Ford India reports 14.79 pct total sales decline compared to 10,634 vehicles sold in January 2014. January 2015 domestic wholesales remained steady at 6,647 vehicles sold, down marginally from 6,706 sold in January 2014, equating to .87 pct sales decline. Ford exported 2,414 cars in Jan 2015, down from 3,928 units in January 2014, equating to 38.54 pct sales decline.
Anurag Mehrotra, vice president for Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India says domestic wholesales have remained steady in January. Withdrawal of excise duty concessions has contributed to prevailing low consumer sentiment. Indian automotive industry is one of the biggest contributors to GDP. RBI’s recent interest rate reduction move is a positive development, but the industry needs further impetus to restore sector growth. Ford India hopes the government continues its pro-consumer, industry-friendly reform policy. Measures to boost demand are expected to be announced in the upcoming budget in February end.
Ford India has today introduced its vehicle customisation centre for EcoSport modification options at the time of purchase. Orders are to be placed at dealerships.
Valeo India Pvt Ltd has inaugurated its Rs. 100 crore Sanand factory to supply temperature control products for passenger cars. The auto component manufacturer’s presence in Sanand places it in a rapidly growing automobile manufacturing hub. This is the sixth Valeo factory in India. The thermal powertrain products factory will make radiators, charge air controllers and fan systems. Valeo will supply components to Ford at its Sanand car plant. About 60 pct of its capacity is committed to Ford.
Valeo India will approach other OEMs setting up shop at Sanand. Upward of 15 Ford Motors’ vendors are settling in Sanand at an investment upward of 500 crore. Component suppliers are setting up at Ford Vendor Park within Sanand GIDC estate. On the product front, Ford India will launch its 2015 next-gen Figo hatchback and compact sedan (known as KA and KA+ in Brazil). Production will begin at the new Ford Sanand plant.
