This one replaces the earlier marketing campaign started in 2008 that used “Drive One”, it conveyed the message of the global approach that Ford utilizes for its products. India can recognize an earlier slogan “Feel the Difference” used widely during the introduction of the Figo two years ago.

As you’d know Ford does not make market-specific moves and an important update like a change in a tagline will make its way into the Indian market in quick time.

“We are not trying to invent a new reality at Ford. We are just telling people what we are doing.” Mr. Jim Farley, the head of global marketing and sales for Ford commented on the shift.

Though Ford has made fast progress in USA and is expecting to take over the SUV market in China with its B and C size offerings, it still has a long way to go here in India where the Figo and Fiesta Classic are the only decent performers. The new Fiesta has been a hit in diesel, but the combined volumes have not been anything to write home about.

Ford is taking its time with the EcoSport and if it can work out a fabulous pricing strategy, there are no deterrents to its success. Its going to take Maruti, Hyundai and Mahindra time to develop a mini SUV that can compete with the EcoSport. Renault’s dealer network and brand image are under construction and that leaves Ford with an unattended playpen. Maruti’s XA Alpha may not come out before Auto Expo 2014 giving Ford roughly 12 months to serve all the mini SUV buyers they can find.

At the marketing front Ford is planning to make the Blue Oval logo less visible and in the long run make the product brand stand out and make the oval logo vanish, at least from the mind of the customers. The company is trying to infuse more confidence into names like Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo, F150 and Taurus. It hopes these products, with their respective USPs, can be a bigger brand than the Blue Oval.

These steps are also being taken in order to refrain people from making any negative conclusion about the brand based on the badge it carries. Makes sense?

[Source - Blogs.WSJ.com]

Brownie points if you can guess the Ford car this headlight assembly belongs to!

The last time Ford had its midnight sale its dealers sold over 15-day stock in just two days. Ford is hoping that it is going to be even bigger this time!

This is going to be the third edition of the Midnight Sale. The Midnight Sale is an annual event at Ford wherein all dealerships are open till 12 o’ clock and massive discounts are splurged on the customers. With the extended sales hours, Ford India hopes to attract customers who may not have the time to schedule a visit to the dealership during their busy work hours to check out a car and buy it.

During the promotion, the dealerships will also sport festive decorations and organize exciting events for the entire family coming into the dealerships. Along with that, the potential buyers are also lured in with goodies such as LED TVs, DVDs, special interest rates and an assured gift on the purchase of every car.

All the 123 showrooms across India will feature this midnight sale on Sunday. So if you’re thinking of buying a car, remember to drop by your nearest Ford showroom during the sale.

[Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com]

Much like the Fiesta, Ford will offer plenty of goodies in this car such as the SYNC driver connect system, keyless entry, push button start and safety features that include ABS and ESP. Ford India exports the Figo to South Africa and is likely to extend the same strategy to the EcoSport.

The management at Ford India recently confirmed that the EcoSport will not launch in 2012. The company’s looking at the first quarter of next year as an ideal launch period. This may give the other two mini SUV models, Renault Duster and Mahindra mini Xylo, fewer problems on landing but it gives Ford a quick look at the initial reactions of the Indian customer to the mini SUV that can be put to good use in fine tuning variants and prices of the EcoSport.

[Source - CarMag.co.za]

Some of the popular Ford vehicles are pickups and SUVs such the F150 and the Explorer, which enjoy a huge market share in America.

Do you know how Ford plans to do it?

Wait for it..Carbon Fiber! Yes, Ford is planning to use Carbon Fiber composites in the manufacturing of its major models in the second half of the decade. Even though Ford claims the project is only in the initial R&D stage it seems DOW Chemical has already struck a deal with Ford for the supply of Carbon Fiber composites.

The main problem in using Carbon Fiber for mass production vehicles is not only the cost but also the large quantity of supply required. With the global forecast for production of Carbon Fiber coming in at just over 60,000 metric tons, Ford alone will need 30,000 metric tons to meet its production demands.

Up till now, we have only seen Carbon Fiber used in high end sports cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, etc. But if Ford becomes successful in implementing their project we can see Carbon Fiber used in everyday vehicles. Will Ford lead the way in the widespread application of carbon fiber on everyday cars?

Ford showcased the EcoSport in Brazil a day before it was unveiled in Beijing. Built using Fiesta components, the EcoSport will be manufactured in India, Brazil and Thailand

See images of the Ford EcoSport from the Beijing Auto Show unveiling

Mr Boneham has told FirstPost.com that the Ford EcoSport will be launched in India early next year. Since the EcoSport is a global SUV project that eventually will reach 100 markets, the launch order or sequence of countries could start with the most important markets. As the EcoSport is already available in Brazil, Ford may feel that is a priority.

Ford may launch the EcoSport in China and other South American countries before driving it into India providing the Renault Duster and Mahindra mini Xylo fewer problems to tackle upon touch down.

Boneham has also spoken out on the car’s technical specifications. He confirmed that the EcoSport is a sub-4 meter vehicle and will enjoy crucial excise benefits. This means the EcoSport could be priced starting from under the Fiesta’s price point. The diesel engine is expected to be a 1.5L unit currently serving on the Fiesta. The 120PS 1-liter turbocharged petrol engine announced for India will not be sold in Brazil.

[Source - FirstPost.com]

[can't see the video above? Head over to the Youtube page for direct viewing]

The Ford EcoSport is production ready, may come out in India in the last quarter of 2012 with 1-liter petrol engine pumping out 120PS and a 1.5L diesel hijacked from under the Fiesta’s bonnet.