Ford to unveil at upcoming New Delhi show next-gen model for India, other global markets
FORD Motor Corp. teases an all-new vehicle that it intends to unveil at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi, India, with the carmaker releasing only a cropped photo and trickles of information regarding its latest product.
And though admitting that its new model is intended for India—emerging as one of the planet’s biggest auto market—Ford reveals the car will be sold around the globe, too.
The carmaker says the new vehicle is a spawn of its One Ford thinking where a product is designed to help expand Ford’s footprint in the world’s fastest-growing auto markets, and will be the second of eight products planned to reach India by mid-decade. While the company is offering some of its global products in the country—most notably its Fiesta subcompact—Ford is also presently enjoying brisk sales of its Figo and Classic, models that are found in virtually no other market but India.
Guessing game
Reportedly, the new model is a compact crossover and will wear the carmaker’s EcoSport badge already seen in emerging markets like Mexico and Brazil, as well as in some European countries. The car is speculated to arrive in Europe in 2013 as the new EcoSport. After all, the present EcoSport is based on a heavily revised European version of the Ford Fusion—which is not to be confused with its US namesake. If so, the new vehicle will then have the option of power plants ranging in sizes from 1.0 liters to 2.0 liters (including a diesel-burning one), and be offered with either a five-speed manual or Ford’s dual-clutch transmission, as well as with two- and all-wheel drivetrains.
However, Ford is also hinting that the new model could actually turn out to be the latest rendition of its Ka, a funky, mini subcompact that isn’t much larger than its name. The Ka, in its present form, is sold in Europe and shares underpinnings with the Fiat 500—well, the car is actually built by Fiat in Poland. And there are versions of the Ka produced and sold in South America, too. Whatever the case, it’s clear that the present global demand for fuel-efficient cars with miniscule carbon footprints forces manufacturers like Ford to rediscover its existing product lineup and readily offer such models to markets around the world.
Clearly, too, Ford is being coy at exactly which model it is going to unveil in India late next week.
Dazzling display
Ford says its next-generation vehicle will take center stage at its “high-tech and interactive” 1,400-square-meter display floor at the New Delhi show, the car to be joined by 11 other Ford vehicles. With an expected 1.4 million visitors, the company reckons Auto Expo 2012—which opens January 5, 2012, to the world press—is an ideal location to showcase its newest product.
According to Ford, its stand will take advantage of the latest technology to “deliver a lively and interactive experience for customers,” and so the carmaker will be allowing visitors to take control of a vehicle on a large LED screen using a motion-sensing camera. Other show highlights will include a Figo Theater where a video featuring the Figo’s smart technologies will be played; a 3D theater that will show Ford designing, developing and engineering its vehicles; a Quality Touch Table that will allow guests to feel the quality of the materials used in Ford vehicles; and a Green Touch Table that will demonstrate the long-term value of the company’s green thinking.
The carmaker says the new vehicle is a spawn of its One Ford thinking where a product is designed to help expand Ford’s footprint in the world’s fastest-growing auto markets, and will be the second of eight products planned to reach India by mid-decade. While the company is offering some of its global products in the country—most notably its Fiesta subcompact—Ford is also presently enjoying brisk sales of its Figo and Classic, models that are found in virtually no other market but India.
Guessing game
Reportedly, the new model is a compact crossover and will wear the carmaker’s EcoSport badge already seen in emerging markets like Mexico and Brazil, as well as in some European countries. The car is speculated to arrive in Europe in 2013 as the new EcoSport. After all, the present EcoSport is based on a heavily revised European version of the Ford Fusion—which is not to be confused with its US namesake. If so, the new vehicle will then have the option of power plants ranging in sizes from 1.0 liters to 2.0 liters (including a diesel-burning one), and be offered with either a five-speed manual or Ford’s dual-clutch transmission, as well as with two- and all-wheel drivetrains.
However, Ford is also hinting that the new model could actually turn out to be the latest rendition of its Ka, a funky, mini subcompact that isn’t much larger than its name. The Ka, in its present form, is sold in Europe and shares underpinnings with the Fiat 500—well, the car is actually built by Fiat in Poland. And there are versions of the Ka produced and sold in South America, too. Whatever the case, it’s clear that the present global demand for fuel-efficient cars with miniscule carbon footprints forces manufacturers like Ford to rediscover its existing product lineup and readily offer such models to markets around the world.
Clearly, too, Ford is being coy at exactly which model it is going to unveil in India late next week.
Dazzling display
Ford says its next-generation vehicle will take center stage at its “high-tech and interactive” 1,400-square-meter display floor at the New Delhi show, the car to be joined by 11 other Ford vehicles. With an expected 1.4 million visitors, the company reckons Auto Expo 2012—which opens January 5, 2012, to the world press—is an ideal location to showcase its newest product.
According to Ford, its stand will take advantage of the latest technology to “deliver a lively and interactive experience for customers,” and so the carmaker will be allowing visitors to take control of a vehicle on a large LED screen using a motion-sensing camera. Other show highlights will include a Figo Theater where a video featuring the Figo’s smart technologies will be played; a 3D theater that will show Ford designing, developing and engineering its vehicles; a Quality Touch Table that will allow guests to feel the quality of the materials used in Ford vehicles; and a Green Touch Table that will demonstrate the long-term value of the company’s green thinking.
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