Ford Global Technology and Business Centre (FGTBC)
Ford, a prominent American automaker recognized for its commitment to creating an affordable electric vehicle (EV), has started building a Global platform for EVs. The Chennai-based Ford Business Solutions/ The Ford Global Technology and Business Center (FGTBC) is putting life into Ford’s EV dreams. To enhance the contribution of this center, the Ford company is expanding the center’s infrastructure and the team’s strength. This significant development was announced in a recent tweet by TN Investment.
The Ford Global Technology and Business Centre (FGTBC) OR Ford Business Solutions Center was established in Chennai in September 2019. Over the years, the center has evolved into a HUB for CUTTING-EDGE engineering, technology, product development, mobility solutions, and global business services.
The FGTBC employs 12,000 professionals, including software developers, data scientists, R&D engineers, and finance & accounting experts. The center is expected to grow by an additional 3,000 personnel. This expansion underscores Ford’s commitment to leveraging India’s software development potential to support its global EV business, including new product development.
Based out of Chennai
Ford Business Solutions India, established in 1998, is a strategic initiative, focused on delivering innovative and collaborative solutions. Ford has invested approximately US$250 million (Rs 2,082 crore) in the Chennai hub, with plans for further investment.
The Ford Business Solutions center in Chennai, serves as a global hub for technology and business services, providing a wide range of innovative solutions for the automaker’s Global operations. Its expertise includes software engineering, analytics, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, product engineering, fintech, accounting, financial analysis, digital marketing, enterprise connectivity, manufacturing engineering, logistics, and supply chain management.
High-tech work happening at Chennai center
The Engineering teams are responsible for designing and constructing new manufacturing lines for electric vehicles (EVs). They use VIRTUAL-REALITY and AUGMENTED-REALITY technology to model and simulate the assembly line flow for the new EV platform manufacturing. This involves creating floor plans, managing material flow, setting up assembly lines, and organizing tool stations.
“We’re building and designing new manufacturing lines for electric vehicles in Chennai which will use VR/AR to model and simulate assembly line flow and this is being done for our new EV platform manufacturing,” said Mike Amend, Chief Enterprise Tech Officer of Ford Motor Company.
Ford plans to concentrate on cloud engineering, software reliability engineering, development engineering, and building advanced platform capabilities in Chennai. They are developing a cloud-based commerce platform that will serve as a global platform for customer-dealer interactions, including parts, accessories, and merchandise.
Chennai Center plays a pivotal role in Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) efforts. The teams in Chennai are responsible for consumer-facing software related to vehicle theft, charging solutions, Ford Pro commercial vehicle fleet management, vehicle health surveys, and vehicle uptime monitoring. Amend has mentioned that they are expanding these capabilities and adding more EV-related work in Chennai.
Ford plans to re-enter the Indian market
Additionally, Ford is reportedly considering re-entering the Indian market. Last month, the head of Ford’s International Market Group visited India following the announcement of the country’s new electric vehicle policy, which opens the door for more global automakers to enter the Indian market.
Please visit the Ford Business Solutions Center to learn more about the different kinds of work undertaken at Ford’s India Center. Also, see how Tatas are collaborating with Shell Petroleum to unleash the nationwide charging station network.