As the focus is now shifting on the new Figo, Ford India is diverting its small cars to South Africa and Asia-Pacific regions. Once the car, with 1.2 lit engine (optional 1.4 lit engine), gets its launch in India in March, soon it will enter these markets, said its Executive Director. The car is crafted in the Chennai plant of the company which has the capacity of 2 lakh annual units at an investment of $500 million.
There will also be production of petrol and diesel engines coupled with 4-cylinder engines of 1.6 lit (which are meant for export). The engines will see the landing in South Africa, Asia-Pacific, Ford Europe, Ford North America and ASEAN. For marketing this Figo next month, the company has fixed 28 new dealers spread across 24 cities in India to provide total sale and service network for the entire range of cars. This addition of dealers make the tally to 164 in 97 cities in the country with an increase of 30% dealerships in the last two years. To promote this Figo vigorously, Ford India is targeting the Tier-II and Tier-III areas.