The Hindu Business Line : Ford rolls out Fusion

Mr James J. Padilla, Chief Operating Officer, Ford Motor Company and Chairman, Automotive Operations, and Mr David E. Friedman, Managing Director, Ford India, at the Ford Fusion launch ceremony at the company's plant near Chennai on Tuesday. — Shaju John

Chennai , Nov. 2

SHORTLY after 2.30 p.m. today, a Moondust Silver coloured Ford Fusion rolled out of Ford India's plant at Maraimalai Nagar signalling the beginning of commercial production of the vehicle.

At the wheel was Ford India's Managing Director and President, Mr David E. Friedman, and seated by his side was Ford Motor Company's Chief Operating Officer, Mr James J. Padilla, who had come to India for this occasion.

Both Mr Padilla and Mr Friedman were confident that the Fusion, described by the company as an "Urban Activity Vehicle," would carve a niche for itself in the Indian passenger car market.

Ford India said the Fusion would be on display at dealerships in select cities for customer bookings with deliveries commencing in four weeks. The company would shortly announce the vehicle's price. Initially, more than 500 units of the Fusion would be produced every month. The car comes with a local content of 70 per cent.

Addressing the gathering, which included the company's employees and its suppliers, Mr Padilla said the Fusion provided Ford India more opportunities to bring "even more customers to the Ford blue oval." With this product, he said, "We are on the threshold of an even greater opportunity in India." He was confident that the Fusion would establish a new niche in the Indian market because of its packaging — room for five adults, and flexibility and versatility to carry people and their cargo. The roll-out of the Fusion represented a significant step forward as Ford Motor Company was in the process of launching 40 new products across the globe, Mr Padilla said.

Mr Friedman said the Fusion would mark the beginning of an all-new segment in the passenger car industry in India.

According to Ford India, the Fusion combines the solidity, robustness and road presence of a sports utility vehicle and the dynamic, agile qualities of a mid-size sedan. It comes with a 1.6-litre petrol engine.

More Stories on : New Products & Services | Cars

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page