Ford offers a huge price cut on the Classic

Ford played its cards well when it launched the new Ford Fiesta and continued to sell the previous model along with the new one, similar to what Hyundai had done with the Accent and Verna. Rechristened ‘Fiesta Classic’ and later to just ‘Classic’, the range started from Rs 7.5 lakh, which after a price cut was brought down to Rs 6.56 lakh. Now, according to a newspaper report, it seems that Ford will be introducing another price cut for the sedan and the Classic. Ford India will be slashing prices of the Classic by Rs 70,000 to Rs 1 lakh across variants.

The Classic is very much the same car which was sold as the Fiesta before, except for some cosmetic changes. The sedan is currently available with two engine options, a petrol and a diesel, both mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The petrol is a 1.6-litre DuraTec engine producing 101bhp and 146Nm of torque while the 1.4-litre TDCi diesel produces 68bhp and 160Nm of torque. The base LXi petrol trim is presently available for Rs 5.65 lakh, which when subjected to the discount will retail at a very attractive price of Rs 4.99 lakh. The discount is said to vary throughout the range, with the top-end variant, the Titanium TCDi, getting a discount of Rs 37,000.

Ford India confirmed the development. The report has quoted Vinay Piparsania, executive director of marketing, sales and service at Ford India, who says that the new strategy is in tune with the company's 'Go Further' global promise. "At Ford India, we are committed to deliver on customer expectations by continuous improvements in the value proposition of our products. Ford India has repositioned the Classic starting at Rs 4.99 lakh by by optimising efficiencies. The repositioning will make the Classic an even more compelling offer by further enhancing the ownership experience," said Piparsania.

This repositioning will mean that the Classic now competes with sub-4 metre sedans like Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and the upcoming sub-4 metre sedans from Hyundai and Tata Motors

Ford has been facing a huge decline in sales of the Classic, managing to sell only 50 units in December 2013 as compared to 1,574 units they sold in December 2012. Even the Fiesta hasn’t been doing well, selling just one car last month. The EcoSport on the other hand has been selling like hot cakes, with Ford having to stop accepting the bookings of the compact SUV, being unable to match the excess demand.

Regarding this price change, the dealers have already been intimated about the decision and the new prices will be applicable immediately.

Source: Economic Times