Ford India’s Domestic Sales Numbered at 15,775 Vehicles

Ford India’s combined sales for domestic wholesales and exports in March were 15,775 vehicles, compared to 11,805 vehicles in the corresponding month last year. Domestic wholesales for the month of March were at 5,253 vehicles against 6,356 units in the same month last year, while exports increased to 10,522 vehicles compared to 5,449 units in March 2014. 

Anurag Mehrotra, executive director Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India said, “With the economic recovery being slower than anticipated and a high interest rate & inflation environment, customers continue to defer their discretionary spends. However, Ford’s faith in India’s long-term growth prospects remains intact. We are continuing to invest in India’s future growth potential. In March, we took our growth commitment in India to a new peak with the inauguration of US $1-billion integrated manufacturing facility at Sanand, Gujarat.” 

The Sanand Vehicle Assembly and Engine Assembly plant which is spread over 460-acres of area, aims to establish India as a major global manufacturing hub. A state-of-the-art vehicle manufacturing facility and a world-class engine plant are the integrated facilities of the plant. The first car to roll-out from the new plant will be the new Ford Figo Aspire, a new sub-four-metre compact sedan. The car is listed to go on sale later this year.

“India is a key market for Ford and with our Sanand plant being operational, Ford is stronger than ever to provide cars and utilities that customers want and value. We plan to introduce three new models in the next 12-18 months with leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value,” Mehrotra said. “Alongside creating employment and contributing to economy, our manufacturing operations at Sanand will enable us to serve our customers with great quality products, both in India and around the world."

The Sanand facility nearly doubles Ford’s installed production capacity in India with an installed annual capacity of 240,000 vehicles and 270,000 engines. Production at Ford’s Sanand plant will commence with a single shift operations supported by approximately 2,500 employees. The plant also will generate employment of more than 7,500 workers across tier I suppliers and the rest of the value chain.