Ford India rolls out new Endeavour

Ford India Ltd, the subsidiary of US automobile major, on Wednesday unveiled a new version of its sports utility vehicle (SUV) Ford Endeavour. The company said it plans to launch a diesel version of Ford Fusion in the third quarter of the year.

The 2.5 litre diesel engine driven Ford Endeavour will be available in three variants with a price tag ranging from ₹14.72 lakh (ex-showroom in the Capital) for XLT 4x4 to ₹15.62 lakh for XLT version. The limited edition XLT 4x2, however, will be available to the customers for ₹ 15.52 lakh.

The company commands 38 per cent market share in the Indian SUV market and hopes strengthen its position with the new version of Ford Endeavour.

Speaking to newsmen, Ford India president and managing director Arvind Mathew said, "The diesel variant of Ford Fusion will be launched in the third quarter of the year and will enable us to have a robust diesel portfolio," he stated.

The company said there were no immediate plans to bring smaller diesel engines for Ford Fiesta and Ford Fusion.

He said that the increasing interest rates could soften demand for vehicles, which may result in company revising its yearly sales target.

"There has been a softening of demand in April and May due to a variety of factors including interest rates and appreciation of rupee. We are keeping a tab as to how the sales pan out in June and July," Mathew said.

Ford India president felt that if the softening of demand continues, the company would have to revise its sales growth target.

"The Ford Endeavour has already been the highest selling premium SUV in the Indian market. The new Endeavour with its commanding road presence, comfort, flexibility, safety and robustness, is the ideal action SUV for the modern family," he added.

The new Ford Endeavour sports ABS with electronic brake force distribution and incorporates additional safety features such as increased diameter of the shock absorbers for better control and handling in all driving conditions, repairable breakaway front bumper system that minimizes collision impact and maximizes safety, passive anti-theft system and an anti-theft alarm.