CHENNAI: Alan Mulally , the outgoing chief of US auto major Ford, called Narendra Modi one of his heroes and said the prime minister’s focus on economic development will work well for India.In an interaction with ET, Mulally said he has not meet Modi. “I have watched him over the years and I think he is going to be great prime minister because he believes in economic development. I love his focus on infrastructure,” Mulally said.He also hoped that Modi remained focused on economic development. Mulally was in Chennai to bid farewell to employees in Chennai’s car plant and also to ensure a smooth transition. “Economic development is what will bring in Mulally also admitted that Ford was late on Indian market.He said when he took over helm at Ford eight years back the company starred at a loss of $17 billion and the priority was to fix things in the United States He said India would be an increased focus area for Ford because of its strategic location.Mulally said the sales of Figo and Ecosport have been impressive. “We are already exporting to fifty countries and this is only going to increase in the coming years.”He also said that 60 per cent of the global car market is on the small and mid car segment and India can provide great insights to Ford on product development in the B and C segment.“Ford has a complete family of vehicles from Fiesta to F-series truck which we can bring in the coming years,” Mulally said.business investment and history has shown that every government which has done that across the global has survived,” said Mulally, one of the most sought after executives in corporate America. He said India should focus on manufacturing, which “creates jobs and brings growth for everyone”.Ford is building its second car plant in Sanand, Gujarat at an investment of Rs 4,000 crore, which is expected to come on stream later this year.“In Gujarat the business environment has been very very good. Because the leadership is very committed to make business environment conducive. Because it provides great jobs and great careers. We are very very pleased with the support we got in Gujarat and continued support in Gujarat,” Mulally said.