While he has recently taken charge as Ford India President, Nigel Harris' association with India is not new. He has also worked in India about 15 years ago as the brand development manager for global B cars during Ford's entry into this market. And he is well aware that both India and Ford in India have come a long way over the last decade and a half. "Indian socio-economic terrain has undergone significant changes. The middle class has a higher purchasing power and the tier 2 -4 cities have become a key focus for marketers. India is one of the fastest growing markets for automobiles with sales projected to grow to seven million units by 2020."

Harris also believes that India is poised to play a key role in driving growth in the Asia Pacific market, a region that is projected to contribute 48 percent to global auto sales by the end of the decade and he knows that this means it will be a key player for Ford in its global scheme of things. "Globally, Ford is in the midst of its largest expansion phase in 50 years. More than 60 percent of our growth will come from the Asia Pacific region, with India playing a significant role. We have invested close to US$ two billion in our India operations."

Harris has taken charge at a time when Ford is expanding and transforming its operations as part of its aggressive expansion plan. In July 2011, the company announced an investment of about US$ one billion to build an integrated manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat. "When operational, the new manufacturing facilities at Sanand will double our overall installed production capacity in India to 440,000 vehicles and 610,000 engines a year. So it is a really exciting phase for Ford in India and we are looking forward to growing our presence in India."

While the recent times have been quiet bad for the Indian automotive industry, Ford India has been doing a good job in 2013 when it has grown both in the domestic as well as exports market.  A look at its latest numbers confirms that the company has been holding steady in a challenging market. It sold 11,805 vehicles in combined domestic wholesales and exports in March 2014, up 57 percent from 7,499 vehicles in the same period last year. "Despite a difficult economic and business environment, 2013 was a remarkable and rewarding year for Ford in India. With sustained sales performances and the launch of the Ford EcoSport, we saw our products finding greater acceptance from customers. Our product-led transformation came alive and the sales were supported by an expanding product line-up."