Ford Mulls India Comeback With Local Production Of New Endeavour At Chennai Plant: Report

Ford plans to increase its sales in India by reintroducing the Endeavour and is considering both domestic assembly in Chennai and direct imports.

The company might import completely assembled cars without homologation, maintaining a competitive edge against competitors such as the Toyota Fortuner, while preparing for local manufacturing in 2025, Economic Times reported.

Despite initial plans to sell its Chennai factory, Ford's decision to retain it provides a strategic edge for resuming operations.

All regulatory clearances for the sale of the plant had been obtained and workers compensation settled, making it easier for Ford to restart operations at the Chennai plant.

Moreover, the retooling process required for the production of the new Endeavour would be relatively uncomplicated as the previous model shared some foundational elements with the latest one.

The interior of the vehicle is equally impressive, with a three-row cabin that includes a contemporary dashboard, a 12-inch touchscreen, SYNC infotainment system, and high-end safety features.

The new Endeavour prioritizes safety, boasting nine airbags, hands-free parking, adaptive cruise control, and Ford's Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection Assist.

The vehicle's design includes a feature that applies the brakes automatically if a collision is imminent, thereby boosting overall road safety.

The available engine options comprise two 2.0-litre turbo-diesel versions along with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, which corresponds with the latest Ranger's powertrain offerings.

There are transmission alternatives such as a 6-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic, tailored to suit various tastes across different markets. For increased versatility, a 2WD setup is also provided in some variants.