Ford enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the return of the brand into the Indian car market will have to bear bad news. It has been reported by Autocar India that the company’s famed offerings like the EcoSport, Figo, and Aspire will not be making a comeback in India. It has also been reported that Ford will only be offering its T6 Platform vehicles (Endeavor/Everest and Ranger) with ICE powertrains. Apart from these, all of the smaller vehicles on the launch roster will be only available with EV drivetrain.
For its comeback into the Indian automotive market, Ford’s strategy will have significant focus on electric vehicles (EVs). For this reason, the company is not looking to relaunch the EcoSport, Figo, and Aspire in the country. However, there are a few other reasons for the brand to not bring these vehicles back.
The primary reason being their lackluster sales. Prior to the exit of Ford from India, the company was facing losses because of the declining sales of these models. Apart from this reason, there is also a significant reason behind these vehicles not returning on the Ford India product portfolio.
As we all are aware back in 2022, Tata Motors acquired its Sanand, Gujarat plant from Ford India. And for those who may not be aware, the Figo, Aspire, and Freestyle were all produced in this plant. So at this point, the company only has its Maraimalai Nagar plant in Tamil Nadu, and making it capable of producing these cars makes no financial sense according to Ford India.
Only T6 Platform vehicles to offer ICE drivetrains
A source from the company recently confirmed that only its premium segment vehicles like the Everest/Endeavour and Ranger will come with ICE powertrains. The source stated, “That chapter [made-in-India mass-market internal combustion engine models] is closed. Our internal combustion engine play in India will only be limited to T6 products.”
Ford India’s upcoming electric mid-size SUV
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As for the future plans of Ford India, the company is extremely bullish on electric vehicles. And to have a bigger market share of the increasing EV car segment, the company is developing a new electric powertrain. The first product to utilize this new EV architecture could be its new compact SUV.
The design patent of this SUV has been leaked online. From the leaks that we have seen till now, it has been noted that the SUV will boast a very modern and aggressive styling. It will get a ton of cutting-edge features and a premium interior as well.
Once launched, this all-electric SUV will be competing with the likes of the Maruti Suzuki eVX, Tata Harrier EV, and Hyundai Creta EV. Currently, no information about this electric SUV’s battery or electric motors has been revealed.
Apart from this, Ford is also planning to bring the Mustang Mach-E to India as well. However, this particular electric SUV will cost more than Rs. 1 crore as it will be a CBU unit. Reportedly, it will be launched around 2025.
Ford Everest coming back
Last but not least, according to reports, the first car to make its comeback to India will be the Ford Endeavour/Everest. As per the reports, the company will be renaming the Endeavour as Everest because it recently managed to patent the Everest badge in India.
The Ford Endeavour name was used back in 2003 because the Everest badge was copyrighted by some other entity. This time around, Ford wants to name the Endeavour as Everest because it wants to align it with its international branding.
The post EcoSport, Figo And Aspire Coming Back? New Details Reveal Ford’s India Plans first appeared on Cartoq.
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