Ford Motor Company today announced the appointment of Michael Boneham as president and managing director of Ford India, reporting directly to John Parker, executive vice president, Asia Pacific and Africa. Boneham will succeed Arvind Mathew, who has been appointed to a leadership role within the global product development team, and will re-locate to Ford Motor Company's world headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. Both appointments are effective June 1, 2008.

In his new role, Boneham will be responsible for the successful and ongoing implementation of Ford Motor Company’s aggressive expansion plans in India. This includes its move to volume production of both engines and vehicles by 2010, following earlier announcement this year to invest an additional $500 million in Ford India's operations.

Boneham has more than 20 years experience in the automotive industry, with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Ford's global manufacturing and operations. He is currently executive director of operations at Ford India, where he has been responsible for Product Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing and Quality.

"Michael's significant experience with Ford's global manufacturing processes and operations will be invaluable as we expand our Ford India operations and further integrate our global production systems and processes," said John Parker.

"Under Arvind Mathew's leadership, the Ford brand in India has become highly regarded for quality, handling, driving performance and fuel efficiency. Under Michael Boneham's leadership, we will continue with an aggressive strategy aimed at significantly expanding our operations and driving future growth,'' added Parker.

Prior to his Ford India posting, Boneham served as manufacturing director, Asia Pacific and Africa, based in Ford Motor Company's regional headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, where he was instrumental in driving significant capacity expansion of Ford's operations across the region. He was also responsible for the implementation of an integrated regional Quality Operating system, as well as the Ford Production System, which incorporated Ford's fully integrated manufacturing facilities and operations.

Michael has significant experience in launching key new product for the Company and has held a number of senior international manufacturing positions within Ford Motor Company, including plant manager, Powertrain Operations at Ford Australia; general manager, Vehicle Operations at Land Rover in the UK; and plant manager of Auto Alliance International, a Ford/Mazda joint venture production facility in Michigan, USA.

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