Ford unveiled the production version of the all-new Ford EcoSport and declared its plans to build the compact, fuel-efficient urban SUV in China, along with India, Thailand and South America. Unveiled at the 2012 Auto China, the car will present an ambitious Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) that is replete with a number of value-added features for buyers in Asia Pacific and Africa. It will provide customers with a confident stance, a high driving position and aggressive character besides the perfect combination of balance, speed, power, coordination and fuel efficiency - all in a compact shell. This new SUV from Ford is the complete package for urban residents offering both fun and work on-the-move.
American car maker Ford offers great features, smart technologies and style alongside the aerodynamic modern design meant for boosting fuel economy in its EcoSport, thus ensuring that customers get more than they expect. Powered by a host of powertrain solutions, including the company's latest, most technologically advanced 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the EcoSport will set the bar higher in terms of fuel economy. It also introduces the Ford SYNC driver connect system, a unique voice control mechanism that will be present in a Ford vehicle for the first time in India. The capacious and comfortable interiors, which reflect the epitome of craftsmanship, are yet another distinguishing feature of the model and ensure unmatched quietness and refinement.
According to Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, “The Ford EcoSport showcases our commitment to serve our Ford customers in China and around the world with the cars, utilities and trucks they want and value. EcoSport delivers outstanding quality, great fuel efficiency with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, superior safety and really smart design with SYNC.”
The unveiling of the final production version of EcoSport has come soon after its global preview, which was held at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo in January and in Brazil. Earlier, Ford's global development team came together in Brazil itself to create this car. Besides Chongqing, China, the heavily anticipated SUV will also be rolled out of Ford's plants located in Camacari, Brazil; Rayong, Thailand; and Chennai, India. With production operations in 4 countries, the company is targeting as many as 100 markets across the world.
EcoSport is the newest addition to Ford’s line-up of global vehicles based on the B car platform, which will touch yearly manufacturing capacity of 2 million units by the end of 2015.
“The latest EcoSport is designed and engineered particularly for customers in global growth markets employing Ford’s global SUV engineering expertise and showcasing our commitments for quality, top in class fuel economy, safety and smart technology. We’re providing innovative products like this to enhance our global growth,” commented Raj Nair, Group Vice President, Global Product Development.
Ford is exhibiting the top-of-the-range variant of the car, called EcoSport Titanium, in Beijing, which can be seen at its stall in the attractive Mars Red colour. The American car maker will showcase a similar model in Salvador, Brazil as the car's global launch gains pace.
The Titanium variant consists of 16 inch aluminium alloy wheels and a chrome grille, which add to its looks and aggressiveness. Interiors of the EcoSport boast of a stylish, modern and well-equipped cabin that sets new benchmarks for craftsmanship and quality. The model offers more than sufficient space for seating five passengers comfortably, along with luggage. Besides Ford SYNC with voice control, EcoSport Titanium present at Auto China also had innovative technologies like smart key-less entry, Ford power start and a cooled bin in the glove-box.
Safety and security package of Ford EcoSport consists of dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). With the likes of Hill Launch Assist, rear parking sensors and other driver assist features packed in it, the model ensures a stress free driving experience. Moreover, the Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) adds to the capabilities of its nimble and manoeuvrable chassis for excellent steering control and enhanced mileage.
Ford's latest SUV is easy on the pocket and packs professional as well as fun elements for the modern driver. It aims to deliver class-leading performance on the grounds of mileage, manoeuvrability and performance in order to revolutionise the expectations of consumers from a compact SUV.
EcoSport's major traits are defined by the needs and mindset of consumers based in the regions it will be sold in. In line with Ford's unique plans, the car has a distinguished design, flexibility of usage, power and off-roading capabilities, along with agility and feasibility for city driving. The height and purpose-oriented appearance of the EcoSport renders it the look of a premium vehicle. Its agile and contemporary body lines depict confidence, refinement and an adventurous spirit, encapsulated in an attractive and advanced parcel.
J. Mays, Group Vice President, Design, and Chief Creative Officer, Ford Motor Company, stated, "The new EcoSport is full of personality. Customers around the world immediately recognise its capability and SUV robustness that is achieved with aggressiveness. It is friendly and it’s a vehicle that really makes you smile.”
In line with Ford’s promise to offer a bigger line-up of vehicles in China, the all-new Ford EcoSport will be the second out of 15 new cars that the American car maker will bring to the country by 2015. This move is a part of the company's larger plan to increase its portfolio in Asia Pacific and Africa by adding 50 new vehicles and powertrains by the middle of this decade, emphasising the unique expansion in the region.
“With its excellent fuel efficiency and a wide range of smart technologies, the EcoSport is all set to launch Ford into a new segment not only in China but also in other growth markets in Asia,” quoted Hinrichs.
Ford’s assertive expansion plan in China is backed by a host of new investments aimed at enhancing its manufacturing capacity. Earlier in April 2012, it was declared that Ford and its joint venture Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) will spend close to USD 600 million to raise capacity at its Chongqing plant by 3,50,000 units. With this, the car maker will bring its production capacity in China to 9,50,000 units by the year 2014. After this development, Ford would have infused around USD 4.1 billion in the country.
Presently, CFMA has two assembly units as well as an engine plant in Chongqing. Along with these, the company is also working on the completion of two more facilities, an engine plant worth USD 500 million and a transmission plant costing USD 350 million.
