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<ul><li>American car maker Ford may form a partnership with Indian car maker M&amp;M, Reuters said citing sources.</li><li>India's third-largest car maker M&amp;M is likely to own 51% stake in the venture and Ford may own the rest.</li><li>The two companies came together for the first time in 2017 to build SUVs and electric cars.</li><li>Ford would add 14,000 employees, two plants to M&amp;M and both companies had similar sales in 2018.</li><li>In 2018, Ford's India division swung to profit for the first time in eight years.</li></ul>American car maker Ford's solo drive in India is likely to end. The company may form a joint venture (JV) with the Indian conglomerate, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra, according to a report citing sources from news agency Reuters. Both companies have refused to confirm Reuters' report that said M&amp;M will own 51% stake in the JV, while Ford will own the rest. If this stake sale goes through, this will be a milestone in the history of the Dearborn, Michigan-based company that entered India nearly 25 years ago. "Since its entry in India in 1995, Ford has invested more than US$ 2 billion to expand its manufacturing facilities and sales &amp; service footprint to meet the demand in one of the world's fastest-growing auto markets," according to its website. M&amp;M, on the other hand, is the country's <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/auto-news/three-launches-help-mm-retain-third-spot-in-passenger-vehicle-sales/articleshow/68770337.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">third-largest passenger vehicle</a> maker, whose automotive business spans from sports utility vehicles (SUV) to tractors and buses, from heavy engines to electric cars. The company bought over Korean peer Ssangyong in 2011 and an Italian graphic design firm in 2008. However, the country's automobile industry has been reeling under pressure from slowing car sales in recent months. What M&amp;M gets... Most importantly, in 2018, Ford's India division <a href="https://m.economictimes.com/industry/auto/auto-news/ford-motor-india-drives-into-profit-zone-after-eight-years/articleshow/66453826.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">swung to profit</a> for the first time in eight years. About 85% of the components are locally sourced. Ford has integrated manufacturing facility at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai, produces its popular models like Ford EcoSport and Ford Endeavour. It also has, according to the company, a "$1 billion state-of-the-art integrated manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat," which became operational in March 2015. M&amp;M has 16 plants dotted across the country. The annual installed manufacturing capacity is 610,000 engines and 440,000 vehicles. <a data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Total sales</a> for the year-ended December 2018 were at 265,714 units, just marginally up from a year earlier. In the same time, M&amp;M sold over 250,000 vehicles, including exports. Ford has more than 376 sales and service outlets in 209 cities across India. It will also bring to the table 14,000 employees. The synergies Just like Ford, M&amp;M's top-selling brands are SUVs and that segment is in a tight spot. While the demand is weak, emission norms are scheduled be tightened next year and that would make diesel cars, especially the gas-guzzling SUVs less attractive. Coming together would reduce competition and ease the pressure on the business. The two companies tied up in 2017 to build cars together and the <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Auto/OZIyEUKiu91VH2APzOspjK/Ford-posts-a-profit-in-India-20-years-after-driving-in.html" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">first model is expected to be out</a> in the financial year ending March 2020. M&amp;M on the other hand has been a pioneer in India's nascent electric car market, a growing space which Ford is absent from. The Mumbai-based company is planning to double its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio in three years. The current EV manufacturing capacity is 5,000 and the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/auto-news/mm-plans-to-double-its-electric-vehicles-portfolio-in-3-years/articleshow/63089182.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">firm plans to increase</a> it to 60,000-70,000 in a year. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/shark-tanks-kevin-harrington-invests-in-retail-store-the-new-shop/articleshow/68796960.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington is back in India after 25 years to invest in a pop-up store chain</a>

Ford may enter a joint venture with M&M ending a 25-year old solo ride that cost $2 billion: Report

New Delhi, Apr 7 () Auto maker Ford India on Tuesday said it is manufacturing face shields at its manufacturing plants which would be distributed among doctors, paramedics and emergency staff. The maker of models like Endeavour and EcoSport said it has come up with a team at its manufacturing plants at Sanand and Chennai to produce face shields. The protective face shield is designed and developed by Ford engineers and will be distributed to frontline workers – doctors, paramedics, sanitary workers and emergency staff, Ford India said in a statement. Alongside its commitment to contribute to Prime Minister National Relief Fund (PMNRF), the company is following up with a global COVID-19 Donation Match program to raise USD 1 million potential aid for groups battling the pandemic across the globe, it added. Through the COVID-19 Donation Match, Ford Fund is giving employees, as well as their families and friends, an opportunity to donate to non-profits and other community organisations in their efforts to meet coronavirus-related needs in more than 20 countries around the world. In India, the initiative will take care of specially-abled communities during the time of crisis, it said. "Health and safety of our workforce, customers and communities is our highest priority. From knowledge to resources, we are deploying everything in our means to help fight this pandemic," Ford India executive director Marketing, Sales and Service Vinay Raina said. The company has also rolled out initiatives for its customers, like price protection for vehicles booked until April 30, warranty extension and extension of service timelines. MSS ANSANS

Producing face shields at manufacturing plants to counter coronavirus pandemic: Ford India

A sub 4 meter sedan is one of the three models the American auto major Ford plans to launch in India, over the next nine months. 
 
Besides, the company is also looking to expand its sales network in the country by adding over 100 new outlets, primarily in tier III cities, by the end of next year. "By early next year, we plan to introduce three models. First to come would be compact sedan Figo Aspire, followed by the new Figo hatchback and premium sports utility vehicle Endeavour," <keyword id="106216" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ford-India">Ford India</keyword> President and Managing Director <keyword id="2037938" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nigel-Harris">Nigel Harris</keyword> said. 
 With the launch of Figo Aspire, expected to be rolled out next month, Ford is looking to get into high growth compact sedan segment which is currently dominated by <keyword id="44883" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maruti-Suzuki">Maruti Suzuki</keyword>, <keyword id="596" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hyundai">Hyundai</keyword>, <keyword id="20630" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Honda">Honda</keyword> Cars and <keyword id="42747" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tata-Motors">Tata Motors</keyword>. 
 
Ford is determined to make a mark despite fierce competition in the segment, which accounts for nearly 30,000-35,000 cars each month. 
 
"There is room to do well in the segment," he said. 
 
Figo Aspire, which will come with various segment firsts including twin airbags as standard fitment across models, will be launched in both petrol and diesel trims. 
 
"While designed primarily for India, this is a global One Ford vehicle that lives up to our worldwide standards, offering more quality and advanced technologies than consumers would ever expect for the money," Harris said. 
 
With sales of 1.1 million vehicles in 2014, compact cars' share was 45 per cent in India's auto market in 2014. Ford expects the segment to grow to around 1.6 million units by 2018. 
 
When asked about the company's investment on the new product, Harris did not disclose the figure but said, the "investment is part of the $1 billion the company has put in on the Sanand plant". 
 
Elaborating on the product launches, he said: "After Figo Aspire, we plan to launch the new Figo hatchback. It will also be produced out from our Sanand plant. So after EcoSport, which still has more than 40 per cent market share in the SUV segment, we will have models in segments that are growing," Harris said. 
 
Commenting on the sales network expansion, Harris said: "We currently have 341 outlets across the country and by the end of next year we plan to add 100 more dealerships, primarily in the tier-III towns." 
 
Terming India as one of the most important markets for the American firm, Harris said: "This market is important for us and that's why we have invested in Chennai (plant) in 90s and now USD 1 billion in the Sanand facility in Gujarat." 
The company will also export the Figo Aspire to compete globally. Ford plans to make India an export hub for small cars. Ford aims to triple exports from India over the next five years with its new USD 1 billion plant here becoming operational. 
 
At present, Ford India exports around 60,000 to 70,000 units annually to over 35 global markets from its Chennai-based facility. With Sanand factory getting operational, the company is targeting a total of 50 export markets. 
 
With Sanand going on stream, Ford India's total installed capacity currently stands at 4.4 lakh vehicles and 6.1 lakh engines per annum. 
 
 
(Image credits: Indiatimes)

Ford aims to consolidate position in the country by launching 3 new models

Tech giant <keyword id="10387" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microsoft" source="Orion">Microsoft</keyword> and travel technology platform <keyword id="2808667" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oyo" source="Orion">OYO</keyword> on Thursday announced that they have entered a multi-year strategic alliance to co-develop next generation travel and hospitality products and technologies. OYO will adopt <keyword id="1033762" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Microsoft-Azure" source="Orion">Microsoft Azure</keyword> as a key enabler to drive cloud-based innovations and reimagine the hospitality and travel tech industry. The solutions will be geared to benefit patrons who operate small and medium hotel and home storefronts. Microsoft has also made a strategic equity investment in OYO. "Combining the power of Azure with the tech and product stack developed by OYO, we are looking forward to accelerating innovation in travel and hospitality," Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>, said in a statement. As part of this alliance, OYO will develop Smart Room experiences for travellers on the OYO platform, such as premium and customized in-room experiences for its guests. Using Microsoft's Azure IoT, the experience will include self-check-in supported by a digital register of arrivals and departures and self-Know Your Customer (KYC) along with IoT-managed smart locks and virtual assistance. "We are excited to join hands with Microsoft in our constant endeavour to improve business opportunities for the small and independent hotel and home owners, and to redefine experiences for travellers," said Abhinav Sinha, Global COO and Chief Product Officer - OYO Hotels and Homes. "This alliance with Microsoft will accelerate the deployment of our products in the hands of small businesses we work with, allowing us to create even more impact through an integrated technology ecosystem available on the cloud for businesses in the remotest corners of the world," Sinha added. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ford-motor-to-stop-manufacturing-cars-in-india-4000-employees-may-lose-jobs/articleshow/86065322.cms">Ford Motor to stop manufacturing cars in India; 4,000 employees may lose jobs</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/amazon-vs-future-retail-supreme-court-stays-delhi-high-courts-verdict-enforcement/articleshow/86064426.cms">Amazon Vs Future Retail: Supreme court stays Delhi High Court's verdict enforcement</a>

Microsoft announces strategic investment in OYO

Mumbai, Mar 6 () German auto major Volkswagen on Friday launched India-specific 7-seater Tiguan Allspace premium SUV in the domestic market priced at Rs 33.12 lakh (ex-showroom). The new offering from Volkswagen comes with a 2-lt BS-VI-compliant engine. The all-new Tiguan Allspace was showcased at the recently-held Auto Expo in Greater Noida along with other SUVs. The Allspace will compete against other SUVs in the segment including Skoda Kodiaq, Honda CR-V, Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra's Alturas G4, among others. "The Tiguan Allspace is one of our most successful carlines globally and, we are extremely delighted to launch the car for our Indian customers. It is the first SUV that is being launched under Volkswagen's SUV offensive strategy and suits the needs of every Indian customer," Steffen Knapp, director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India said here. In 2018, the VW Group had announced investments of around Rs 8,000 crore in India till 2021 under India 2.0 project, while giving Czech firm Skoda Auto the responsibility to take the lead to achieve a combined target of 5 per cent market share of the total domestic passenger vehicle segment by 2025. Of this, Volkswagen alone is looking to corner 3 per cent market share as against around 1 per cent at present. The company has merged its three Indian entities-Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd and Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd -for greater synergies and faster decision-making. The merged entity, which is called Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd, will develop six cars for domestic and export markets. IAS ANS SHWSHW

Volkswagen launches Tiguan Allspace, priced at Rs 33.12 lakh in India

New Delhi, Mar 16 () South Korean auto major Hyundai is preparing to have a crack again at the premium SUV segment in India dominated by Toyota's Fortuner as part of plans to strengthen overall leadership in the segment, according to a top company official. The company, which on Monday launched the all-new version of its popular SUV Creta with price between Rs 9.9-17.2 lakh, is also planning to bring "multi-seater high occupancy vehicle" to play in multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment currently dominated by the likes of Toyota's Innova Crysta, Maruti Suzuki's Ertiga and Kia's new entrant Carnival. "We are very cautiously studying the feasibility of having something in that segment. In the past we tried to enter into that segment many times but were not successful due to various reasons," Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) Managing Director and CEO S S Kim told . He was responding to a query on whether the company has given up the premium segment of SUV where it used to sell SantaFe model and competed with the likes of Toyota Furtuner and Ford Endeavour. "We are studying and reviewing the segment and demand, customer response and their preference. If we come up with some solution we might be much more concrete in the matter but right now we are only studying," Kim said. Commenting on the company's resolve to maintain leadership in the SUV segment, he said with four SUVs -- Creta, Venue, Kona and Tucson -- HMIL was able to become the market leader in the second half of last year at a time when the previous generation Creta was on the decline and the Venue was newly introduced. "Now, we definitely want to maintain this leadership," he said adding SUVs contribute 33 per cent to HMIL's total sales, while in 2019 the SUV segment contributed 25 per cent of industry passenger vehicle sales. According to SIAM, in the April-February period this fiscal, utility vehicle sales stood at 8,94,441 units as compared to 8,48,268 units in the year-ago period, a growth of 5.44 per cent. Exuding confidence on the new Creta to withstand competition from new challengers like Kia Seltos and MG Motor Hector, Kim said the model has a strong brand equity in the Indian market having sold over 5 lakh units. "I would say that our new Creta will be quite superior in terms of features and performance of vehicle. We are quite sure that it will be welcomed by the customer and successful in terms of customer and dealer response," he said adding HMIL has already received over 14,000 bookings in just over a week of opening without its full priced being disclosed. HMIL along with its vendors had invested close to Rs 1,500 crore in the development of the second generation Creta. When asked about the gap in HMIL's portfolio in the MPV segment, he said,"Our approach has much more focus on high occupancy vehicle type. So, they can be covered by MPV, but at the same time they can be covered by any multi-seater vehicle." When asked for details, Kim said,"We are considering both the options. We will be introducing some product in the near future but not this year." RKL RKL ANUANU

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Ford may enter a joint venture with M&M ending a 25-year old solo ride that cost $2 billion: Report

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Producing face shields at manufacturing plants to counter coronavirus pandemic: Ford India

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Ford aims to consolidate position in the country by launching 3 new models

BI India Bureau

Microsoft announces strategic investment in OYO

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Volkswagen launches Tiguan Allspace, priced at Rs 33.12 lakh in India

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Working on premium SUV, MPV: Hyundai Motor India

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