solutions India are a testament to its importance as a key player in Ford’s global strategy.
Ford India concluded its vehicle manufacturing on July 20, 2022, with the final EcoSport SUV produced in India, leaving the assembly line at the Maraimalai Nagar plant in Chennai.
In the meantime, Ford is reportedly considering re-entering the Indian market. Following the Indian government’s announcement of a new electric vehicle policy, which is expected to attract more global automakers to the country, the head of Ford’s International Market Group made a visit to India last month, signalling the company’s interest in exploring new opportunities in the region.
