Ford EcoSport has been one of the most exported cars from India; export-spec model could be produced at Romanian factory
Ford is shifting the production of export market-spec EcoSport from India to Romania. The popular compact SUV has been the most exported car from India for quite some time. Even after US President Donald Trump’s threat to manufacture the cars in US, Ford confirmed that it will export EcoSports to US from India. The upcoming 2018 model will be shipped to US market after being produced here.
But, the company has a different plan for European market. Ford EcoSport has been a very popular and one of the bestselling compact SUVs in the European market for quite some time. In the first quarter of 2017 the American auto major registered 42% sales growth for the EcoSport with 9,200 units. Now, with production in Romania, the auto major aims to boost the production and sales further in the continent.
Also read: Ford EcoSport Facelift Spotted Testing in India Ahead of Late 2017 Launch
In Romania, Ford has a plant in Craiova that rolls out the B-Max compact MPV and the 1.0-litre I3 EcoBoost petrol engine is also built here. European market-spec Ford EcoSport will be produced here and for that the company has invested in the plant to make new production line. Also, it has hired new employees as well, who will work dedicatedly for EcoSport production.
With the localised production Ford will be able to sell the compact SUV with competitive pricing against the rivals and the waiting period will be lowered as well giving it an opportunity to expand the business. Apart from these there is another reason behind the production shift of EcoSport to Romania. The automaker wants to utilize the Craiova plant’s production capacity to fullest.
Also read: Dual-Tone Ford EcoSport Spotted on Indian Roads
The EcoSport facelift is currently being tested in India and test mules of the car have been spotted couple of times giving us the view of the refreshed design. It will come with significant design update at front fascia and interior will become more upmarket. However, powertrain of the India-spec model will remain same and it is likely to be launched in the country later this year.
Ford EcoSport Facelift Gallery
