Ford India to launch small car in 2010 & export it in late 2010

[AG4]

Ford India to launch small car in 2010
Press Trust of India
Friday, August 28, 2009 (New Delhi)

US-based carmaker Ford on Friday said it will launch its new small car during the first half of next year and was planning to start exporting the product by the end of 2010.

The company said the sub-B segment car would be made to meet the statutory requirements of having an engine capacity of 1.2 litre petrol engine and 1.5 litre diesel engine.

"Our planned small car will be launched in India in by early 2010. We also plan to export it to markets in Asia Pacific and Africa by the end of next year," Ford India President and Managing Director Michael Boneham said on the sidelines of the Annual Siam Convention in New Delhi.

He said the company was looking at exploring the overseas market for the new car, but did not give details about the number of units planned.

Ford India is also going to launch a new advanced version of its SUV Endeavour within the next two weeks.

Boneham, meanwhile, said that the company has no plans to phase out its existing small car Fusion from India at present.

The company is also planning to start exporting diesel and petrol engines from its Chennai plant by early 2010. The company hopes to maintain a sales figure of 30,000 units this year, similar to last year's figure.

- http://profit.ndtv.com/2009/08/28174...small-car.html


Looks like the Hyundai i10 and Suzuki Celerio will soon have a new competitor from Ford.

PS: The current Ford Ka in Europe was developed mainly for the European market. Its made in Poland alongside the Fiat 500 its based on (Ford-Fiat joint venture).
There is still no info if this new small Ford from India will ba related to the Ka (probably not), but I have a feeling it will most likely be a 5-door and not a 3-door like the European Ford Ka.