Ford India dealers stop bookings for select EcoSport variants

Unable to service the stiff demand for the Ford EcoSport, many Indian dealers of the American car maker have temporarily stopped accepting bookings for the crossover. While some Ford dealers aren't taking fresh bookings for the base-diesel model of the crossover, other dealers have stopped accepting bookings for the mid and top end variants of the EcoSport.

While the 1.5 liter petrol engined model of the EcoSport seems unaffected by high demand, bookings of the top-end EcoBoost engined model are also said to be stopped at certain dealers. Waiting periods for the EcoSport range from a few weeks at certain parts of India, to as much as 8-12 months (for select variants) in most other parts of the country. 

The stoppage in bookings at the dealer level seems to be prompted by the car maker, who is seeking to gain control over the growing waiting periods. The stoppage of bookings is at odds with Ford India Managing Director, Mr Joginder Singh's statements. Mr Singh, in an May 2013 interview to BusinessStandard, had this to say, 

We are not only ready for the domestic market but are geared up for the export market as well. Chennai will be the source for domestic and exports. If the demand goes through the roof, which we think it will, then we are geared up for that too.  

The crossover is available with three engine and two transmission options. A 1.5 liter naturally aspirated petrol unit, a 1 liter turbo petrol unit and a 1.5 liter turbo diesel motor are the three engine options on the EcoSport. A 5 speed manual gearbox is standard on all three engines while the 1.5 liter petrol motor gets a dual clutch 6 speed automatic gearbox as an option. 

The EcoSport is sold in 10 different variants, spanning across the 3 engine options. The crossover is built at Ford India's Maramalainagar factory, off Chennai, with a localization level of about 70%. Ford India also exports the EcoSport to markets across the globe. Eventually, the EcoSport will be Ford India's biggest export driver, taking over the mantle from the Figo hatchback. 

The Ford EcoSport is manufactured across three locations, Brazil, China and India, with the fourth location, Thailand, to begin production soon. While the Brazilian facility will cater to Latin American markets, the Chinese facility will cater largely to local demand. India will be an export hub catering to Middle Eastern and European markets while the Thai facility will focus on the Far East.

Source Profit.NDTV