Ford mulls exporting made-in-India SUVs to Europe

The company already exports Figo to 38 counties globally from India, but not to Europe

Ford India, a subsidiary of US carmaker Ford, for the first time is set to explore the European market with its upcoming made-in-India new compact sports utility vehicle -- EcoSport

"We already export the Figo to 38 countries globally from India, but not to Europe. The European equation works well with the EcoSport. We expect even a better export market for this,"Joginder Singh, president and managing director, Ford India said.

The sub-four metre car with "SUV DNA" , produces at company's Chennai plant is expected to be launched in coming June. "We are ready with the product. It will be launched following the advertising campaign starting in May," Singh said.

The company declined comment on the price point of the EcoSport. However, the company claimed the model would not attract excess excise duty applicable for SUV car as announced in the Budget. "As per our interpretation it will avail excise duty of 12 per cent applicable on compact cars," he added.

EcoSport will be launched with three engine options. Apart from petrol and diesel versions, there will be another petrol powered engine with eco-boost technology. With the first of its kind  eco-boost technology in India, the company claimed, the small one litre engine will be as efficient as say a 1500 cc engine.

Ford India expects to make India a major export hub for other markets. With the commissioning of its second plant in Sanand (Gujarat) by the end of 2014, it will have a total installed capacity of 4.4 lakh vehicles and 6.1 lakh engines.  "About 40 per cent of the engines assembled and 25 per cent of cars made in India will be exported then," Singh said.