Ford to up India output by over 30 pc ahead of festive season

NEW DELHI: American car major Ford said it will increase vehicle production in India by over 30 per cent from this month to meet increased demand in the upcoming festival season.

"We have been producing about 130 vehicles a day but this will be increased to 174 vehicles a day this month," Ford India President and MD Michael Boneham told reporters here.

He said demand has increased for its entry level sedan Ikon, which was given a facelift last November, mid-sized sedan Fiesta and also for SUV Endeavour.

The company today launched an advanced version of sports utility vehicle Endeavour, priced between Rs 15.99 lakh and 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

Boneham, however, said the company expects its overall vehicles sales in 2009 to remain more or less similar that in the last year at around 31,000 units.

"While things are improving, we also need to be a bit cautious ... while the Indian government has done a good job to boost the auto sector, issue like extra Rs 15,000 duty on big cars need to be addressed," he said.

Ford India last year announced a USD 500 million investment plan spanning over three years to expand its manufacturing facility, setting up of a new diesel engine plant and also on new product development, including a small car for the Indian car market.

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