Ford committed to expansion plans in India

US carmaker Ford said the turmoil in the American auto market will not impact its expansion plans in India and it remains committed to the Indian market.

"We are committed to the Indian market.

"Our basic plans in the US and globally are continuing. The product and manufacturing essence of our plans in India are intact," Ford Group Vice-President Jim Farley told PTI on the sidelines of the Chicago Auto Show here.

 Responding to whether Ford's proposed expansion in India will be hit by the gloom in the US auto market, Farley said Ford constantly relooks at its plans given the economic crisis but it does not see that having an impact on its India operations.

The Indian car market is strong and the country is a strategically important market in the long term not just for Ford but for other car companies as well.

He said the company's commitment to the Indian market was evident from the launch of an advanced version of its mid-size sedan Fiesta.

"The Indian market is very important to us. It should be clear from the manufacturing facilities that we have in place in India, that we are growing in the country," he added.