Latest Car News in India

Ford to invest Rs 750 crore to roll out Ford Ecosport

Ford Motors will be investing Rs 750 crore in its Chennai plant to make it capable of rolling out the Ford Ecosport. The mini SUV Ford Ecosport is expected to be available for sale in mid this year and was launched at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2012. Ford Ecosport price in India is expected to remain around Rs 8.5 to Rs 9 lakh. Experts believe that Ford Ecosport will be rewriting history as Ford Figo and Ford Fiesta did.

As per sources, Ford India's President and Managing Director Michael Boneham in his meeting with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has expressed his willingness to invest the amount in order to bring about the mini SUV in India. The investment will be primarily dedicated in setting up infrastructure including production line for the Ecosport and other allied works. It is expected to generate fresh employment for over 400 people and the American carmaker hopes to roll out the SUV on time. With the fresh investment added, the total investment in the state by Ford India has gone up to Rs 1130 crore.

Total investments by the company in India has been to the tune of Rs 4,500 crore and it currently offers a hatchback Ford Figo that has gained popularity in the small car segment besides Ford Fiesta classic and new Ford Fiesta with voice control feature. There is also an SUV offering in place Ford Endeavour that has also clicked good numbers on the sales chart recently. It was in the year 1195 that Ford India has set up its first plant in Chennai.

Ford Ecosport is a mini SUV and it will target the entry level SUV buyers in India. The 1L engine expected in the Ecosport is both powerful yet performing. This new Ford SUV will be entering the compact SUV market in India which has currently one offering in the form of Premier Rio. However, there are others soon to follow it.