Ford to launch eight new cars in India by mid decade

Ford Motor Company will launch eight new vehicles in India by the middle of the decade as it moves to rapidly expand its presence in the country.

Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa (APA), made the announcement today during a keynote speech titled ''Managing Growth – Evolving Market Dynamics'' at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Conference in New Delhi.

''We have big plans for India and for this region,'' Hinrichs said. ''As we have seen from the spectacular early success of the Ford Figo, more and more Indian consumers appreciate the fuel efficient, economical, high quality, safe, and fun-to-drive vehicles that Ford offers. By the middle of this decade we will introduce eight new vehicles to India from our global platforms, in segments appropriate for this market. This is part of our 'better plan' to bring more and more vehicles from our vast global portfolio to India and other markets in Asia Pacific and Africa.''

Ford India launched the Ford Figo subcompact in the first quarter of this year, selling more than 30,000 units in 25 weeks.

''Although the vast majority of vehicles we produce in India will help satisfy growing local demand, we also continue to pursue export opportunities,'' said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. ''We are pleased to announce that Ford India will export our locally-produced, hot-selling Ford Figo to 50 new markets, including Mexico, North Africa and the Middle East starting next year.''

Ford has been exporting the Figo to South Africa since May 2010. Ford India also exports the Ford Fiesta (branded as the ''Ikon'') and diesel powertrains to South Africa, as well as 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol engines to Thailand. Ford sells the Endeavor, Ikon, Fiesta and Figo in India, all locally-produced.