Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, on Monday (July 20, 2026), requested Ford to resume its production and expansion activities in such a manner that it fully utilises its manufacturing facility at Maraimalai Nagar near Chennai.

A delegation led by Ford’s vice-president, Matthew Godlewski, held discussions with the Chief Minister at the Secretariat. According to a government press release, detailed consultations were held on the resumption of Ford’s manufacturing projects in Tamil Nadu, as well as the expansion of its Global Capability Centres.

Ford is operating a Global Capability Centre in Chennai, and recently established another in Coimbatore. Engine production is also set to commence at the Maraimalai Nagar factory at an investment of ₹3,250 crore.

In this context, the Chief Minister recalled the 30-year relationship between Ford and Tamil Nadu, and assured the delegation that the government would extend cooperation to the company in implementing the projects.

Industries Minister S. Keerthana; Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, S. Vijayakumar; and Ford managing director Simonetta Verdi, among others, were present at the meeting.