Nigel Harris
President, Ford India

It has been just about 11 months since he has taken charge at Ford India but Nigel Harris is already in the driver's seat. Of course, he has worked with Ford India about 15 years back in a different role but he very well knows that both India and Ford in India have come a long way over the last decade and a half.

"Today, India is one of the fastest growing markets for automobiles and is poised to play a key role in driving growth in the Asia Pacific market, a region that is projected to contribute 48% to global auto sales by the end of the decade." Obviously, India will be playing a significant role in this equation in the next five years. So Nigel Harris has his job cut out for him.

While 2014 hasn't exactly been a fantastic year for Ford India, it shouldn't worry Harris to a great extent. Today, Ford products find greater acceptance from customers with the EcoSport retaining its charm.

"We have a strong belief in the long term potential of the Indian automotive market and have a robust strategy in place to tap the domestic potential in this market as well as use the region as a sourcing hub. As India's auto industry is expected to reach 7 million by 2020, and as the hinterlands of India fuel its automotive growth, Ford is going for the heart of the Indian automobile market and plans to strengthen its presence in the B segment," he says.

A couple of months back, in October, Ford India commenced a third-shift of production at Chennai Vehicle Assembly and Engine Plant in October to further improve supplies of its products. So Harris is on track with the plans to position India as a center of excellence for small cars and low displacement engines for both domestic and export markets.

"We have a long-term strategic plan for India, anchored in viable product programs and engine manufacturing capability, both representing significant volume and profitable growth."

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