NEW DELHI, India, 1 November, 2012 – With steady demand during the Indian festive season, Ford India sold 10,948 combined domestic wholesales and export units in October.

Despite persistent market challenges in the subcontinent, domestic demand remained steady with 7,577 vehicles sold in October this year as compared to 8,091 units sold in October 2011. Ford India exported 3,371 cars in October this year – its highest monthly export ever — an increase of around 20 percent compared to 2,815 units exported in October 2011.

Last month Ford India unveiled the New Ford Figo, one of the most awarded vehicles in India. The new Figo comes with more than 100 new features — a new look for its head and tail lamps, hexagonal front grill, new instrument panel colour and steering column mounted audio controls, among others. Building on the sporty and sophisticated personality of the original, the New Ford Figo is extremely attractive as a substantial package of style, performance and value-for-money. Exports of the New Figo started last month.

“Festive season is always a very busy time for vehicle sales in India,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. “The team has been working very hard to satisfy domestic and export demand. Despite some of the ongoing market challenges, we have again sold close to 11,000 vehicles. Despite some ongoing market challenges, we are extremely proud to have had our second best month in October. The successful launch last month of the enriched New Figo further reinforces its reputation as a reliable, substantial vehicle with outstanding value”, added Boneham.

Taking the company’s commitment to quality service and lower cost of ownership further, Ford’s Quick Lane service debuted in India at Metro Ford, Yeshwantpur in Bangalore last month. Featuring many customer-friendly benefits like extended operating hours during weekdays and Saturdays, Quick Lane is a new service concept and designed to enhance the service experience for Ford customers who are short on time and will need no prior appointment.

Boosting its pan-Indian sales and service network and strengthening the availability of parts, the company also opened its third Parts Distribution Centre in India in Mumbai and also added a new dealership in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, taking the number of sales and service outlets to 241 in 127 cities. The company has plans to take the number to over 500 by mid-decade.

“We wish our customers the very best this festive season and are firmly committed to bringing them world-class Ford products and services in the future. Initiatives like Quick Lane and strengthening our sales and service networks are steps in that direction,” Boneham concluded.

NEW DELHI, India- – Ford Motor Company today announced that Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India has elected to retire effective December 31, 2012 after a successful career spanning over 27 years with Ford Motor Company. Michael will be succeeded by Joginder Singh as the president and managing director, Ford India, effective December 1, 2012. Singh will be based at Ford’s India corporate office in Delhi, and report directly to Joe Hinrichs president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.

Boneham, who commenced his career in Human Resource in Ford Australia, has worked in manufacturing and general management roles in Europe, North America and APA. In India, he started as the executive director, Manufacturing of Ford’s facility in Chennai, before moving on to lead the organization as president and managing director, Ford India.

“Michael’s contributions to our business in Asia has been significant, specifically his leadership of the India market. Building the foundation blocks of Ford’s transition to a mass player, leading the launch of the game-changing Ford Figo and his role in securing the US$ 1 billion investment for our second new integrated manufacturing facility at Sanand helped us significantly transform our operations in India,” said Joe Hinrichs. “His strategic direction over the past few years has better positioned our India operations for continued future success. We truly appreciate Michael’s contribution to Ford Motor Company and wish him and his family all the very best!”

Singh will take over Boneham’s responsibilities of managing and growing the integrated manufacturing operation of Ford India. Singh in his new role will also lead the charge of product programs of bringing in 8 new products by mid-decade and oversee the successful implementation of Ford’s expansion plans in India, through its operations in Chennai and its second upcoming facility in Sanand, Gujarat.

“Joginder’s proven leadership will be critical to driving the successful and ongoing expansion of our India operation. His wealth of experience and understanding of the Ford brand globally and local market expertise will be invaluable in helping Ford to continue its growth momentum. With 60-70 per cent of the growth expected to come from APA for Ford Motor Company, India will be play a critical role in driving that growth,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president and president, Asia Pacific and Africa.

Singh is currently president & managing director, Ford Business Services Center, Ford Motor Company, responsible for Ford’s Global Business Services operations headquartered in Chennai, India, a role he has served in since October 2008 wherein he accomplished major structural cost efficiencies, expanded the business services portfolio substantially and launched new sites across Coimbatore and Delhi. David Dubensky is appointed Executive Director, Global Business Services taking over Joginder Singh’s present responsibilities, effective November 1, 2012.

Singh joined Ford Motor Company in 1980 in finance function in Ford of Europe and has served in Ford’s operations globally in various finance, treasury, strategy, and general management roles — in Europe, United States and Canada, and has been located in India since 2008.

•With two new striking colours, the New Figo is extremely attractive as a substantial package of style, performance and value-for-money

Ford India today introduced the New Figo, an enriched version of India’s “Most Awarded Car” with an enhanced Kinetic design, trendy new colours and a host of enhanced smart features. The New Figo builds on the sporty and sophisticated personality of the original, featuring several key changes including 10 new styling elements.

The New Figo further integrates with the global Kinetic design DNA – with its new look front fascia with a hexagonal grill, redesigned headlamps and tail lamps and several other style changes. The Kinetic design elements carry into the interiors – the New Figo sports a second new instrument panel colour, ‘Riviera Blue,’ that invokes a sense of vibrancy while the new blue seat fabric gives a premium feel. With the introduction of two new bold and exciting colours – Bright Yellow and Kinetic Blue – customers can now make a vibrant style statement with their New Figo.

“The Ford Figo is a big game-changer for us and has won the trust of customers as a reliable, substantial vehicle with outstanding value. With the addition of all new exciting features in the New Figo, we believe our customers will truly find that Change is a wonderful thing,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. The phenomenal Figo proved to be a game changer for Ford after its launch, establishing Ford India firmly as a volume player, selling over 235,000 units in India and around the world.

“We thank our customers for making the Figo so successful within such a short span and believe the New Figo will take their brand experience to a new level,” Boneham added.

Taking the Figo offering further, Ford India has introduced several changes in the New Ford Figo. Here’s a quick look at the changes:

• Enhanced Kinetic design: A new-look front fascia with a hexagonal grill and redesigned headlamps builds on the car’s Kinetic design that exudes dynamism

• Better performance: The New Figo has improved engine calibration to deliver higher acceleration during first few seconds resulting in better pick up. Shifting gears requires less effort

• Quieter cabin: New Double Bulb weather strips on doors further reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels inside the cabin, keeping the interiors quiet

• Steering column mounted radio controls: Customers can stay connected to their loved ones and not miss a beat of their favourite songs – while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road

• Better comfort: Better seating comfort with improved lumbar support and head rest adjustment

• New headlamps with new design at bumper interface: The artistically designed headlamps have a larger reflective surface, improving visibility

•Freshened tail lamps: The newly designed tail lamps give the car an enhanced look and better visibility

• New 14” alloy wheels and wheel cover design: New 14” alloy wheels on the Titanium variant and wheel cover designs give the car a sportier look

The New Figo also features several key changes under the new skin and looks; it is now a car brimming with energetic performance and superior comfort. Improved calibration of the engine gives it a better pick-up during starting off and overtaking. Shifting gears requires lesser effort making it a joy to drive, while added lumbar support in the seats and adjustable headrests enhance comfort. Thanks to improved sealing of the doors, the New Figo’s interiors are now quieter.

Widely acclaimed as one of the best offerings in its segment, known for its best-in-class quality features and value for money, Ford Figo has found a place in the prestigious Limca Book of Records 2012 as the most awarded car in India in its debut year. The car’s popularity is strengthened by the fact that 65 percent of its owners in India are first time car buyers. Exported to 35 international markets, Ford Figo has established India as one of Ford’s preferred locations for a world-class manufacturing centre.

The enhanced smart features and new looks bolster the already substantial package offered by the Ford Figo, with its best in class space, AC and first in segment Bluetooth connectivity. A nimble well-engineered steering and suspension, responsive engine and light and precise steering also make the Figo a fun-to-drive car.

The Figo’s superior performance, fuel-efficiency and lower ownership costs have helped it find resonance among so many customers. Ford Figo’s unique Child Parts save on repairs and maintenance so that customers can save on costs by not replacing the whole thing. Add to this a two year/100,000 KM warranty, and the car offers one of the best all-round packages of style, performance and value-for-money in India today.

To support the growing number of Figos on Indian roads, Ford India has expanded its dealer network by 40 percent — mostly in tier-two and tier three cities over the last two years – expanding to 230 sales and service outlets in 123 cities across India. The company plans to raise the number to over 500 outlets by mid-decade. With an emphasis on lower cost of ownership, the company has introduced many service initiatives including mobile service vans and Roadside Assistance (RSA) across more locations.

“With the New Figo we have celebrated change by carefully listening to our customers and enhancing it with smart new features and improved looks. The New Figo will definitely add to Ford’s amazing growth story in India,” concluded Anurag Mehrotra, vice president, Marketing, Ford India.

*Editor’s Note: New Figo Petrol starts at INR 384,999 and New Figo Diesel starts at INR 481,999, ex-showroom Delhi and INR 385,437 (Petrol) and INR 482,438 (Diesel), ex-showroom Thane.

• Ford India exported 2,087 cars during July; Ford’s exports year-to-date are 13 percent higher than a year earlier

• With capacity expansion at the Chennai engine plant completed, Ford India is confident of meeting increased demand as festive season approaches

NEW DELHI, India, 1 Aug, 2012 – Ford India sold 8,323 domestic wholesales and export units in July, maintaining steady sales momentum despite persistently challenging economic conditions and monsoons hitting most of the country.

Ford India sold 6,236 wholesale units in the domestic market in July. The company sold 7,504 vehicles in the same month last year.

With consumer confidence yet to recover from the effects of a recent hike in petrol prices, ongoing high interest rates and high inflation, the challenging market conditions continue unabated in India’s auto market.

During July, Ford India also commissioned its expanded engine plant in Chennai, increasing annual engine production capacity 36 percent to 340,000, which will help feed the surging demand for diesel powertrains in India and export markets. The new facility can produce an additional 80,000 diesel engines annually.

Ford India also introduced its Classic Titanium variant with nine new best-in-class features in July, generating consumer excitement with its attractive price point and excellent value for money package.

“We will continue to refresh our product line-up with affordable, yet technologically smart offerings such as the Classic Titanium, bringing our customers safe, reliable and fun to drive vehicles that offer amazing value and comfort,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India.

“We believe the difficult market situation will ultimately recede in the long run and are confident of meeting the increased demand for cars in the festive period with our expanded capacity in engines,” Boneham added.

Ford India’s exports are up 13 percent this year, with 14,335 units shipped since January.

• Manufacturing nearly 17 variants of petrol and diesel engines, nearly 40 percent of which will be exported, the facility strategically positions Chennai as a regional small engine hub for Ford

• With Chennai’s state-of-the-art flexi PowerTrain facility rolling out its 400,000th engine, Ford India is set to deliver on the One Ford plan

CHENNAI, India, 17 Jul, 2012 – Ford India today announced it has completed the expansion of its engine plant, increasing annual engine production capacity 36 per cent to 340,000, helping transform the facility into a regional small engine hub.

The new facility was completed in record time of just over 14 months and creates capacity in manufacturing over additional 80,000 diesel engines annually.

The additional capacity will feed the surging demand for diesel powertrains in India and growing exports, creating more employment opportunities in the process. The ongoing expansion has already led to the hiring of 200 employees.

“We are delighted to see this new addition to our capacity in the Engine Plant as we gear up to move to the next stage of growth in India and the region,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India.

The facility is the first Ford plant in the world with single flexible production line manufacturing petrol and diesel engines. It is also the first Ford facility to run a flexible crank shaft production line producing crank shafts, and to have a fully flexible Cold test, Hot test and Dyno test facility for petrol and diesel engines.

“We are at an interesting phase of growth with the markets demanding swift responses from manufacturers, and I’m proud to say that with this plant’s amazingly flexible production lines of both petrol and diesel engines, we’re well-poised to move quickly,” Boneham added.

Boneham recently joined the Engine Plant’s chief, Balasundaram Radhakrishnan, vice-president, Powertrain Operations, Ford India, in cutting a ribbon to mark the roll-out of the 400,000th engine from the plant.

“This is a special occasion for all of us at the Chennai Engine Plant. Commissioning this facility in record time is a tremendous milestone and just adds to the many significant achievements this plant has in terms of Quality, Safe, Smart and Green,” said Radhakrishnan.

“To be rolling out the 400,000th engine from the Chennai plant in just under four years is an outstanding achievement, and one that everyone involved should be extremely proud,” said Gary Johnson, vice president, Manufacturing, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “Ford is currently building seven new plants across Asia Pacific and Africa, and we are making a significant commitment in India, which will see it become a regional hub for low-displacement engine production.”

One Plant: Many Smart Steps
The US$ 72 million investment, which has enabled the plant to enhance the Crankshaft Machining, Cylinder Head and Cylinder Block Machining at the Machine Shop with procurement of new equipment has also boosted its ability to handle more complex tasks. Today, the plant produces 12 Duratec petrol engine variants and five Duratorq diesel engine variants, allowing the workforce to hone its skills working on several variants.

Commissioning of the expanded facility is one of the key steps in Ford India’s transformation into a major export and manufacturing hub of small displacement engines — 1.6 TiVCT, 1.4 HC and Duratorq engines will be exported to markets such as South Africa, Thailand and Taiwan. Nearly 40 percent of engines manufactured here will be exported.

The Chennai Engine plant has delivered several achievements in terms of Ford’s four pillars of Quality, Green, Safe and Smart. These include:
• The plant has the lowest water consumption among all Ford plants worldwide
• Uses vegetable-based cutting coolant for machining: An environment-friendly oil
• The plant has been awarded Ford’s technical excellence award (TMM) for four consecutive years

About Ford in India
Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles and engines made at its modern integrated manufacturing facilities at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. The company’s models include the Figo, Ford Classic, Endeavour and the recently launched All-New global Fiesta.

Ford’s operations in the country also include Global Business Services, comprised of Ford Business Services Center and Ford Technology Services India. Located in Chennai, New Delhi and Coimbatore, these units support Ford globally in the areas of IT, accounting and finance, financial services and automotive operations support, global analytics and engineering services. Ford’s businesses in India employ 10,000 hard-working, dedicated men and women.

• Adding a zing to the fun-to-drive Ford Classic, the Classic Titanium will be available both petrol and diesel engine options.  Classic Titanium Petrol variant starts at Rs. 6,86,400 (ex-showroom, Delhi), and Classic Titanium Diesel variant starts at Rs. 7,82,000.
• The Classic Titanium variant will continue delivering quality, excellent driveability with a class-leading fuel efficiency of 32.38 kmpl*

New Delhi, India, July 16, 2012 – In tune with its brand promise of ‘Go Further’ to bring new variants of its class leading vehicles to customers, Ford India today bolstered its offering in the B-segment by introducing a new variant –Ford Classic Titanium– at an attractive price point of Rs. 6,86,400 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.

Smarter with nine Segment-leading Features

The elegant new Ford Classic Titanium is loaded with many new segment-leading features:

 First car in its segment to get a stereo system equipped with Bluetooth that combines the convenience of connectivity with the safety of hands free operation
 Speed sensing volume controls ensure that you don’t have to keep adjusting the volume as the vehicle’s speed changes. The Classic Titanium adjusts the volume of the stereo system on its own
 Drive-away locks provide an added level of safety for your near and dear ones with the doors left open locking automatically when the vehicle starts moving
 The new Classic Titanium’s all-new beige interior trim lends a refreshed, light and airy feeling to the cabin, giving it a luxurious feel
 The new Classic Titanium’s all new alloy wheel design enhances the vehicle’s stance and gives its better on-road handling dynamics
 Body-coloured ORVMs and new black front grille lend it a contemporary and stylish look

“We have been listening to our customers to offer a value proposition with smart technologies and best-in-class features with the introduction of the Titanium variant in our Ford Classic range. By bringing in Bluetooth telephony in this segment and integrating eight other outstanding features, we have delivered on our promise to democratize technology and add unmatched value to a reliable, fun-to-drive Ford Classic”, said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India.

The new Classic Titanium retains its core Ford DNA of surefooted balance on the road, responsive steering and compliant suspension. Its reputation as a driver’s car is enhanced by the choice of refined, trusty and proven 1.6 litre Duratec petrol engine and 1.4 litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engines, which deliver the optimum mix of gripping performance and frugal fuel consumption. While the diesel variant of the Titanium returns 32.38 kmpl* under ARAI test conditions, the petrol variant is rated for a fuel efficiency of 21.27 kmpl*.

“With its refreshed interiors, amazing fuel-efficiency and performance, the Classic Titanium is one of the most compelling products in its segment today,” Boneham added.

Available in 6 exciting new colors- Paprika Red, Panther Black, Diamond White, Chill Metallic, Moon Dust Silver and Sea Grey, the new variant comes covered with Ford Classic’s comprehensive 2 year / 100,000 km warranty, offering a low cost of ownership and peace of mind to its customers.

Ford Classic was ranked highest by TNS for Customer Satisfaction in the `Midsize Segment’, in their latest Automotive 2010 India Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS) study. The car has been also widely acclaimed for its class-leading fuel efficiency in various cross-country drives by several leading auto publications such as Autocar.

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Editor’s notes: * The stated figures are as per ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) certification for the Ford Classic range

About Ford in India
Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles and engines made at its modern integrated manufacturing facilities at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. The company’s models include the Figo, Ford Classic, Endeavour and the recently launched All-New global Fiesta.

Ford’s operations in the country also include Global Business Services, comprised of Ford Business Services Center and Ford Technology Services India. Located in Chennai, New Delhi and Coimbatore, these units support Ford globally in the areas of IT, accounting and finance, financial services and automotive operations support, global analytics and engineering services. Ford’s businesses in India employ 10,000 hard-working, dedicated men and women.

For more information, visit www.india.ford.com

• Ford India exported 1,024 cars during June; Ford’s exports year-to-date are 29 percent higher than a year earlier

• Ford is committed to its growth plans and bringing eight new vehicles to India by mid-decade

NEW DELHI, India, 2 Jul, 2012 – Ford India sold 7,281 domestic wholesales and export units in June, maintaining steady sales despite continuing difficult market conditions.

Ford India sold 6,257 wholesale units in the domestic market in June. In June 2011, the company sold 7,023 vehicles.

A recent increase in petrol prices, ongoing high interest rates and high inflation have all contributed to challenging market conditions and have affected consumer confidence in the Indian auto market.

“While the market continues to face difficult challenges, we believe these are only cyclical and remain confident of the long term outlook of the Indian auto industry. We are committed to our growth plans and to bringing eight new vehicles here by mid-decade,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India.

Ford India’s exports are up 29 percent this year, with 12,248 units exported since January. The company exported 9,460 cars in the first half of 2011.

“The export numbers continue to be particularly pleasing for us at Ford India. With our expanded powertrain facility nearing completion, Ford India will emerge as an export hub of small cars and engines regionally,” Boneham said.

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About Ford in India
Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles and engines made at its modern integrated manufacturing facilities at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. The company’s models include the Figo, Ford Classic, Endeavour and the recently launched All-New global Fiesta.

Ford’s operations in the country also include Global Business Services, comprised of Ford Business Services Center and Ford Technology Services India. Located in Chennai, New Delhi and Coimbatore, these units support Ford globally in the areas of IT, accounting and finance, financial services and automotive operations support, global analytics and engineering services. Ford’s businesses in India employ 10,000 hard-working, dedicated men and women.

For more information, visit www.india.ford.com

• Ford India exported 1,693 cars in May; Exports this year are up 54 percent compared to 2011

• Ford India aims to tap into increased demand for diesel cars with added manufacturing capacity

NEW DELHI, India, 1 Jun, 2012 – Ford India maintained steady sales in May with 7,729 domestic wholesale and export vehicles sold, despite increasingly challenging market  conditions, including a petrol price increase this month and high interest rates, both of which have affected consumer confidence.

Ford India’s exports are up 54 percent this year, with 11,224 units exported since January, including 1,693 cars exported in May. The company exported 7,281 cars from January to May 2011. Ford India now exports to 35 international markets.

Ford India sold 6,036 wholesale units domestically in May this year, compared to 7,046 in May 2011.

“Despite the challenging market conditions, Ford is confident in the long-term future of the automotive market in India. We will continue investing to expand manufacturing and retail capacity in order to bring more great value-for-money, fun-to-drive, fuel efficient vehicles to India,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director,  Ford India.

“We are working to offer more diesel vehicles to keep up with increased demand. We have increased capacity at our Chennai Engine Plant to 340,000 engines with an investment of USD 72 million that will be commissioned very soon,” Boneham added.

Amidst the tough market conditions, Ford India welcomed record numbers of customers into dealerships during its one-day-one-night Midnight Sales event on May 13, when all its showrooms remained opened from 8 AM till midnight and offered customers the opportunity to shop for a car at their own convenience with attractive offers on all Ford cars.

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About Ford in India
Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles and engines made at its modern integrated manufacturing facilities at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. The company’s models include the Figo, Ford Classic, Endeavour and the recently launched All-New global Fiesta.

Ford’s operations in the country also include Global Business Services, comprised of Ford Business Services Center and Ford Technology Services India. Located in Chennai, New Delhi and Coimbatore, these units support Ford globally in the areas of IT, accounting and finance, financial services and automotive operations support, global analytics and engineering services. Ford’s businesses in India employ 10,000 hard-working, dedicated men and women.

CHENNAI, India, 22 May, 2012 – Ford is investing USD 250,000 to improve health, safety and education in seven communities surrounding its operation in Chennai. Under the banner of “Operation Goodwill,” the initiative is supported by the Ford Motor Company Fund, in partnership with its international grantmaker, the GlobalGiving Foundation. It is designed to bolster the company’s ongoing engagement in its communities and introduce projects to enable positive change and sustainable development in the villages.

Ford in India, which has supported initiatives to improve the livelihoods of the communities near its operations for a decade, will operate the program with the assistance of GlobalGiving, local NGO partners and a strong volunteer-led support and collaboration from its employees in Ford India Private Limited and Global Business Services.

“As Ford continues to grow and expand in India, we believe it is our obligation to give back, particularly in the communities where we have operations,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. “Our business philosophy is to empower our workforce and give them the tools and training needed to build top quality vehicles.  With Operation Goodwill, our aim is likewise to help empower our local communities, providing the tools and training to improve quality of life.”

“At Ford, we become citizens of the countries and the communities in which we operate.  Our community service efforts at Global Business Services are a true reflection of this ‘People Serving People’ attitude. We are deeply committed to going further and making a difference in the communities where we live and work” said Joginder Singh, president and managing director of Ford’s Global Business Services operation.

One of the new projects includes setting up 20 after-school tutoring centers near Ford’s Chennai Manufacturing Facility and in the Uthiramerur Block to coach government school students to improve their learning ability thanks to a new partnership between Ford India and Aid India. “The objective is to ensure that every child achieves basic outcomes in Language, Math, English and Science and gets prepared to face the world with confidence. Local empowerment and a strong outcome focus are the hallmarks of the initiative”, said Balaji Sampath, secretary of Aid India.

The company is also working with The Society for Technology and Advancement for Rural Action (TARA–A social enterprise from the Development Alternatives group) for building school and community toilets as well as providing village water filters and The Society for Poor People Development (SPDD) to enable better skill development among village women through tailoring classes in the seven villages around the Chennai Facilities. Further, Ford India will execute a multi-year infrastructure extension activity at one of the village schools as well as enable better-stocked laboratories at two other Government schools.

Speaking on the program, Jim Vella, president Ford Fund said, “Operation Goodwill represents Ford’s ongoing commitment to support our employees and dealers around the world in their efforts to go further to improve the living conditions of communities where we live and work.  I am confident that with this grant in India, we will make a meaningful difference in the lives of rural women and school children in the villages surrounding our manufacturing operations there.”

Ford India has already invested substantial resources and efforts in several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in and around communities neighbouring its 200,000-capacity plant in Maraimalai Nagar near Chennai. In 2011, as part of the annual Ford Global Week of Caring, over 1000 volunteers from Ford in India came together to carry out several programmes in neighbouring communities in the areas of health, education, safety and environment.

Last year, the company’s employees renovated two Government schools in Chitamanur and Kizhakarnai villages neighboring its plant in Maraimalai Nagar, providing better classrooms, new uniforms, books and bags as well as better constructed toilets and drinking water facilities there.

In partnership with its dealers, Ford India has also trained 4500 drivers since launch of Ford Motor Company’s successful Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) training programme that educates new and older licensed drivers of all ages on safer, economical and eco-friendly driving practices.

Ford has also been named as the largest Voluntary Blood Donor in the Industrial Category in Tamil Nadu for 10 consecutive years (from 2000-2010) and has been the recipient of the Red Cross trophy.
# # #

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services
Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and American heritage and community life. The Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 60 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. The award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life program teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through national programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 25,000 Ford employees and retirees each year work on projects that better their communities in dozens of countries. For more information, visit www.community.ford.com.

About Ford in India
Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles and engines made at its modern integrated manufacturing facilities at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. The company’s models include the Figo, Ford Classic, Endeavour and the recently launched All-New global Fiesta.
Ford’s operations in the country also include Global Business Services, comprised of Ford Business Services Center and Ford Technology Services India. Located in Chennai, New Delhi and Coimbatore, these units support Ford globally in the areas of IT, accounting and finance, financial services and automotive operations support, global analytics and engineering services. Ford’s businesses in India employ 10,000 hard-working, dedicated men and women.  For more information, visit www.india.ford.com

About GlobalGiving
GlobalGiving (www.globalgiving.org) enables individuals and organizations to find and direct funds to high-impact, grassroots projects. GlobalGiving also works in collaboration with corporate partners on international grant management, employee engagement and matching programs, disaster relief, and charity gift cards. Corporate partners include Ford Motor Company, Pepsi, Discovery Communications, Gap, Inc., and Nike, among others. To date the GlobalGiving community has made over $65 million in contributions to more than 5,500 projects around the world.

• Ford India dealerships across the country will remain open from 8 a.m. to midnight to encourage customers and their families to come and experience Ford cars

• Besides exciting offers, customers also stand to win assured gifts on all Ford cars purchased on the day

NEW DELHI, 11 May, 2012 – In its efforts to live up to the brand promise of Go Further, Ford India is bringing back the hugely successful and unique one day event ‘Midnight Sale’ in all its showrooms across 123 cities nationwide on Sunday, May 13, 2012. All Ford dealerships will remain open till midnight and conduct business for extended hours, offering customers the unparalleled convenience of ‘car shopping at leisure’ yet again.

Taking its relationship further with its customers in India, Ford India is offering special schemes to all customers booking their cars during the ‘Midnight Sale’ as they enjoy the car-buying experience at Ford dealerships at their convenience. Customers will also stand to gain from special interest rates and offers along with assured gifts with the purchase of every new Ford vehicle.

“At Ford India, we are committed to innovate with not only our products but also the entire shopping experience of our customers. This uniquely designed ‘Midnight Sale’ is an initiative to make the car buying experience a more convenient and rewarding one for our customers while allowing them more flexibility,” said Nigel E. Wark, Ford India’s executive director, Marketing, Sales and Service.

Besides offering a significant opportunity for savings and special interest rates on the Ford product range, the ‘Midnight Sale’ will also provide customers who book a car with a chance to win assured gifts such as LED TVs, Camcorders, Touch-screen Mobile Phones and DVD Players worth upto Rs 2 crore. .

“Through this event, Ford in India is aiming to create an exciting retail experience and give them an additional reason to come and experience the joy of driving a Ford car,” Wark added.

At the Ford dealerships, specially decorated for the occasion, customers will also be invited to engage in conversations on online social forums (www.facebook.com/fordindia and www.twitter.com/fordindia) and share their ONE Ford experience as they become part of a much larger Ford community.

Ford India maintained its robust sales momentum during April 2012, reporting sales of 9,569 domestic wholesales and export units for year-on-year sales growth of 13 percent. The company’s sales and service network includes 230 outlets in 123 cities. The company plans to add several more sales and service outlets by end of this year.

# # #

About Ford in India

Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles and engines made at its modern integrated manufacturing facilities at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. The company’s models include the Figo, Fiesta Classic, Endeavour and the recently launched All-New global Fiesta.

Ford’s operations in the country also include Global Business Services, comprised of Ford Business Services Center and Ford Technology Services India. Located in Chennai and Coimbatore, these units support Ford globally in the areas of IT, accounting and finance, financial services and automotive operations support, global analytics and engineering services. Ford’s businesses in India employ 10,000 hard-working, dedicated men and women.