The Hindu Business Line : Ford to launch upgraded Mondeo by month-end

The car, imported from Ford Motor Company's plant in Genk, Belgium, comes with changes to both the exterior and interior, according to Ford India officials.

Mr David E. Friedman, Managing Director and President, Ford India Ltd, told Business Line today that the car's exterior and interiors have been freshened up, but the driving characteristics remained the same.

The new interiors of the Mondeo have a two-tone Camel-Ebony environment and the seats are premium leather Alcantara. Both the driver and front passenger seats are power adjusted and the rear seats have an armrest with stowage space and cup holders. The rear seats are also split folding and provide access to the trunk. The new Mondeo comes with CFC-free automatic climate control and feature premium wood finish on centre stack, floor console and front door panels.

New chrome highlights on the radiator grille and reprofiled front bumper with trapezoidal fog lamps give a new look to the Mondeo front. The tail lamps have a distinctive metallic look with silvered indicator lenses. Added chrome accents on the upper doorline, door handle inserts and tailgate handle complete the premium look.

The Mondeo sales have been generally sluggish. In December 2004, not a single unit of the Mondeo was sold against 10 in December 2003.

Asked why the Mondeo did not do large numbers, Mr Friedman said the car established its reputation as an exceptional driver's car. Since it was imported from Europe and because of the Euro-denominated pricing, "you ran into some of the issues on price," he said. (The Mondeo retailed at Rs 17.12 lakh ex-showroom in Chennai last year for the petrol version and the diesel was at least Rs 1 lakh costlier.)

Mr Friedman said that the Mondeo was a niche vehicle and it was a conscious decision not to chase volumes. "We continue to sell the Mondeo for those who are looking for driving excellence and who want to a unique car that really offers them that experience." Ford India has not yet announced the price of the upgraded Mondeo.

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