Ford Fiesta cruises to South Africa

CHENNAI: Ford India has commenced export of completely built units (CBUs) from its Maraimalai Nagar facility near here. The first consignment of Ford Fiesta is on its way to South Africa through the Mumbai Port.

The company is confident of exporting 5,000 Fiesta vehicles to South Africa in the next 12 months. Ford in South Africa will market Fiesta under the brand name Ikon.

The sale of Made in India Fiesta in South Africa is expected to commence in October across its 130-odd dealer network in that country.

Though Ford India has been exporting vehicle assembly kits, this is the first time since it commenced operations that the company is exporting fully built Made in India vehicles from its facility.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Ford India President Arvind Mathew said Fiesta had been a major contributor to the company??™s share in the mid-size segement in the domestic market, where Ford India had a market share of 20 per cent.

Sales of Fiesta in India had crossed 50,000 units in July. ???Export of Fiesta to South Africa is a proud moment for us,??? he added. Fiesta was first showcased in South Africa in the 2006 auto fair. The CBUs would be customised to suit the consumer needs and market dynamics in South Africa, Mr. Mathew said. The CBUs would be modified to include trailer tow capability, H-rated tyres, air bags and the like. Mr. Mathew said the export vehicle would target young families in South Africa. Ford India would export three variants of Fiesta ??” 1.4L, 1.6L (petrol version) and 1.4L diesel.

On the domestic market, the President said sales had been flat since April due to assorted factors ranging from high interest regime to rupee appreciation and other cost pressures. Nevertheless, he was confident of a pick up in sales in the coming days.

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