Michael Boneham to head Ford India

Ford India will have a new man at the helm come June. Michael Boneham, currently executive director (operations), will take over as the new managing director of Ford India. In January this year, Ford Motor Company had committed an additional US$500 million (around Rs.2,000 crore) investment into the nearby Maraimalai Nagar facility. The fresh investment will be used to set up a small car facility, expand the existing production base and establish a fully integrated and flexible engine manufacturing plant. The first phase of the plan has already commenced and includes the addition of a diesel engine plant at Maraimalai Nagar with an initial annual capacity of 50,000 units. The move for expansion of the facility should be read in the context of Ford India’s desire to expand the product portfolio (including small cars) by putting up an additional line. (May 2, 2008)