FORD FIGO
Ford Australia has exported design and engineering knowledge for a crucial new Indian small car that could even be sold here.
A top secret new city car designed and engineered by Ford Australia has been revealed in India.
The Figo (pronounced "fee-go", it’s Italian for cool) is an all-new car and nameplate for Ford that could go on to become one of the biggest selling vehicles in Ford’s global line-up.
The tiny five-door Figo will be built in the car maker’s manufacturing facility near Chennai.
Ford says the project is a key export earner for Australia, although no figure has been put on the investment; new models can range from $100 million to more than $1 billion.
“We might not be exporting the actual vehicle but the talent we have in Australia ... is playing a global role in the Ford world,’’ said Ford Australia communications manager Sinead McAlary.
The Figo is the next step in Ford Australia's plan to set itself up as a key pillar in Ford's global development team; it recently designed a sedan version of the Fiesta small car and is currently working on an all new ute (codenamed T6) to be sold around the world.
“It's very exciting for Ford Australia. It's another example of how the experienced team here can be involved in developing projects not just for Australia but the Asia-Pacific region.”
Designed for the fast growing Indian market the new car will be a cheaper alternative to the premium priced Fiesta.
It’s expected to compete with other sub–city cars like the Indian-built Suzuki Alto.
Despite its involvement, Ford Australia has no plans to sell the Figo here – yet. But it would seem a logical entry-level fit.
``At this stage we haven't said no but we've got no current plans,’’ says Ford Australia spokeswoman Sinead McAlary.
``At this point we're currently launching the new Fiesta and we want to concentrate on that.’’
However, the Figo could provide Ford with a budget-priced car below the Fiesta hatchback to compete with the likes of the Alto, Holden Barina and hot selling Hyundai Getz and upcoming i20.
With the imminent arrival of Chinese brands such as Chery and Geely, numerous car makers are evaluating cars they previously wouldn’t have considered for Australia.
The Figo underwent extensive testing in India but was also put through its paces at Ford’s proving ground in Victoria and Australia’s public roads.
Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally revealed the new car in Delhi. “Our exciting new Ford Figo shows how serious we are about India,” Mulally said.
“It reflects our commitment to compete with great products in all segments of this car market. We are confident the Ford Figo will be a product that Indian consumers really want and value.”
The Figo is believed to be built on the architecture of the old Fiesta, which was replaced last year. The design of the Figo bears an uncanny resemblance to that now superseded Ford Fiesta, albeit with more modern curves and touches.
The Figo will go into production early next year in 2010.
Source:smh
