Ford sees India as its export hub

Ford Motor Co has decided to make India its export hub as the country has turned out to be its fastest-growing market. Ford has seen a steady rise in domestic sales and exports in India.

"We have decided that India will be an export hub for Ford. We are exporting to over 50 countries from here and are increasing it overtime," Ford Motor president and chief executive officer Alan Mulally said.

With two manufacturing plants in the country - one in Gujarat and another at Maraimalai Nagar in Tamil Nadu - Ford now exports to over 50 countries and the exports are steadily increasing, he said in an interaction with the media.

Mulally attributes this to the success of the company's ''One Ford'' plan. Ford has been banking on a single platform in the B-sized segment to offer the Figo hatchback and the EcoSpor small SUV, Mulally said, adding that the flexibility has helped Ford in its global strategy.

"It is because our operations are great, our quality is great and our efficiency is great. It's just that the location of India is great for us," Mulally, who will retire in July after eight years at the US-based automobile company, said.

"Remember Ford was in trouble in September eight years ago. We had the worst report in 2006. I remind you there was $17-billion loss to the company. If you are in business, you are going to have brackets around your numbers (net losses). We grew decisively. Not only we survived but are also prospering now.

"As soon as we attained profitability, we turned our attention to Asia Pacific. Our investments have been tremendous in India and China. These are the fastest growing markets in the world."

On what difference he made in the company during his eight-year stint, he said the focus was on seven aspects, including making Ford serve all markets worldwide.

"Number two, we focused on the Ford brand. Third reason was our commitment to customers; fourth was on delivering better quality and fuel efficient vehicles; fifth to operate as one global company; sixth to always produce to the demand; seventh is financing plan... we have restructured our business and now have repaid all of $23.5 billion."

Earlier, Mulally met the 3,600 employees working at the Ford plant and the company's business service division here.