Ford Figo production begins at Chennai plant

Ford India has begun producing the Figo small car – the first one has rolled out from the Ford India  plant at Chennai today.

Photo: First Ford Figo car rolls out at Chennai

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu D. M Karunanidi, Dr. M K Stalin (Deputy CM), Michael Boneham (president and MD, Ford India), Raj Nair (Ford VP of operations, Asia Pacific and Africa), Sandip Sanyal (Ford executive director of operations for India) were present on this memorable occasion. Also participating were the nearly three thousand employees of the newly expanded facilities. Updated: Ford Figo prices officially announced (9 March 2010)

The dignitaries also inaugurated a new engine facility that manufactures the 1.2L petrol engine for the Ford Figo. The same engine facility would be able to produce both the diesel and the petrol engines for the Figo. It also would be utilized for manufacturing about 10 different engines for domestic as well as for exports.

Designed and engineered for the India and export, the new Ford Figo is based on a proven global small car architecture. The vehicle will be equipped with a standard 1.2L petrol engine developed exclusively for the India market. The diesel Figo would be powered by the ever so famous Ford Duratorq 1.4L diesel engine.

The Ford Figo will be positioned in the highly competitive B-segment and will compete against hatchbacks from pretty much all companies in India.

Launch of the Ford Figo is expected in March 2010, and exports are expected to begin in another 3-6 months.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Michael Boneham MD Ford India said “Less than six months ago, Ford Motor Company reaffirmed its commitment to transform the plant located here outside of Chennai into a regional manufacturing centre of excellence, a great honour to have you with us as our projects and investments are turning to reality and the completion of our first Ford Figo off this assembly line.”