- Ford to use Auto Expo 2012 for the global preview of the all-new EcoSport, providing the first glimpse of the compact SUV
- Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally confident of strong demand for EcoSport in India, one of the world’s fastest-growing auto markets
- Ford’s global EcoBoost powertrain technology to come to India, with the introduction of the fuel-efficient 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine
NEW DELHI, India, Jan 5, 2012 – The all-new Ford EcoSport was previewed today, providing the world with its first glimpse of the compact SUV and taking centre stage on Ford Motor Company’s high-tech and fun interactive stand at the 11th Auto Expo 2012.
The modern and innovative EcoSport will be part of a showcase of vehicles on display to capture the attention of customers to one of the most important auto shows in the region.
The EcoSport is the latest One Ford global product, helping to expand Ford’s footprint in the world’s fastest-growing auto markets such as India. The new EcoSport – which will eventually be sold in nearly 100 markets worldwide – will be produced at ultra-modern, flexible assembly plants in India and Brazil, and other markets to be announced at a later time.
“The all-new Ford EcoSport reflects our commitment to serve our customers with the cars and trucks they truly want and value,” said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “Our engineering team used their years of EcoSport experience to make every aspect of the next-generation model even stronger.”
India is an increasingly important auto market, and the all-new EcoSport will play a significant role in Ford’s aggressive global plan to achieve a 50 percent increase in worldwide sales by mid-decade to 8 million vehicles a year. Asia Pacific and Africa is expected to deliver 60 percent to 70 percent of that target.
The EcoSport is the second of eight products Ford plans to bring to India by mid-decade.
Ford is also bringing its global EcoBoost powertrain technology to India for the first time in the form of its newest and smallest-ever EcoBoost engine. With only three cylinders and 1.0 litre of displacement, the latest EcoBoost engine will provide fuel-efficient power for the EcoSport.
Despite its small capacity and proportions, the engine delivers power and performance that will rival a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine while emitting less than 140g/km CO2.
Downsized EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging, direct injection and other technologies and replace larger engines with no loss of performance and with lower fuel consumption. Ultimately, this all-new engine will be made available in Ford models in China, Europe, North America and other regions.
“Indian customers have really embraced Ford, particularly since we launched the hugely successful Ford Figo, and the all-new EcoSport will only further enhance our showroom offerings in India,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. “The Indian market is extremely competitive, and we are confident that this new compact SUV will be one of the strongest performing vehicles in this new segment.”
Fleet of Ford vehicles on display
Joining the EcoSport on the Ford stand will be the Ford Figo, the All-New Fiesta, the Ford Classic, and the Ford Endeavour – an all-action SUV.
The Figo has been a phenomenal success, selling more than 130,000 units since its launch in 2010. While the Figo has only been in the Indian market for a short time, it has become the country’s most awarded car ever, and has garnered industry-wide recognition as a great value-for-money vehicle, which is exported to more than 30 international markets.
The Ford Classic, as it is known today, has established a strong foothold in the Indian market by winning over 120,000 customers with its on-road dynamics and best-in-class fuel efficiency, while the Ford Endeavour is a true-blue SUV, accentuated with a touch-activated GPS satellite navigation system, advanced active and passive safety features for unmatched safety on the road.
The All-New Ford Fiesta four-door sedan, a premium offering in the B-car segment which comes with superior technology and first-in-segment features such as Cruise Control, Hill Grade Assist, and Electronic Stability Program –,ensuring added driving comfort and safety – will also be on display. It will also boast Ford’s new soon to be introduced best-in-class PowerShift automatic transmission – another positive step in the company’s strategy to bring the latest technology to customers in India.
Compared to traditional four-speed automatics, the PowerShift transmission can improve fuel economy by up to nine percent, depending on the vehicle. When mated to the all-new Fiesta, the PowerShift automatic transmission delivers best-in-class fuel efficiency – equalling or even surpassing that of the manual transmission – thereby dispelling a common myth about thirsty automatic transmissions.
Ford stand bursting with activity
The Ford stand will be pulsating with activity as it takes advantage of the latest technology to deliver a lively and interactive experience for customers.
A major highlight will be allowing the audience to take control of the all-new Ford EcoSport – virtually. Using a motion sensing camera, the crowd will collectively be able to control the compact SUV as it drives along the road, and unlocking information at each bend. The display will show the EcoSport on the screen, and the crowd will be prompted to lean left and right during a short drive before showing highlights of the drive and key messaging.
Photos from this fun event will be taken during each game, and then uploaded to a Facebook gallery, where visitors can tag themselves.
Ford has also set up a Figo Theatre, where customers will sit inside the car and be able to watch a film which will be played on a plasma television in front of the windscreen. The video will deliver messages on the Figo’s Smart technologies, and will allow auto show visitors to enjoy a close and personal experience with the top-selling compact.
Another theatre, in 3D, will showcase the technologies Ford takes advantage of in designing, developing and engineering the vehicle. Guests will be able to grab a pair of 3D goggles and navigate a virtual car interior under the guidance of a Ford engineer.
A Quality Touch Table will provide guests with a hands-on opportunity to feel the quality of the materials and workmanship which help make Ford vehicles great value for money. A Green Touch Table will demonstrate the benefits of the EcoBoost engine, and in addition the long-term value that Ford’s green technology provides customers, delivering on Ford’s commitment to provide low cost of ownership.
Visitors to the Ford stand will also be wowed by the Safe Driving Challenge, engaging them in an interactive safe driving competition where they follow a route to earn points for observing the speed limit, stopping at traffic lights, and slowing down in school zones.
A Fiesta body shell will also be a feature of the stand, giving visitors an opportunity to discover the engineering features which make it safe, sturdy and secure on the road.
It will also educate guests on how Ford’s safety systems protect drivers and passengers “in the blink of an eye”. While it takes the human eye 100 milliseconds to blink, the average person takes 150 milliseconds to realise they have been involved in a collision. But Ford’s intelligent safety systems are deployed in 70 milliseconds.
Guests will also be entertained by a local magician who will perform regularly on the stand to communicate Ford’s safety stories in a fun way.
Auto Expo 2012 runs from January 7-11 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
