Ford to Employ Expertise Gained in India for Other Emerging Markets
NDTV Auto Team
1 min read
Aug 13, 2015, 06:20 PM
Following in the foot-steps of carmakers like Suzuki and Hyundai, Ford intends to use low-cost engineering expertise gained in India to make compact cars for other emerging markets. The carmaker has struggled to grab a decent share in the world's fifth-largest automobile market - where small, inexpensive, and yet, powerful cars are favoured.
Also Read: Ford Figo Aspire Review
Ford India sold just 75,000 cars in the previous fiscal year, whereas Maruti Suzuki sold 1.2 million unit. However, the carmaker intends to change that with its first India-specific small car - the Figo Aspire. The car, launched on August 12, gets a starting price of Rs. 4.89 lakh that undercuts rivals like Maruti Suzuki, Honda Motor and Toyota Motor.
Also Read: Ford Figo Aspire Review
Ford India sold just 75,000 cars in the previous fiscal year, whereas Maruti Suzuki sold 1.2 million unit. However, the carmaker intends to change that with its first India-specific small car - the Figo Aspire. The car, launched on August 12, gets a starting price of Rs. 4.89 lakh that undercuts rivals like Maruti Suzuki, Honda Motor and Toyota Motor.
Ford believes small cars could make up 60 percent of global sales volumes, and thus the Aspire's engine will also make way into other cars that the company plans to export to Africa and Southeast Asia.
John Lonsdale, head of Ford's B-car program in Asia Pacific, told Reuters, "We are being challenged to find engineering solutions at lower costs than we have traditionally been able to do. This market, probably even more than Brazil, is demanding cost strategies and cost structures that are lower than anywhere else."
IHS Automotive, a consulting firm, believes India is set to become the third-largest automobile market in the world by 2020, when sales of compact cars are expected to double to around 1.73 million.
© Thomson Reuters 2016
Related News
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Trending News
Latest News
Carandbike Team | Dec 5, 2025Bajaj Pulsar N160 Variant With Gold USD Fork, Single Seat IntroducedThe new variant of the Pulsar N160 is priced at Rs. 1.24 lakh and aimed at offering more comfort and practicality with the single-piece seat.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 4, 2025Tata Harrier EV Fords Beas River In Red Bull Extreme StuntRed Bull is putting the Tata Harrier EV through some extreme stunts as part of a recent collaboration with Tata Motors.1 min read
Jafar Rizvi | Dec 4, 2025BMW F 450 GS, Brixton Storr 500 Will Not Debut At India Bike Week 2025Soon after IBW confirmed its venue and dates -- following weeks of uncertainty -- two major participants pulled out of showcasing their new models at the event.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Dec 4, 2025Kia Previews Sleek New Coupe Concept: A Successor To The Stinger?The futuristic four-door coupe could preview a spiritual successor to the Stinger sports sedan or become a technological showpiece for the brand’s future technologies for its upcoming models.1 min read
car&bike Team | Dec 4, 2025Ducati Watches Now On Sale In India; Priced From Rs 15,000In partnership with Titan, Ducati has launched 43 watches as part of its latest collection.1 min read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Dec 3, 2025Lexus RX Gets A More Affordable Exquisite Trim, Prices Start At Rs. 90 LakhThe new Lexus RX 350h gets some exclusive features and different theme in the cabin.1 min read
Girish Karkera | Dec 4, 20252026 Honda Prelude First Drive: Domesticated Civic Type RA sporty-looking coupe built to give customers a taste of performance but not at the expense of everyday practicality.5 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Nov 29, 2025Mahindra XEV 9S First Drive Review: Big Electric SUV, Bigger ExpectationsThe XEV 9S lands at a time when the EV crowd is growing fast. It’s a big, born-electric, three-row SUV that starts under 20 lakh. It sits close to the XUV700 in size, but the brief is very different. Here’s what it’s like on the road.11 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Nov 26, 2025Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Battle Of India’s Electric TitansWhen India made two electric SUVs battle it out, the winner is the buyer. They get a choice to take home what’s best suited for them – and read on to find out which one is better for YOU.1 min read
Janak Sorap | Nov 19, 2025Hero Xpulse 210 Vs Kawasaki KLX 230 Comparison Review: Dual-Sport DilemmaWith a price difference of just Rs 12,000, which of the two dual-sport motorcycles is meant for you?1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Nov 17, 20252025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Review: Beast From The EastThe Land Cruiser name may have a long and storied history, but does it fit the bill for an Rs 2 crore-plus SUV in India?13 mins read