The Times of India reports that Ford India has no plans of launching "independent" all-new vehicles in India till 2020. Surmising from this report, to keep the wheels turning, facelifts of existing cars along with jointly developed products with Mahindra & Mahindra and other partners would fuel the business in the short-term.
Ford has reduced its global platforms from 9 to just 5. However, Ford realises that it can't come up with all products relevant to emerging markets using them. Hence, for markets like that of India and China, Ford will be relying heavily on facelifts and joint ventures programs. Last year, Ford Motor Company and Mahindra & Mahindra entered a strategic alliance to leverage the benefits of each other's individual strengths.
Ford and Mahindra are working on a C-Segment SUV which is reported to be on the platform of the next-gen XUV500 (codename W601). The first product from this joint venture isn't expected anytime before 2020. The companies could also jointly develop electric cars.
In the meantime, the Blue Oval has the option of bringing down the Ford Territory which is a product of the Ford-JMC (Jiangling Motor Company) alliance. It’s based on the JMC Yusheng SM330 crossover. In India, the Ford Territory could become a worthy rival to the Hyundai Creta if localized well.
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This year, Ford India will be seen launching the facelifts for the Figo B1-segment hatchback and the Aspire C1-segment sedan during the festive season. Both the upcoming Ford models will receive the new 1.2-litre Dragon petrol engine that made its debut on the Freestyle. Next year, Ford will bring the Endeavour facelift to Indian shores. Given the exciting response to the Mustang, the facelift for the halo car is another given for the Indian market.
[Source - timesofindia.indiatimes.com]
