Ford mulls launching small car in India

CHANDIGARH: Ford India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, on Friday said the company was looking into options to launch a small car for Indian market particularly suitable for Indian conditions.

Besides, to enhance its presence in growing automobile market of India, the company has planned to strengthen its dealership network by opening 20 more outlets across the country this year.

"Small car is quite an important segment as it accounts for half of total sales of car in India," Ford India, vice-president (marketing, sales, service) Scott McCormack told here on Wednesday when asked about the company's plans on small car segment for Indian market.

"We would have to have a proper platform and develop marketing strategy for India in respect of small car segment," he said.

"This year, we do not have any new launches for India," he said. Presently, the company has different models for India which include Ikon, Fusion, Endeavour and Fiesta during its ten years old presence in the market.

Branding its new outlet as Ford brand retail, the company has plans to increase its dealership network from 115 at present to 135 during this calendar year in order to extend its customer reach. "These new outlets will be opened in tier II and tier III cities which will also include Meerut, Gandhidham and Sahibabad," said Scott.

Last year, Ford India sold 42,060 cars in 2006 in the country posting a growth of whopping 87 per cent which were led by Fiesta brand.