Ford showcases small cars this week

US company, Ford is now eying on India to offset tough business conditions in other global markets. The company that survived the downturn without a government help, Ford Motor is planning to integrate car designs globally and develop compact and mid-sized cars as part of a strategy to improve profitability and productivity.

Ford has focussed on economies of scale and implementing ‘One Ford’ strategy across markets. Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor, is also making a lightning visit to India to showcase its small car in the middle of this week. He joined Ford in 2006 after divesting brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin.This moment will be exciting and worth watching. Ford India has not had a new product launch, but continues to upgrade its existing product line since 2005.

Ford India will launch its small car, code named B517 in March 2010, which is expected to compete with the Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Swift, that were also showcased to its dealers in Chennai recently. The small car will be a four-door hatchback, powered by an indigenous diesel and petrol engine manufactured at its Chennai plant. Ford India has invested around $500 million (Rs 2,400 crore) to double the current capacity by one lakh cars and 2.5 lakh engines, company officials said.

However, company has seen an increase in primary sales (sales from company to dealers), with the Ford Endeavour and Ford Ikon maintaining their leadership positions in the premium SUV segment and mid-size segment, respectively. Ford India’s portfolio includes the Ford Ikon, Ford Fiesta sedan, Ford Fusion car and the Ford Endeavour SUV. Ford is keen to accelerate focus on emerging markets such as China and India with fuel-efficient products. Worldwide consumers are seen to be moving towards fuel-efficient small cars and Ford India is currently present only in mid-sized cars and SUV segments.

Read More on : Ford Endeavour expert review