Ford India unveils “Freestyle” and its not improvised
Ford unveils Freestyle another interpretation of what middle-aged men think millennials want. They have come up with three “C” Cool, Capable and Connected concept but they fail to understand that we don’t like those C’s from Ford. We like making C’s instead of being made one by middle aged men. To shower some light on the same Ford came up with this for millennials – Their motto in life is to “Do Everything, & Regret Nothing” Which is exactly what millennials think about middle aged men having mid life crisis. Where they are launching a car following the herd, that they should also have a crossover hatch in their lineup and putting it across as millennials need and market trends.
Ford’s journey in India has been long but definitely not a pleasant one as to say. Their sales aren’t impressive but low manufacturing cost makes it a viable hotspot for them to use India as a base for global exports. From Make in India Ford went to Make in India for the world and now they are planning to export to North America (home of Ford) as well. Exactly how Fiat survives in India by selling engines to Maruti.
Ford India today unveiled the crossover hatchback the “Freestyle” terming it as compact utility vehicle. The crossover hatchback market in India varies from Datsun Go-Cross to Etios Cross, Polo Cross, i20 Active to Fiat Avventura. If you wonder will “Freestyle” fit in? Its a Eitos Cross sized car looking to compete with Fiat Avventura with Sales that will barely match Datsun Go-Cross. All that is said with no intention to hurt the sentiments of Toyota, Fiat or Datsun.
The front view of Ford Freestyle has a stark resemblance to Fiat Avventura but that being said we all know how much success the crossovers hatches have had in the Indian market i.e. none, so I don’t expect this Ford to turn the market trend in India.
So what is it that Ford is trying to sell as Freestyle? Well its basically a restyled Figo with 96PS 1.2L TiVCT 3cyl petrol motor mated to 5 speed manual gearbox, which they claim is lighter, stronger and more fuel efficient and turns out 120 nm of torque as well. The car also gets Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment with 6.5 inch touchscreen. Also on offer will be the tried and tested 1.5L TDCi diesel unit which turns out 100PS power and 215 nm of torque. You will also get a slightly tuned suspension and higher ground clearance along with TCS, ABS with EBD, uniquely tuned EPAS and ARP (Active Rollover Protection) NOTE: this is a Global unveil and the features mentioned may or may-not make it to the car when it is launched for the Indian market.
Ford will launch the Freestyle in India in the second Quarter and it will among the first few markets to get it as per Ford. Its a global product so India will serve as a market as well as the manufacturing hub for export of this product as well. In Ford’s portfolio it will be placed between Figo and Ecosport.
Ford India also took this moment to boast about how they have over 350 plus Ford repair centres in India now and its more economical to maintain a Ford even when compared to market leaders. Ford gave due credit to Make In India campaign and how they achieved over 80 percent localisation for Figo, making it easier to maintain and repair from authorised centres. Also Ford mentioned that its key focus in 2018 will be Service Experience as well as Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks. Please read the offer document carefully before investing……