Ford India Chennai plant rolled out its last car from the plant, EcoSport, the auto giant fulfilled its export commitments ahead of the plant’s formal closure.
Ford India's spokesperson to an email query said: “We thank all the employees for their support in completing the B515 export vehicle production. We will continue to have a limited number of employees supporting FCSD parts production. Thereafter, the company will take the necessary next steps for plant closure.”
Last September, Ford announced it would cease vehicle manufacturing operations at its Chennai plant by June on account of significant accumulated losses and the inability to find a sustainable path forward.
The Ford EcoSport, in its launch, ruled the Indian automobile industry. From being extremely well received for its looks when it was launched in 2012 in New Delhi, followed by the official introduction on June 26, 2013, Ford shocked the market by launching it at a price of ₹5.59 lakh. It has been one of the most exported cars in Ford India’s line-up.
On May 30, employees started protesting seeking a better severance package and production was halted. A few days later, a section of employees agreed to support production and went to the shop floor. Last month, Ford said production would be extended until the end of July.
In response to that, Ford India will provide additional time to support the completion of severance discussions with the union, the company will continue to pay wages to all employees until August 31, 2022. “This is subject to the union and employees’ continued support as and when required by the company/supervisors throughout July and August. We look forward to the union’s support in concluding the severance negotiations successfully well before the August deadline,” the spokesperson said.
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