Ford Enters India's Midsized Market After Escort Fails

Jan. 13, 2005
The Ford Motor Co. says its future lineup in India is depending entirely on the success of its new Ikon model, which it unveiled last week. Ford CEO Jacques A. Nasser, who was in New Delhi to launch the Ikon, said the mood in the company "was one of ...

The Ford Motor Co. says its future lineup in India is depending entirely on the success of its new Ikon model, which it unveiled last week. Ford CEO Jacques A. Nasser, who was in New Delhi to launch the Ikon, said the mood in the company "was one of cautious optimism. "The Ikon is an expression of all that we have learned in India. We have put in a lot of effort to reposition ourselves." The U.S. car maker first entered the big-sized Indian car market in November 1995 with its super luxury Escort. But three years with disappointing Escort sales of roughly 15,000 units annually forced the car maker to change tack. "With the Ikon we have now shifted our focus to the Indian midsized car segment, which we believe will grow the fastest in the immediate future," Nasser said. While analysts have forecasted a 12% growth in this segment, players such as Ford expect greater growth and are aiming to pocket an initial market share of 15%.

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

3D Printing a More Efficient Factory Floor

Nov. 16, 2023
Today’s additive manufacturing platforms make it simple to print a wide range of high-performing industrial parts as soon as possible and right where you need them — unlocking...

Beat the odds. Optimize product costs. Mitigate supply chain issues.

Sept. 12, 2023
Leverage fact-based supplier negotiations. Enhance design. Get to market faster. Our comprehensive Should Cost Analysis guide shows you how.

Navigating Disruption: A Leader’s Guide to Strategy Under Uncertainty

Nov. 1, 2023
AI, sustainability, digital--industrials are facing disruptive forces that are redefining what it takes to win. What got your company where it is today won’t get you where you...

Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics Guidebook for Engineers

Sept. 27, 2023
Leverage Domain Expertise to Drive Optimization – Without Needing a Data Scientist.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!