Ford Motor Company has shifted the production of the EcoSport from India to Romania for the European market. Ford believes that the move will help the company cater to the rising customer demand in Europe.
Production of the updated 2017 Ford EcoSport commenced on October 12 at the company's plant in Craiova, Romania. An investment of up to €200 million has been made to prep the plant in Craiova for this purpose. Until now, Ford had been importing the EcoSport from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Chennai plant, besides serving neighbouring markets, will cater to the USA market where the Ford EcoSport makes its debut early next year.
Steven Armstrong, Ford group vice president, and president, Europe Middle East and Africa said
EcoSport is another example of how Ford is growing our business on our strengths – including world-class SUVs. With demand growing for EcoSport, and compact SUVs in general, now is the right time to localize production in Europe to meet our customers’ needs.
The new Ford EcoSport gets an updated interior and exterior styling. It also gains Ford Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for the first time, cruise control with adjustable speed limiter and a rearview camera. SYNC 3 and floating touchscreen are standard across the range.
The Euro-spec EcoSport gets a new Ford Performance-inspired ST Line model with 17-inch 5-spoke Dark Tarnish alloy wheels, body kit, and contrasting coloured roof and door mirrors. Power comes from a new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine that delivers up to 125 PS.
Also See - New Ford EcoSport Titanium S trim spotted
The new Ford EcoSport Zetec will start from £16,845 on the road, while the new ST-Line model will be priced at £20,295 (UK). Customer deliveries will commence in early 2018. As for India, expect the 2018 Ford EcoSport to be announced in the coming weeks.
