· Ford India sold 10,948 cars in combined domestic wholesales and exports; October records second best overall sales month this year
· With launch of the New Figo, an enriched version of its extremely popular sub-compact last month, Ford India sees sustained consumer interest during the ongoing festive season in India
· Taking its service capabilities a step further, Ford India’s Quick Lane service centre debuts in India in Bangalore, Ford’s third Parts Distribution Centre opened in Mumbai, India and a new dealership opens Ford Patodi in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh
With steady demand during the Indian festive season, Ford India sold 10,948 combined domestic wholesales and export units in October.
Despite persistent market challenges in the subcontinent, domestic demand remained steady with 7,577 vehicles sold in October this year as compared to 8,091 units sold in October 2011. Ford India exported 3,371 cars in October this year – its highest monthly export ever — an increase of around 20 percent compared to 2,815 units exported in October 2011.
Last month Ford India unveiled the New Ford Figo, one of the most awarded vehicles in India. The new Figo comes with more than 100 new features — a new look for its head and tail lamps, hexagonal front grill, new instrument panel colour and steering column mounted audio controls, among others. Building on the sporty and sophisticated personality of the original, the New Ford Figo is extremely attractive as a substantial package of style, performance and value-for-money. Exports of the New Figo started last month.
“Festive season is always a very busy time for vehicle sales in India,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. “The team has been working very hard to satisfy domestic and export demand. Despite some of the ongoing market challenges, we have again sold close to 11,000 vehicles. Despite some ongoing market challenges, we are extremely proud to have had our second best month in October. The successful launch last month of the enriched New Figo further reinforces its reputation as a reliable, substantial vehicle with outstanding value”, added Boneham.
Taking the company’s commitment to quality service and lower cost of ownership further, Ford’s Quick Lane service debuted in India at Metro Ford, Yeshwantpur in Bangalore last month. Featuring many customer-friendly benefits like extended operating hours during weekdays and Saturdays, Quick Lane is a new service concept and designed to enhance the service experience for Ford customers who are short on time and will need no prior appointment.
Boosting its pan-Indian sales and service network and strengthening the availability of parts, the company also opened its third Parts Distribution Centre in India in Mumbai and also added a new dealership in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, taking the number of sales and service outlets to 241 in 127 cities. The company has plans to take the number to over 500 by mid-decade.
“We wish our customers the very best this festive season and are firmly committed to bringing them world-class Ford products and services in the future. Initiatives like Quick Lane and strengthening our sales and service networks are steps in that direction,” Boneham concluded.
About Ford in India
Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles and engines made at its modern integrated manufacturing facilities at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. The company’s models include the Figo, Ford Classic, Endeavour and the All-New global Fiesta.
Ford’s operations in the country also include Global Business Services, comprised of Ford Business Services Center and Ford Technology Services India. Located in Chennai, New Delhi and Coimbatore, these units support Ford globally in the areas of IT, accounting and finance, financial services and automotive operations support, global analytics and engineering services. Ford’s businesses in India employ 10,000 hard-working, dedicated men and women.
For more information, visit www.india.ford.com.
