Ford targets 70pc growth from China, India

Chennai:

Ford Motor Company expects 70 percent of the growth to come from Asia Pacific region during the next decade and much of that will be contributed by China and India, according to Joginder Singh, who replaces Michael Boneham as the president and managing director of Ford India from next month.

During a press conference here, Singh and Boneham said Ford has seven plants in the Asia Pacific region which is unparallel since 1940s. “We are on the verge of utilizing the plant potential in India and start innovating,” Singh said.

They said next year would be crucial for Ford when it launches much awaited sports utility vehicle EcoSport next year in Chennai. Singh said that he had invited Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to inaugurate the event. “She has accepted the invitation and we have to work out the scheduling,” he said.

Singh said the focus next year would be more on the EcoBoost technology, a new technology that improves fuel economy and increases performance output. The engine combines an advanced direct injection system and turbocharged gasoline resulting in a 20 per cent increase in fuel economy, 15 per cent lower cabon emissions, and improved driving performance.

He said the company’s focus is also on Tier II and Tier III cities and it plans to provide   global standards customer care as it launches eight new models next years.

He also said Ford plans to increase the customer touch points (sales and services) to 250 this year and 500 by middle of this decade. Singh said the new plant in Gujarat is on track and will start operating from 2014.