Ford India’s sales have increased 40 percent so far this year, continuing to outpace the market. Ford sold 80,332 wholesale and export vehicles from January to August 2011, compared to 57,303 units sold during the same period last year.
The company sold 8,914 combined wholesale and export units in August, a nine percent increase from the 8,172 units sold in August 2010.
“Despite increasing competition and slower industry growth rates, consumers continue to choose the innovative, fuel-efficient, cost-effective vehicles Ford India offers. As part of our aggressive expansion in India and our long term commitment here, we will continue to develop, build and sell more and more vehicles in India that people want and value,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. “We are extremely proud of continuing the positive momentum for our overall performance, and with support from newer vehicles such as the All-New Ford Fiesta, and continued strong demand for the Ford Figo, we are confident this trend will continue for the rest of this year.”
The All-New Fiesta, which went on sale last month, brings many segment-leading technological firsts, such as a voice-controlled in-car entertainment and climate system and Cruise Control, in a stylish, fuel-efficient package. The All-New Fiesta is the first of eight new vehicles Ford is bringing to India by mid-decade.
Ford Figo continues to see a surge in demand as Ford India exported more than 1,500 cars this month, now exporting to 26 markets. “It is gratifying to see our Chennai-built Figo achieve sales beyond the 100,000 units sold here in India, as well as great results from export markets as well,” Boneham added.
Ford will eventually export Figo to close to 50 international markets, reinforcing Ford India’s growing status as an exporter of both small cars and fuel-efficient, low-displacement engines.
Driving Figo’s popularity further in India has been the Ford Figo Bharat Yatra Roadshow, a 100-day journey through 1,000 cities to engage customers in various fun activities with Figo. The successful campaign, which began in Kolkata on June 29, has already reached out to 42,000 prospective customers and covered more than 470 towns in 13 states in 65 days.
Since its March 2010 launch in New Delhi, Figo has clinched 20 Indian auto industry awards to become India’s ‘Most Awarded Car Ever’. The vehicle’s success has helped Ford to become one of the top five carmakers in India.
