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Ford Australia is taking a lead role in the development of a multi-million dollar mini car for India, called the Figo. The car was unveiled late yesterday in Delhi and goes on sale next year. A range of diesel and petrol Figos will be built at Ford's Chennai plant, which is undergoing a $500 million refit in preparation for production.
The Figo is the fourth big international design job done at Ford Australia, which is a lead design and engineering centre for the Asia-Pacific and Africa regions. It has already developed a Focus sedan for Asia, an Asian Ford ute called the T6 and a sedan based on the Fiesta, called the Ikon.
The Figo is based on the previous-generation Fiesta hatch but has undergone significant engineering changes to meet the Indian market. Ford Australia spokesperson, Sinead McAlary, said it would not be sold in Australia. "However, it will be exported from India to other Asian markets," she said.
McAlary said the Figo project was helping build local expertise at Broadmeadows. "It is yet another example of Ford Australia exporting local design and engineering expertise for the benefit of Ford globally," she said.
Ford Australia's 100-strong engineering and design team, led by chief Scott Strong was responsible for the car. Ford India president and managing director, Michael Boneham, expects the hatch to be a big player in the Indian market, where 70 per cent of the market is dominated by small cars. "We believe Ford Figo is a big game-changer for Ford that will help transform our brand into a volume player in India," he said.
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