Ford India to begin exports to Europe from Sanand plant soon

Ford India is all set to export cars from its Sanand plant in Gujarat to the European market soon.

While speaking to ET Auto, Kel Kearns, Manager of Ford India's Sanand plant revealed that the Sanand-plant made cars will start exporting to the European market from early 2016. The Sanand plant, the second facility of the company which manufactures cars like Figo hatchback and Figo Aspire sedan already exports cars to Mexico, South Africa and Middle East.

"The company is currently exporting to Mexico, Middle-East and South Africa from Sanand plant, and will soon begin shipping cars to Europe from Gujarat plant," the publication quoted Kel Kearns.

Sanand plant which started operations in March this year dispatched the first lost of Figo hatchbacks in August. The plant spread over 460 acres has a manufacturing capacity of 240,000 vehicles and 270,000 engines per annum. Currently, the plant produces 400 per day, which has increased from 250 units per day initially. The plant is working on a single shift operation at present.

Ford is likely to export its new Figo hatchback to Europe market from the Sanand plant. Ford currently exports made-in-India EcoSport to Europe from its Chennai capacity.

Launched in India on 23 September, the new Ford Figo is available with three engine options -- 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel.

Under the hood, the vehicle which has a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor can dish out 88 PS and 112 Nm of torque, a 1.5-litre petrol mill can make 112 PS and 136 Nm of torque and a 1.5-litre diesel mill can churn out 100 PS and 215 Nm of torque.