Ford India to unveil concept compact car at Delhi Auto

Ford India, an arm of the Detroit car maker, plans to unveil a new concept car at the Delhi Auto Expo next month as the company looks to tap growth in the compact car segment India.

"To serve the specific needs of consumers in India, the concept will showcase Ford's vision for the future in the competitive compact car segment in India and other dynamic emerging markets," Ford said in a statement. It said the car is based on a global design philosophy, but created to serve the specific needs of consumers in India.

With the Asia-Pacific region set to account for nearly a third of Ford's global sales volume by 2015 - up from 15 per cent in 2010 - the concept will give visitors a glimpse into the kind of vehicle that Ford expects to play an important role in the region.

The compact car segment in India has been outpacing the rest of the industry for the past decade, accounting for a third of total car sales in 2013.

Ford expects compact car sales in India to grow from about one million units last year to roughly two million units in 2018, reflecting the significance of compact cars to Indian consumers.

"We're excited to welcome visitors to our stand at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2014, to let them experience at first hand the global products that we are creating to meet and exceed their expectations," said Vinay Piparsania, executive director of marketing, sales and service at Ford India.

"Alongside a stunning new global concept, we're proud to display our exciting global vehicles and the advanced technologies that manifest our promise to go further for our customers with high quality products that are fuel efficient, safe and offer smart solutions."

Ford's product-driven transformation will be on full display at the Auto Expo, with a dynamic and interactive exhibit of the vehicles and technologies that have helped the company grow its brand in India.

Visitors will be greeted by a full display of Ford vehicles for India, with Ford Figo, Ford Classic, Ford Fiesta, Ford EcoSport and Ford Endeavour displaying the latest look and feel for 2014.

The stand has also been designed to engage visitors with lively and interactive activities demonstrating Ford's green, safe and smart technologies.

"EcoBoost Touch Table will give visitors a visceral sensation of the power of a turbocharged engine. Visitors will have the chance to take and share souvenir photos showing them being quite literally blown away," the company said in a statement.

It added, "Accessing your digital world with just the sound of your voice is at the core of Ford's SYNC in-car connectivity system. Visitors to Ford's display will be able to experience this power through a SYNC driving game."