In a recent development, Indian wing of US based car manufacturer, Ford, has announced its plans to introduce a small car in the country. The entry-level hatchback would be a part of Ford India's strategy to introduce eight new models by 2015. Further elaborating about it, Ford India Executive Director, Marketing (Sales and Service) Vinay Piparsania said “We are on the verge of introducing different products and these will be from all segments. India is an important market for Ford and we will participate in the growth story of all types of passenger vehicles."
He also added that the company had said earlier it will be introducing eight models in India by 2015, out of which 4 have already rolled out. Moreover, the company is on track to launch remaining models in India by 2015. However, on being asked about the small car segment, Piparsania refrained from divulging any further details by saying “We follow 'One Ford' policy for Ford globally and we have announced some concepts earlier. Mass segment is very important and we continue to look at the small car segment in India."
At present it can be said that Ford India will be introducing a new small car but it is hard to predict the expected date as the company has not given an indication regarding the same. In the hatchback segment, Ford India maintains its presence through Figo, which is available in petrol and diesel variants. While commenting on EcoSport, the company said that it is looking at all possible options to increase the production capacity for meeting the growing demand. Piparsania told that Ford India is planning to revamp the manufacturing of its compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), EcoSport in order to overcome the long waiting period. “We are considering various opportunities to increase the capacity. However, nothing has been finalised yet," he added.
Since its inception in the Indian car market, Ford EcoSport has lived up to expectations of the company and car buyers. The compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) of Ford has generated tremendous amount of interest as the current waiting period on the car stretches from four to nine months, depending upon the different trims. During the first 17 days of launch, Ford EcoSport created a new record in the Indian car market as it got 30,000 bookings. Contrary to the demand, the production of the vehicle is considerably less as Ford India produces only 4000 to 6000 units of the same every month.
In the meanwhile, Ford India recently introduced a new scheme to market its products expect EcoSport. In the 'Midnight Surprise' offer, any person who books a vehicle of Ford other than EcoSport before 5th December, a surprise gift will be awarded by the company. These initiatives taken by major car companies are not new as generally the sales of new vehicles takes a marginal dip at the end of the year. With promotional offers and discounts, car manufacturers try to lure more customers in order to clear inventories of the current year.
