American automobile manufacturer Ford has announced its plans to launch small cars in India by 2015 with the aim of capturing a larger share of the of auto market in India. Among the car launches, the company plans on developing a smaller car in comparison to its entry level car the Figo hatchback and may also launch the Ford Focus premium hatchback in India.
Mr. Joe Hinrichs President Asia Pacific and Africa Ford Motor Corporation stated that the company now has a fair idea of the needs of an Indian auto customer and will now develop and manufacture cars accordingly. Citing the example of the Figo, Mr. Hinrichs added that the hatchback was developed specially for the Indian market and the company is positive that it is capable of developing cars which are not only smaller but also cheaper than the Figo.
Currently, Ford India accounts for 3.2 percent share of the domestic car market selling 92,748 units in 2011-12. More than 75 percent of the sales are accounted for by the Figo hatchback. The company expects its smaller cars to expand its sales by competing in volume driven segment in the Indian car market.