Ford India sold 12,148 domestic wholesales and export units in March, the highest-ever monthly total of wholesales and exports in its history.
The March monthly sales figures included domestic wholesales of 9,026 units. Steady demand from international markets supported by Ford’s plant in Chennai kept exports high with 3,122 cars, making it the second biggest shipment ever. March also marked a strong first quarter in 2012 during which Ford India’s monthly combined wholesales and exports crossed over 10,000 units for three consecutive months.
“Despite challenging market conditions, we have reported steady monthly growth in vehicle sales and exports since the beginning of 2012. March is our best-selling month to date,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director of Ford India. “We are very optimistic about the future as we move forward with the strong momentum of growth.”
Exports grew by 74 percent this quarter when compared to the same period last year, from 4,106 cars to 7,163 cars, indicating sustained international demand from 34 countries.
“Exports are a strong part of our growth strategy and we are delighted to see a steady demand from the markets we support. Exporting 3,122 vehicles in March and recording a 74 percent increase in Q1 over last year is a strong proof of that,” Boneham added.
Demonstrating steady progress of work on its 460-acre second manufacturing facility in India, Ford’s senior leadership team on March 22 laid the foundation for its new US$1 billion state-of-the-art, integrated manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat and inaugurated the new site office building there.
“With the new state-of-the-art Ford Integrated Manufacturing Facility for Sanand, we are committed to significantly increasing our manufacturing output and aggressively expanding our business in India.” said Boneham.
When complete in 2014, the integrated manufacturing facility will have the capacity to produce an additional 240,000 new Ford vehicles and 270,000 engines per year for Indian customers and for export markets.
Ford’s popular sub-compact Figo was named the “Most Awarded Car in India” by Limca Book of Records, showcasing the immense popularity the hatch enjoys in the cities and towns of India. Ford India celebrated the Figo’s Second Birthday in March in a grand manner by running a promotion across all its showrooms during which customers purchasing the popular car took back exciting return gifts.
