Figo starts production!
February 5, 2010 was an exciting and memorable day for everybody at Ford India. It was a day when we achieved not one, but two milestones – a day of double celebrations!
Firstly, it was a proud moment as our Figo’s first production model was driven off the assembly line at the Maraimalai Nagar plant in Chennai. What made it all the more special was the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Dr. M Karunanidhi and Deputy Chief Minister Dr. M K Stalin. Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India; Raj Nair, vice president of operations, Asia Pacific and Africa; Sandip Sanyal, executive director of operations, Ford India and nearly three thousand employees of the newly expanded Chennai facilities were all on hand to join in the Job 1 ceremony.
“Michael Boneham (Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India), Raj Nair (VP, operations- Ford APA), sitting in white CM Dr. M Karunanidhi, standing in white is Deputy CM Dr. M K Stalin.”
“Figo is a great example of the role Ford will play in the future of India,” Dr. Karunanidhi said during the ceremony.
Michael restated the vision for Ford in India, saying, “Less than six months ago, Ford Motor Company reaffirmed its commitment to transform the plant located here outside Chennai into a regional manufacturing centre of excellence.”
“It’s a great honour to have you with us as our projects and investments are turning to reality and the completion of our first Ford Figo off this assembly line,” he told our special guests.
Secondly, the Job 1 ceremony was followed by the inauguration of the new engine facility that manufactures the exclusive 1.2L petrol engine for Figo. Dr. M K Stalin congratulated the Ford India team for the new engine plant facility and wished us all the best for the Figo launch.
“Left to right: Dr M.K Stalin (standing in white) Deputy Chief Minister; Sandip Sanyal President & MD, Ford India Ltd,; Tom Chackalackal, VP, Vehicle operation, Ford; Michael Boneham, President & MD, Ford India Ltd; Raj Nair-VP, Operations-APAC, Ford Motor Company”
It was difficult to contain our joy at seeing years of hard work coming to fruition. “It’s exciting to see the first Figo coming to life,” Raj said. “We’re confident that the Figo will be extremely attractive to Indian buyers,” he added.
New Engine Plant
Our new engine plant, with a capacity of 250,000 engines a year, will lead the way in transforming Chennai into a major hub for diesel and petrol engine exports in the coming decade. The plant will quadruple production capacity of the engine manufacturing facility.
Explaining the story behind the plant, Michael stated, “This engine plant was created with a ‘best of the best’ approach. We benchmarked against other competitive facilities globally, as well as the current volume manufacturers in India for quality and production efficiency.”
Initially, the plant will focus on the assembly of both the common rail 1.4L diesel engine and the new 1.2L petrol engine—both to be fitted in the Figo. What’s more, the new line is completely flexible and will have the ability to handle both diesel and petrol engines simultaneously.
With this red-letter day behind us, we’re looking forward to the Figo launch! Stay tuned.
Tags: ford chennai plant, Ford Figo, ford figo engine facility, ford figo india, Ford Figo Launch, ford figo petrol engine facility, ford india, ford india team, ford maraimalai plant, ford motor company
February 10th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Hi Ford:
Figo has created a lot of interest like what CRUZE created few months back. Come to market soon with a bang and make an impact. Figo is in my next car list which will be the 3rd Ford I will own in past 4 years.
February 10th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Ford India Starts Ford Figo Production | Driving Ford…
February 5, 2010 was an exciting and memorable day for everybody at Ford India. It was a day when we achieved not one, but two milestones – a day of double celebrations! Firstly, it was a proud moment as our Figo’s first production model was driven off…
February 16th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
[...] Figo starts production! Ford in your city! After our double celebrations barely a fortnight ago, today has been another [...]
April 4th, 2010 at 4:07 am
Hi !
I can surely say that the Car needs Rear Power Windows at-least as an option for High-End Titanium. ( Lack of this wouldn’t complete the so called “Premium Segment Hatch-back Terminology” )
However, it is absolutely not a deal-breaker.
April 4th, 2010 at 4:08 am
Figo website needs to be updated with Accessories too….
August 7th, 2010 at 1:58 am
I own a Ford Figo from July 19th 2010 and purchased it from Pondicherry. But I have my own doubts about the efficiency of the service people at Pondicherry. Within a month of the delivery of the car I faced problems with the Air Con in the car. But service looks inefficient , unorganized and unprofessional as the car is at the service station since last three days to get the error fixed! And to add to my embarrassment , no one at the service station finds time to call and let me know the status until I call them. No spare vehicle is provided to the customers on these kind of occasions where the company in fault for the set back. Please look at all this shortcomings.
August 9th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Hi, thanks for your feedback, we have taken note of it and have alerted the concerned department. Please share your contact details.
August 9th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Hi, Thank you for the reply. Hope you will do the needful. My contact: Dr.P.V.Bose, No.2, First Street Krishna Nagar, Pondicherry, India, PIN: 605003, Cell No. +919443469450.
August 10th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Hi, we have received your contact information. Thanks for your feedback.