After generating tremendous buzz in the Indian car market, amassing bookings of around 30000 in 17 days, the Ford EcoSport is on its way to earn recognition in the international arena, as well. This compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from the American auto giant was drafted in for the coveted Goodwood Festival of Speed, which took place from the 11th to the 14th of July. This event is held at the Goodwood house that is located in West Sussex, England. A highly celebrated event, the Goodwood festival of speed invites global motorsport champions to climb the hill with their cars.
Prior to the beginning of the festival, The Moving Motor Show was held, which saw a huge crowd enjoy in cars like Audi RS 6 Avant, Rolls Royce Wraith, Porsche Panamera E Hybrid and the Skoda Octavia vRS. During this festival, one vehicle is selected as the Central Feature sculpture. Cars like Audi, Alfa Romeo and Jaguar were chosen in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively.
The officials of Ford India were delighted at the response received for the EcoSport. Joginder Singh, President and Managing Director of Ford India, explained the high expectations the firm had from the EcoSport and expressed his elation at the response it has generated in recent times. He said, “Consumers are appreciating the value-for-money proposition that we are offering in the EcoSport’s compelling and smart package. We thank our customers for their overwhelming response and appreciate their patience. The Ford India team is working closely with the suppliers at our Chennai facility to enhance output of the EcoSport to reduce the waiting period and to meet the high demand.”
Ford EcoSport is being manufactured at the Chennai plant of Ford India, from where it is expected to be exported to 62 nations across the globe. Europe is one of the targeted markets for the EcoSport and Ford Europe is expected to launch it sometime towards the end of the year. In fact, the EcoSport on display at the Goodwood festival of speed was intended for promotions in the European car market.
In direct competition with the Renault Duster, the Ford EcoSport is equipped with a 1.5 litre engine that is capable of producing a torque of up to 204 Nm and an output of up to 91 PS. It shares its engine with the Ford Fiesta, a sedan that enjoyed a lot of success in the Indian car market. Ford has made a visible effort at improving the fuel efficiency of the compact SUV.
