Ford India registered collective sales of 11,805 units including domestic sales and exports registering a massive growth of 57 per cent in March 2014. Last year at the same time, Ford collectively sold 7,499 units including domestic sales and exports. The company performed well on domestic front with 21% growth at 6,355 units in March 2014, as against 5,271 units in the corresponding month last year. Ford’s India made vehicles are well in demand, the company witnessed significant increase in export at 5,449 units last month as compared to 2,228 units shipped to overseas markets in March 2013.
“Cautious is how we should define the first quarter of 2014. The excise duty reduction has definitely been a positive step. As India gets set to vote, we look forward to such industry-friendly initiatives being sustained to support the important automotive sector,” said Vinay Piparsania, executive director of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India.
Ford’s new entrant in compact SUV segment EcoSport, outshone its rivals by receiving 30 awards ever since its launch in India. With this, the SUV has become the most awarded vehicle ever. Similar response was received for the company’s flagship hatchback, Figo which also received numerous awards after its launch in India. However, EcoSport broke Figo’s record which registered its name in the Limca Book of Records 2012 for being the most awarded car in India.
Among the 30 awards felicitated to EcoSport, 18 awards account for the Car or SUV of the Year, six Viewer’s choice or Reader’s Choice awards have been accorded to the vehicle. Various awards have been given for the globally acclaimed EcoBoost and SYNC technologies and its overpowering value for money overture.
“Ford is confident of playing a significant part in the next phase of growth in India’s automotive industry,” Piparsania said. “We are thrilled with the response to our vehicles. As a mark of growingfavourabilityamongst customers, it is a matter of pride to see a Ford vehicle become India’s Most Awarded Vehicle Ever yet again.”
Ford is currently working towards ramping up production capacity of EcoSport which attracts a waiting period of six months. The unprecedented response received for the SUV shows its popularity in India. Its major rival Duster will be undergoing a facelift, Renault could spin off Duster’s facelifted version donning minor tweaks in the second half of 2014.
