CHENNAI, India – The Ford brand is gaining momentum in India, and the Company's growing reputation for delivering high-quality vehicles, with low cost of ownership, is resulting in ever-increasing numbers of Indian consumers choosing Ford.
The proof is in the numbers.
Ford India registered a whopping 98 percent increase in October sales versus a year ago, to 3,458 units, marking its highest sales in the past 25 months. This exceptional month followed great September sales, which rose 50 percent from the previous year.
“We're seeing an overwhelming response to our product line-up, with Fiesta recording its highest sales in the last 16 months,'' said Nigel Wark, executive director, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India. ''We are delighted to see such an impressive and robust growth for all our car lines. We believe that our product strategy and planning have gained significant momentum and traction in the Indian market.”
Strong demand continued for the Ikon in October, which ranked No. 1 in the J.D Power 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study, marking its best sales month in the past five years.
“The consistent surge in sales is testament to Ford's focus and commitment to quality and the enhanced ownership experience through new initiatives like Quick Service, which we believe will further improve our market share,” said Wark.
And the success is expected to continue.
The cool new Ford Figo – which will launch next year – is predicted to appeal to the vibrant Indian market, where more than 70 percent of new vehicle sales are comprised of small cars.
In preparation, Ford is strengthening its dealership and service network to 159 locations in India by the end of this year and investing more than USD 500 million to transform its Chennai plant into a fully integrated manufacturing and export facility.
''We are moving into an exciting new phase at Ford India, and I am confident that the outstanding efforts of our entire team – combined with tremendous support from our dealers – will enable us to grow our business in the years ahead,'' said Wark. ''We are passionate about our products, and our October sales prove that Indian consumers are taking notice.''