Ford India Private Limited, a completely owned subsidiary of the American auto maker, is set to launch its EcoSport compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the country next month. Pegged as the biggest launch of this year, Ford EcoSport is being manufactured with 'Child Parts' strategy that would keep its long term ownership costs to the minimum. The concept of child parts refers to the division of a car's components, so that in case of a breakdown only defective parts of a component are replaced and leaving the parts in good condition as they are. This strategy is helpful towards minimising maintenance costs, thereby making car ownership more affordable.
Speaking his mind on the same, P. K. Umashankar, Vice President (VP), Customer Service Operations at Ford India Private Limited, was quoted as saying, “We have evolved significantly and building on the trust with consumers by emphatically and closely listening to service needs - of the Indian customer during ownership and service trips in the years after the Figo’s successful launch here to bring in a service evolution.”
Umashankar further added, “Reducing Cost of Ownership is an intensive and continuous process. It is our strategic imperative and we have seen great resonance with Figo and Classic owners. Ford’s commitment is to offer products that make value sense and take a quantum leap towards low cost of ownership with reduced service intervals, enhanced durability and reliability, superior fuel efficiency and an ever increasing service.”
The Ford EcoSport would be offered in three engine options- 1.0 litre Ford EcoBoost petrol, 1.5 litre TiVCT petrol and 1.5 litre TDCi diesel. The pint-sized 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engine is most powerful of the lot and develops a peak power output of 123 bhp. The other highlights of this engine are impressive fuel efficiency figures and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The American auto major would launch its EcoSport SUV with two years or 100,000 km warranty, along with Roadside Assistance (RSA) support for two years in the Indian auto market.
