Ford to launch global car in India

Ford India today announced that it would launch its global car in India later this year before exporting it to other countries.

"We will launch an all-new premium model with a contemporary styling. It has been built by an international development team supported by Indian engineers," said David Friedman, managing director and president, Ford India, at a press conference.

The company did not divulge details regarding expected sales volume, exports, pricing and the debut date. The car is expected to be positioned in a segment where Ford does not have a presence.

The new car has been in the making for two-and-a-half years across multiple locations spanning Europe, Australia and India. Another first for Ford India was that a team of 20 Indian engineers were located at various international bases assisting in the design and development of the car.

The new car has been developed "first and foremost with India in mind" and will be a "significant in volume product" with a high level of localisation, indicated Friedman. The degree of localisation could be in between its two models: Fusion (70 per cent) and Ikon ( over 90 per cent).

Ford India with the new model will be adding capacity by this year-end. At present it has a footprint that enables it to scale up production capacity. Exports of the car is to start after the debut in India. The manufacturing base for exports will initially be in India before being started in other locations worldwide.

Friedman said the Indian market had become complex quicker than many had anticipated, and had a "tremendous vibrancy."

"In 1998, India had just 20 models. Today, there are about 60 models," said Friedman.

Arvind to be India MD

Arvind Mathew will head Ford India effective August 2005, the first person of Indian origin to do so. Mathew's current designation is vice-president and executive director- India programs implementation and supply. He handles the company's manufacturing and supply.

Mathew, a US citizen, will be designated as managing director and president of Ford India. The current Ford India head, David Friedman, said he is to move to an executive position with Ford's Asia-Pacific region.

Ford India has completed almost a decade of operations. A company release said, "Mathew will lead the company's aggressive growth phase." Mathew has served Ford in North America, Turkey, Spain, Germany and the UK.