Ford India Private Limited (FIPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of American multinational automobile giant Ford Motor Co., is just months away from the launch of its critically acclaimed EcoSport model in the domestic market. The immensely powerful and stylish beast of a compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is pegged to take the segment by storm and snatch the market leadership from Renault Duster in the country.
Top industry experts believe Ford EcoSport could pose nightmares not just to Duster, but also to other prominent names in the utility vehicle market, such as Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) Limited models like Quanto, Scorpio, XUV500 and Tata Safari Storme.
Currently, Ford is having a relatively subdued innings in the Indian passenger car market, with just its Figo premium hatch recording decent sale numbers in the country. The American auto major's Endeavour premium Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is also popular among domestic audience, but faces stiff competition from the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mahindra SsangYong Rexton.
The yet-to-be launched Ford EcoSport is expected to be launched with an All Wheel Drive (AWD) drive option, which easily makes it one of the most exciting new car launches of 2013 in the Indian auto market. From the initial spy shots, the American mini SUV looks brimming with power and confidence, besides flaunting the meanest road presence found in a vehicle of its class. The most remarkable thing about EcoSport is its critically acclaimed 1.0 litre Ford EcoBoost petrol powertrain that churns out best-in-class power and torque outputs.
The upcoming Ford EcoSport compact SUV is being called the next game changing product for the American auto major in Indian auto market. With its EcoSport model, Ford India seems aspiring to establish itself as a prominent name in the current hottest selling segment (compact SUV) in the country. Upon its arrival at Indian shores, Ford EcoSport will take on the likes of other segment contenders like Duster, Quanto and Premier Rio.
Evidently, the Indian arm of Ford is hoping to cash-in on the prevalent market fervour towards small utility vehicles, on account of their easy handling and attractive fuel efficiency. The major reasons behind the incredible success of Duster and Quanto are their superb fuel efficiency, meaty engine performance and off-roading ability. Hence, Ford's strategy of an aggressively priced compact SUV around Rs. 9 lakhs seems like a perfect setting towards ensuring a complete turnaround in the Indian passenger car market.
