Ford India, the Indian subsidiary of the American car manufacturer Ford has revealed that the upcoming SUV EcoSport will have 80 percent localized manufacturing content in the petrol and diesel versions to reduce overall costs. In addition, being a sub-4 meter car, the SUV would attract lesser excise duty of 12 percent enabling the company to price it competitively in the Indian auto market.
According to Mr. Michael Boneham President and Managing Director Ford India, the EcoSport SUV will have the same level of localization as the Figo hatchback and the Ford Classic sedan. About 80 percent of the parts and components for the Figo and the Classic is localized and supplied by local vendors. The company is in negotiations with vendors to match the same level of localization for the EcoSport.
The EcoSport SUV is expected to be launched in early 2013 and is a part of the company’s expansion strategy for the Indian auto market with plans to manufacturer 8 new car models in India by the year 2015.
