Ford India plans to expand its dealerships and service network in India to 500 by 2015, along with introducing eight new models. With the bid to become a volume player in the Indian market, Ford will launch the new compact SUV, the EcoSport, next year.
The American car maker also plans to increase exports from India. The company currently exports the Figo hatchback to around 35 countries and plans to increase it to 50 with the launch of the EcoSport. The company’s new facility in Gujarat will be operational by 2014 and will take Ford’s commitment in India to USD 2 billion.
Joginder Singh, who has taken over as the new President and Managing Director of Ford India from December 1, said "The leader might change. But the business plan has not changed. Eight new products by the middle of this decade will be launched in India. We will increase the customer touch points (sales and service points) to 250 this year and to 500 touch points by middle of this decade".
“We are still not a massive player here, but it will change in the coming years. Ford India has grown from the annual sales level of 30,000 units to about a lakh and with exports we are touching 120,000-130,000 units annually. This is in addition to being an export hub for engines,” said Boneham.
