American automaker Ford is reportedly aiming to sell its new compact SUV EcoSport in 62 countries by 2017.
A report published by Detroit News cited that the company is planning to explore the potential markets of 62 countries across the globe with its new SUV EcoSport. However, the countries listed for the EcoSport export does not contain Ford's home country US. The reason for the exclusion of the US is said to be the stumpy demands for the bigger vehicles in the country.
According to Jim Farley, Ford's executive vice president of global marketing, sales, service and Lincoln, if the demand for the crossover surges in the US, Ford would consider the option of exporting to the US as well.
Meanwhile, Ford's EcoSport SUV is expected to make its India debut on 11 June. The latest reports suggest that authorised dealers of Ford have begun accepting bookings for the vehicle in the sub continent. Although there is no official word about the pricing of the vehicle, it is likely to be priced between ₹5.9 and ₹6 lakh and the high-end variants may cost ₹9 lakh. The EcoSport, which made its debut in Brazil, Mexico and China, will come to India with a 1-litre EcoBoost petrol engine that will give 120bhp power, 1.5-litre petrol engine and the 1.5L diesel engine which will offer 90bhp. The India-bound models are also likely to come with high degree of localization as the models are produced locally.
Ford EcoSport, which received soft launch in 12 cities as part of its EcoSport Urban Discoveries campaign roadshow in India, is expected to come in four trims - Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Optional trims. The top-end variants, which are powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine, will come with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the Ambiente and Trend will have the 5-speed manual transmission (MT). The base model of the EcoSport - Ambient - will lack safety features like ABS and airbags, but will have manual air conditioning, manual rear windows and Bluetooth audio system.
The Titanium EcoSport will have power windows, steering mounted controls, automatic air conditioning system, Microsoft SYNC, 16″ alloys, dual airbags, reverse parking sensors and chrome exteriors. The top variant, Ford EcoSport Titanium Optional will feature leather seats, push button start, Keyless Vehicle System and side and curtain airbags.
