Ford’s decision to put an end to vehicle production in India has a major hit, the Ford EcoSport. This model, produced in Indian territory, is exported to numerous markets, including North America. Once production is complete, the EcoSport will be forced out the back door. Quite the opposite of what will happen in Europe.
After more than 25 years of industrial activity, Ford will stop making cars in India. A very important decision that brings with it a long list of consequences that go far beyond the direct effects it will have on the Indian automobile sector. Ford produces various vehicles in India which are intended both to supply the local market and for export. One of them is the Ford EcoSport. A model that has been really touched by this ad.
Right now the EcoSport faces a black horizon. Such is the situation that there is a real risk that this model will disappear in the short term from the main automobile markets. However, How important is the production of the EcoSport in India? Let’s take a look back and review the background to find out how this situation has come to be.
Ford EcoSport produced in India is exported to the United States
Earlier this year, Ford announced the closure of all its factories in Brazil. A drastic measure that is included in an ambitious restructuring plan that will allow it to adjust expenses and, above all, improve the productivity of those vehicle production centers that are profitable while those that have been running deficits are closed. One of the models produced by Ford in Brazil has been the EcoSport.
Once it was decided cease production of the Brazilian EcoSportAll eyes were on India, since that was where another of the factories in charge of giving life to the small Ford SUV was located. But, now that the production of the EcoSport will also be stopped in the Indian territory, what will happen to this model in, for example, the United States? Its continuity is touched to death.
The EcoSport will continue to be manufactured and exported to North America until the middle of the year 2022. Once production stops and the available stock runs out, this model will have put an end to its commercial journey in one of the major markets. The EcoSport is the smallest SUV sold by Ford in the United States. There the B-SUV segment does not have as much prominence as in Europe, but it also plays a relevant role.
Similarly, and as might be expected, the update that was in development for the Indian version of the EcoSport has been canceled. Sadly, another pretty clear indication that the future looming on the horizon for the Ford model is bleak.
Ford EcoSport will stay alive in Europe
In statements to the middle The Detroit Free Press, a spokesperson for Ford assured that the continuity of the EcoSport in Europe is not in danger. At least in the short term. Let us remember that the model intended for European dealers is produced in Romania. There are no plans to stop its manufacture. That is why, despite the initial speculation that the Ford Puma would occupy the position of the EcoSport, both models will continue to coexist in the range. At least for longer.