Ford @ Auto Expo 2012

[Rehaan]

Ford showed their EcoSport compact SUV to the world for the first time ever :



A few of us got to have a short talk with Nigel Wark (Executive Director for Marketing, Sales and Service) and J Mays (VP Global Design & Chief Creative Officer) of Ford. Highlights :

• Sub-4m for the EcoSport is confirmed. In their own words, it would be foolish not to squeeze the EcoSport into that bracket.
  
• Why isn’t the EcoSport the Fusion? From Fords research, the Fusion just did not have the “package volume” (ie. Interior space) that was desired in countries like Brazil and India.
  
• The Fusion is dead. There was a flat “no” when asked about the chances of it being revived in the Indian market.
  
• Ford says that the EcoSport will look almost identical at launch. Only a few minor changes will be made. My guess on the changes : Less flashy front grille, headlamp redesign, smaller wheel/tyre combo (slightly reduced ride height), no spare tyre mounted on the rear tailgate.
  
• Despite the “compact SUV” stance, Ford claims that they are focusing on making the EcoSport have the typical “fun to drive” character that their other vehicles are known for.
  
• Fiesta S for the latest generation? Nigel Wark said “We all loved the old Fiesta S. Unfortunately, no one bought it!”. That explains Ford’s current thinking on the “S”.

Read more about the EcoSport in this dedicated thread : LINK

[Rehaan]

The Fiesta Hatchback body shell was also on display. This will be of interest to those of you who took a liking to the "boron steel" in the Fiesta's construction.



Surprisingly long engine sub-frame


The ultra-high strength steel is shown in red




Two inflated air-bags and a skeleton of the drivers seat for reference


Side-impact bars (shown in purple)




Here's the electric motor thats part of the Fiesta's excellent EPS system

[Rehaan]

Other than the EcoSport which was a huge attraction, Ford didn't have any new cars, concepts or variants on display. Just the regular Figo and Fiesta...






... along with some interesting wall-art :






They also had some "safe driving" games




and an in-car theater

[andromeda]

The Fiesta body shell on display is a very good opportunity to see/feel the safety features (especially the body frame, side impact bars, etc..) in flesh. Good to see the section on FDSL program. Reminds of the class we took a few months ago. Hopefully this will increase it's visibility and create more 'safe' drivers on the road (one-at-a-time).

Ecosport looks butch for a mini-SUV. Wish the Safari Storme had a similar looking front

[ghodlur]

Does this mean Ford Fiesta in hatchback format is going to be on the streets very soon. Also the last pic, would the hatchback have the roof rails too.

I seriously wish Ford would get the Fusion back on the streets.

[Vid6639]

Rehaan was there no mention of the Fiesta PowerShift Dual clutch AT? Did they give an indication of launch and prices?

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by ghodlur

I seriously wish Ford would get the Fusion back on the streets.

There was a flat-out NO when asked about the return of the Fusion.

Also, on the chances of their being a new "Fiesta S", Nigel Wark said "Everyone loved the Fiesta S, but unfortunately, no-one bought it!"

Originally Posted by Vid6639

Rehaan was there no mention of the Fiesta PowerShift Dual clutch AT? Did they give an indication of launch and prices?

Surprisingly not!

cya
R

[Latheesh]

Wow forget their cars that body shell display is awesome.

[hillram]

Im let down that Ford Ka is still not slated for India.

[SDP]

1 new vehicle and 2 existing models, that's it?
Looks like Ford didn't do their homework right OR possibly they are still sulking about the new Fiesta's order book.

Figo would be completing 2 years soon. Any mid-life facelift or additional variants planned, a diesel AT may be?

[akshay380]

Originally Posted by SDP

1 new vehicle and 2 existing models, that's it?
Looks like Ford didn't do their homework right OR possibly they are still sulking about the new Fiesta's order book.

Figo would be completing 2 years soon. Any mid-life facelift or additional variants planned, a diesel AT may be?

Figo 1.6 Manual

They could have at the very least shown the legendary Mustang, race spec'ed GT40 and the classic Ford Model T. Most Indians as such are not much aware of Ford history.

[MAS]

It is disappointing to say the least about the Ford's display at the Auto Expo.

First they had a bad Fiesta launch after such a big hype. Now they have just brought the Ecosport Concept. I am not sure if Ford wants to sell cars in India. Such an important exhibition and they come up with just the Figo and Fiesta?

[vnabhi]

Originally Posted by ghodlur

Does this mean Ford Fiesta in hatchback format is going to be on the streets very soon. Also the last pic, would the hatchback have the roof rails too.

I seriously wish Ford would get the Fusion back on the streets.

+1 to your views above. When I bought my Fiesta, the Fusion was only available in its petrol avatar. It is sad that they discontinued the Fusion tdci. If it were still around, I'd have preferred it to the Figo or i-20.

At least I hope they bring on the Fiesta hatch.

[vinya_jag]

Originally Posted by SDP

1 new vehicle and 2 existing models, that's it?

Figo would be completing 2 years soon. Any mid-life facelift or additional variants planned, a diesel AT may be?

Ford are the ones who displayed something close to a India-ready car, in fact two.
The Eco-sport and the Fiesta hatch.

Others (except Merc) dont even have anything ready yet. Yes, a lot of concepts but will they ever make it here? I feel that the others are were equally (if not more) unimpressive.

And my take on Fords fortunes here:
I feel they need new clothing for their old Fiesta. And they should have never brought the New Fiesta sedan here.

The new hatch could do wonders, even if not priced right. (Read slightly above the Swift would still be good value for the Fiesta hatch)

The Eco sport is the best they can offer to us now. A new segment, and completely different strategy on engines. [Waiting for a TD of the petrol ES]

[bala80]

Nothing exciting apart from the ecosport. By the way, as couple of members have asked above, do they have any plans of launching the fiesta hatch in our market? IMO, the hatch looks much better compared to its sedan variant.