Ford Ikon chapter may come to an end in Indian market very soon. According to BS Motoring Ford India’s dealerships have stopped accepting fresh bookings for Ford Ikon. Ford’s dealerships are in the process of clearing their Ikon inventories. Though Ford is yet to confirm the developments, it is believed that company will soon announce the departure of Ikon brand from our market.
Ford Ikon’s sales have been witnessing steep fall since April 2010. From April 2010 Ford stopped selling of Ikon in 13 major cities in India, but since then sales in other cities also recorded a downward trend. In last month, Ford Ikon sales touched an all time low, ie Zero mark.
The commercial launch Ford Ikon was happened in H2 1999 and the car is about to turn 12 years. Ikon received facelifts occasionally and the last one happened in December 2008.
So what’s next for Ford India..?
Ford India will soon announce the departure of Ikon from their portfolio. Later their another sedan offering Fiesta will get a low cost variant called Ford Fiesta Classic, will be launched to plug the gap created after Ikon’s retirement, the launch of Fiesta Classic and Ikon’s withdrawal may happen simultaneously.
We take this as a good move from Ford India, Figo is doing a fantastic job by gaining huge volumes and accolades from auto industry in very short span of time on the other hand Ikon is struggling with very low sales. So it will be always wise to channelize their useful resources to Figo rather than wasting it on Ikon.
More exciting news is yet to come, Ford India will launch the latest Fiesta range in India too. The launch of new Fiesta will happen in H1 2011 and will get a petrol and diesel variant both powered by a 1.6ltr engine. The petrol motor will develop 110bhp maximum power while the diesel engine will create 90bhp.
Finally to guard itself from VW’s Vento attack Ford India is also getting equipped themselves with an updated Fiesta. Good move !
Stay tuned to Wheelosphere for more updates.
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