Ford is the first OEM's to receive the approved rate contract in the new open category.
Ford India has signed a significant contract with the Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals [DGS&D], the central purchase and quality assurance organisation of the Union Government, who has approved the use of the Ford Fiesta by all government departments across the country with immediate effect.
This is the first time premium mid-size sedan category has been introduced within DGS&D scheme, and Fiesta is the second car approved under DGS&D rate contract from the Ford portfolio after the Ikon.
Ford India is the first OEM's to receive the approved rate contract for this new category and under the contract, the Ford Fiesta, both Petrol and Diesel variants will be offered to government departments at a special rate.
''This approval by the DGS&D is significant endorsement of the superiority of the Ford cars. The contract is well-timed, opportune and will encourage government departments to purchase Ford cars.'' said Tim Tucker, vice president, Sales, Ford India.
This announcement comes close on the heels of Ford gearing towards growing its portfolio in India with an entry into the small car segment early next year, a testament to Ford’s commitment to the Indian market.
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As part of the corporate and fleet sales strategy, in addition to the Ikon and the Fiesta, Ford India continues to supply, its popular SUV Endeavour to various government and Public Sector Undertakings across various states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka to name a few.
''There are more than 80,000 Fiesta running on Indian roads today and Fiesta has proved its mettle. It's a car designed for the discerning Indian consumer who values performance, style and great drivability.'' adds Tim.
The Fiesta offers customers in the mid-size segment excellent fuel efficiency and driving performance blended with best in class driving dynamics in a vehicle with bold, contemporary styling.
Blended with new standards for safety features, it provides enhanced occupant protection and is one of the safest mid size cars available in India. Its 1.4 common rail TDCi DuraTorq engine is recognized for remarkable fuel efficiency and has set several fuel economy records like the Limca Book of Records. The Fiesta 1.6S has been recognized as 'The Best Driver's Car' by Formula-1 driver Narain Karthikeyan in Autocar India.
Editor's Notes:
Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles made at its modern integrated manufacturing facility, at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. With close to 2100 employees, the company's models include the Ikon, Fusion, Endeavour and the Fiesta. Ford India is in its twelfth year of operations in the country.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.