Despite market challenges, Ford India delivered its 100,000th Figo this month and has increased sales by 53 percent for the year.
Ford India sold more than 60,000 units wholesale and export vehicles from January to June 2011, compared to 39,465 units sold during the same period last year. In June the company had combined wholesale and exports of 9,145 vehicles, compared to 8,483 units in June 2010.
“Due to continued strong sales of the Figo, the last 15 months have been very successful in this hugely competitive market. We are extremely proud to have crossed the 100,000 sales milestone,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India.
Fuel-efficient diesel variants of Figo and Fiesta Classic cars have been in high demand, due to rising fuel prices, creating a customer waiting list. Ford is expanding its engine plant in Chennai and working with diesel engine part suppliers in order to better meet strong demand.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience as we work with our suppliers to remove capacity constraints, and ensure we can meet the ever increasing demand for Ford vehicles,” added Boneham. “Our manufacturing team is working hard to meet the dramatic increase in Figo exports as well as to keep up with domestic sales growth”
The 100,000th Ford Figo produced for the Indian market was delivered this month, just 15 months after its introduction. In addition to this milestone, 14 additional international markets will receive the Chennai-built Figo, including: Angola, Bermuda, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, UAE, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ford has been exporting the Figo to South Africa, Nepal, Mexico, Kenya and Bahrain.
Ford will eventually export the Figo to 50 international markets, reinforcing Ford India’s growing status as an exporter of both small cars and fuel efficient, low displacement engines.
The Ford Figo will soon embark on a journey to a 1,000 India cities in the form of a roadshow called Ford Figo Bharat Yatra, which began in Kolkata on June 29. This 100-day roadshow will engage customers in tier 2 and 3 cities in various fun activities with the Ford Figo.
Clinching 20 Indian auto industry awards, the Figo has won more honours than any other car in Indian automotive history. Ford Figo was voted Indian Car of the Year 2011 by a jury panel of leading automotive magazine editors. It was also named runner up in South African Car of the Year Awards 2011.
