Ford to make India export HUB for small cars
FORD India plans to make the country an export hub for its small cars, and said it would export its soon - to - be - launched hatchback to Asia Pacific and African markets.
Ford will start exporting the small car, due for launch in early 2010, by the end of that year, said Ford India MD Michael Boneham. The company will also export petrol and diesel engines from its new engine plant near Chennai. "We will export our small car to regional markets and there is significant opportunity in the Asia Pacific region and Africa. Those markets will be our focus to begin with," Mr Boneham said.
Ford is setting up an engine plant with a capacity to produce 250,000 unit. The plant will cater to Indian and regional markets. "By 2010 - 11 small displacement diesel and petrol engines for Asia Pacific and African markets will be sourced from India," Mr Boneham said. Although the car will be exported to the regional markets first, Ford will look at other countries where small hatchbacks are in demand. "We will look at markets other than the US where this vehicle can be sold, "Mr Boneham Said.
That may not include Europe in the immediate future, though Ford isn't ruling out that option. According to him, Europe is a very sophisticated market where ford has a number of products such as the new version Ka which has just rolled out and the Fiesta. "But we may look at it in future. But we will definitely not export to the US, "he said.
Source : The Economic Time
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