Matching production with demand essential: Mulally

Alan Mulally, the 68-year-old president and chief executive of US automobile giant Ford, on Thursday expressed confidence on the Indian automobile sector. He said as and when demand rose here, the company would bring its entire range of vehicles---from small cars to trucks to India.

Mulally, who helped turn around Ford from the verge of bankruptcy, is set to step down from his post in July. He said during his tenure, a major decision taken by the company was to focus on India and China. On the negative sentiment about the Indian economy and its automobile sector, Mulally said these offered Ford a great opportunity and an important centre to cater to the global market. “This is a growing economy and growing in a positive way. So, more opportunities (through which) we can serve,” he said.

Mulally said to ensure a turnaround for Ford, he had focused on seven aspects---serving all markets globally, focusing on brands Ford and Lincoln, completion of the family of offerings to customers, a commitment that the quality of every vehicle would be good, efficiency, safety, and the best value. His other focus areas were matching production with demand “which very few companies are following…those who don’t, land in trouble”.

The company has invested about $2 billion in setting up a facility near here. A second facility in Gujarat is expected to go on stream soon. After interacting with the 3,600 workers at the company’s factory in Maramalai Nagar, about 40 km from here, Mulally told the media, “I am taking back good memories…I love India.”

“I love innovation and creating strong businesses, which I did in Boeing and here, too,” said Mulally, adding India was one of the major innovation hubs. India is also an important export hub for Ford, owing to the high quality and efficiency standards here. As of now, Ford uses India to cater to 50 countries and it is expected the number is set to rise.

On his post-retirement agenda, he said, “Absolutely not decided…Now, the focus is on transition of Ford.” His advice to his successor? “Stay on the one-Ford plan,” a phrase he uses to describe a long-term vision for the company.

Ford India Limited