According to recent developments, the American automaker has filed a patent in India for the Endeavour, listing new job openings, and reconsidered the sale of its Chennai plant, sparking speculation about its return to the Indian market. Sources suggest that Ford aims to resume sales in India after its closure in 2021. Taazinews 24 has extended its presence to WhatsApp. Tap here to join and receive the latest updates on Automobile News.

The filed patent pertains to the design of the current-generation Endeavour, known as the Ford Everest SUV in markets like Thailand. This generation, launched internationally in 2022, did not make it to India previously, making it a fresh offering for the Indian market.

Possible Sooner Arrival and Assembly Plans

The plan includes assembling the Endeavour at Ford’s Chennai factory. However, sources indicate that direct import is also under consideration. Ford could potentially import the current Endeavour into India, taking advantage of the provision that allows importing up to 2,500 fully-built cars without homologation each year. This could be a quicker route while the company prepares for local assembly, expected to begin in 2025. Additionally, considering the substantial price increase of its main rival, the Toyota Fortuner, a fully imported Endeavour could still be competitive in the market.

Local Assembly and Plant Status

Ford had two plants in India – one in Sanand, sold to Tata Motors in 2022, and the other in Chennai. Despite initially putting the Chennai plant on sale, Ford decided to retain it. Now, there are indications that the plant might restart operations, especially since it was previously producing the previous-generation Endeavour, sharing some underpinnings with the new-gen SUV. Reconfiguring the plant for the new Endeavour would be relatively straightforward.

Even after halting sales in India, Ford maintained some service operations and regularly promoted service and warranty packs. Unlike General Motors, which exited the market to focus on specific regions, Ford always seemed open to restarting operations, and the recent developments align with this possibility.

New Ford Endeavour Highlights

Exterior Design:

Built on the Ranger pickup’s platform with a ladder-frame architecture.
Boxier front end with a large grille and Matrix LED headlights.
More squared-off design with an upright rear-end and inverted L-shaped LED tail-lights.

Interior Details:

Three-row cabin with a modern dashboard.
Dominated by a portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen (10.1-inch on lower trims) with Ford’s latest SYNC infotainment software.
Features a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster (8.0-inch on entry-level trims).

Safety and Tech:

Nine airbags, hands-free parking, adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist.
Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection Assist for collision detection and braking.

Powertrain Options:

Two 2.0-litre turbo-diesel options (single and twin-turbo versions).
New 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel.
Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic, depending on the engine.

FAQs: (Frequently asked Questions)

When did Ford stop sales in India?
Ford halted sales in India in 2021.
What prompted Ford’s decision to restart operations in India?
Factors like filing a patent for the Endeavour, reconsidering the sale of the Chennai plant, and job listings have sparked speculation about Ford’s return to the Indian market.
Where will Ford assemble the Endeavour in India?
Ford plans to assemble the Endeavour at its Chennai factory.
Is direct import of the Endeavour being considered?
Yes, direct import is under consideration, taking advantage of the provision allowing the import of up to 2,500 fully-built cars without homologation each year.
When is the local assembly of the Endeavour expected to begin?
Local assembly is anticipated to start in 2025.
What is the significance of the filed patent for the Endeavour?
The filed patent indicates Ford’s intention to introduce the current-generation Endeavour to the Indian market.
Which models compete with the Ford Endeavour in the Indian market?
The Toyota Fortuner is one of the main rivals of the Ford Endeavour in the Indian SUV market.
What changes can be expected in the new Ford Endeavour?
The new Endeavour features a redesigned exterior, modern interiors, advanced safety features, and multiple powertrain options, making it a substantial upgrade over the previous generation.
How did Ford continue its presence in India after halting sales?
Despite halting sales, Ford maintained service operations and offered service and warranty packs to existing customers.
Why did Ford initially consider selling its Chennai plant?
Ford initially considered selling its Chennai plant as part of its restructuring plan. However, it later decided to retain the plant, contributing to the possibility of restarting operations in India.