Ford India to spruce up existing models

FORD India is consolidating operations in calender 2007. Towards this, the company plans to spruce up existing models — Ikon, Endeavour, Fiesta and Fusion — to maintain 20% marketshare in the country’s mid-sized car segment this year. Talking to ET, Mr Scott McCormack, vice-president (marketing, sales & services) at Ford India said: “We’ve decided to consolidate operations in calender 2007. There are no plans to introduce new models this year. We will take action on the products front and launch new variants of existing models with added features. We expect this will help maintain 20% marketshare in the mid-sized car segment.” India sells nearly 20,000 mid sized cars (B and B+) per month. Ford India has also stopped importing CBUs (complete build-up units) of Ford Mondeo for the Indian market. The company spokesperson said: “Our parent, Ford Motor Co, has introduced the new Ford Mondeo at the recent Geneva Auto Show. Hence, there’s no point in selling the old Ford Mondeo model in India anymore.” Incidentally, the parent company has no immediate plans to launch the new Ford Mondeo in India. While unveiling the consolidation plan, Mr McCormack said: “We’ve introduced a number of new features to the Ford Ikon. More will be introduced in coming months.” The 2007 Ikon will offer customers plush beige and dark parchment interiors, matching seat fabric and trims and new instrument panel. Ford India will also offer other features like sporty alloy wheels, anti-theft alarm, chrome decklid handle and others at an additional cost of Rs 35,000. The company has also introduced new shades to the Ikon like jeans blue, paprika red, moondust silver to diamond white. “The Ford Ikon is aimed at 25-30 year old aspiring individual, typically employed in the knowledge sector. The new features will add to his personality,” Mr McCormack said. The company has also introduced a new 1.4 litre petrol ZXi version for its Ford Fiesta model. “Aggressively priced at Rs 6.30 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), the new 1.4 litre petrol Fiesta ZXi will strengthen Ford’s position in the growing mid-size automotive segment,” he added.

Courtesy: EconomicTimes
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