Archive for the ‘Ford Figo Launch’ Category

Watch the Smart and Smarter Debate!

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

We already told you how the new Ford Figo helped resolve the Smart and Smarter debate between men and women. Here’s your chance to watch the debates see why the Figo is both smart and smarter! Watch the videos below and tell us what you think!

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Figo gets smart and smarter

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Who is smart and who is smarter? Men or women?

There’s never been an end to this raging debate between men and women, so we decided to settle the matter by bringing to life the concept of “smart and smarter” at the launch of the new Ford Figo in Delhi and Mumbai.

For this, we did the daring thing—we got a newly-married couple to slog it out in a live debate in front of the television, print and web media. The couple was Sandeep and Priya, who were smart and smarter, played by the vivacious Gul Panag and the witty Gaurav Kapur.

In this fun and engaging debate, the husband-wife duo took to the stage with India’s favourite quiz master Derek O’Brien. So while Priya said “smart” was great music, cool comfort, and vibrant colours in a car, Sandeep said “smarter” was phonebook and friends, excellent boot space, and enough leg room for his tall frame. As the couple battled on, Derek offered a solution—the Ford Figo with its smart and smarter features!

As we tweeted about the debate, Gul replied: “[I] loved it:) @gauravkapur was the perfect ‘husband’.”

After the debate, Derek asked Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India what he thought “smart” was. Michael responded: “Smart is cost of ownership!” To which Nigel Wark, executive director, marketing, sales and service added, “Smarter is the great pricing!”

We couldn’t agree more.

Soon after the Ford Figo rolled on to the stage, we asked Rahul Gautam, Ford Figo’s brand manager, about the idea behind this unique creative execution. “There are so many little nuggets in this car. The smart and smarter debate was a nice hook between the Figo and connect with consumers,” he said. Like in a relationship, Rahul explained, “It is not about one being

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The new Ford Figo brings IPL to cinema halls!

Monday, March 15th, 2010

The country is in the throes of excitement over the new IPL season, and so are we! This time, the IPL’s going to be different, we promise. It’s not just because it’s a brand-new season, but also because we’re bringing IPL matches to a theatre near you!

Yes, it’s true! Ford Figo presents UFO T20 Hungama, guaranteed to be a favourite among all cricket lovers!

The best part about the T20 Hungama is that you can enjoy all the cricketing action on the big screen with friends and family! It’s like being in the stadium, but more up, close and personal with the cricketers.

What’s more, there will also be a chance to check out the brand new Ford Figo and a chance to win exciting prizes, including the Figo itself.

Let the games begin!

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Ford Figo launched!

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

The Ford Figo was launched in New Delhi a short while ago!

Our joy knew no end today as the car was launched. Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia, Pacific and Africa spoke about the Figo. “Our dealers are excited, customers are waiting and the new Figo is now ready to hit the streets,” he said. Shedding light on the Figo’s journey as an idea, he added: “From the start we wanted to offer all the features of a B-Segment car at a Sub-B price. We’ve accomplished that with Figo.”

Of course, the question everyone had been asking was also answered — what is the Figo’s price? As promised, the Figo’s prices are competitive: starting from Rs 3,49,900 for the petrol, and Rs 4,47,900 for the diesel (more information below).

“We have priced all four Ford Figo models very competitively to emphasise Ford’s commitment to this huge segment of the growing Indian automobile market,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director of Ford India.

Talking about the Figo’s features, Michael said, “We are committed to setting new benchmarks with Figo in this segment.  Figo offers more features, interior space, technology and durability than other vehicles at this price in the segment. When you look at all the features, generous interior proportions, styling and fuel efficiency, all Figo models are extensively equipped and truly a bargain at these price points.”

Add to that new dealerships and service facilities– and the Ford Figo is truly a substantial package. We can’t wait to see it on the roads!

Price information:

Prices start from Rs 3,49,900 for the petrol, and Rs 4,47,900 for the diesel.

Ford Figo EXI petrol Rs.3,81,900 & diesel Rs.4,72,900

ZXI petrol Rs.3,99,900 & diesel Rs.4,96,900

Titanium petrol

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Lady in the Figo

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Have you driven the Figo yet? If not, go to your nearest Ford dealer now. Meanwhile, check out our guest blogger Rohini’s experiences with the Figo, written from the woman’s point of view.

I was one of the few lucky ones who got to drive the Figo in Goa this January. I drive a small car, and even some of the bigger cars whenever I get the chance, so I was already looking forward to driving the Ford Figo.

But first things first. For most women who claim to know nothing about cars, how a car looks is something we can definitely talk about, right? My immediate reaction to the Figo was: “It doesn’t look small at all!” I loved the Figo’s front and the long comet tail on the side. I found the green colour (called squeeze) the perfect colour for Indian roads—bright and cheery, not too harsh. The sea grey looked very stylish and elegant too.

So there I was, in the driver’s seat of the sea grey petrol Figo, with Sarosh, Vehicle Integration Engineer, to accompany me for the ride. The door closed with a strong thud. “Great build quality, nothing small car about it”, I noted as I shut the door. I’m a bit on the petite side, so I quickly adjusted my seat. Unlike some cars in which shorties have to lean forward to get a better view of the road or the car ahead, I didn’t need to do that in the Figo. I had a great driving view. I started the car, went into first gear without a hitch, and we were off.

As the car picked up speed, the car’s locks clicked (Sarosh told me that happens beyond 7 kmph). The pickup was quick and the gears had a short throw, and I knew it was going to be a good drive. A few minutes into the drive, I felt something was missing. It seemed odd at first, but then it hit me—there was practically no noise in the cabin. The silence felt like being in a safe haven, cut off from the world. I recalled that Anthony Hall had

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Ford in your city!

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

After our double celebrations barely a fortnight ago, today has been another exciting day for us. For today, Ford India opened not one or two or a dozen, but a whopping 28 new authorised Ford dealer facilities across 24 cities in India! Opening these facilities at the same time in across 28 locations – that’s a first of its kind news in the history of Ford globally.

This significant step makes it easier for people to see, touch, test drive, buy and service Ford cars, including the Ford Figo that will be on dealership floors shortly.

“Growing our dealership base, building strong business fundamentals and getting closer to our customers are areas of high priority as we gear up to launch our new Figo and enter this high volume segment in 2010,’’ said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India at a dealership launch in New Delhi.

Michael Boneham with the Harpreet Ford team in New Delhi.
Title: Michael Boneham with the Harpreet Ford team in New Delhi

Our expanding dealership base is part of our aggressive growth strategy, particularly in Tier II and Tier III cities. ”Tier II and III cities are significant for Ford. We have opened new facilities in 13 Tier III cities today, and more than 40 percent of Ford service outlets are now located in secondary markets,” added Boneham.

With the new stores, we now have 164 facilities located in 97 cities across India. Half of the 28 new outlets offer what we call full 3S (Showroom, Sales and Service) facilities, while seven are service workshops, and the remaining are sales showrooms.

Nigel Wark, executive director (marketing, sales and service),</p><div class=

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Figo starts production!

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

February 5, 2010 was an exciting and memorable day for everybody at Ford India. It was a day when we achieved not one, but two milestones – a day of double celebrations!

Firstly, it was a proud moment as our Figo’s first production model was driven off the assembly line at the Maraimalai Nagar plant in Chennai. What made it all the more special was the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Dr. M Karunanidhi and Deputy Chief Minister Dr. M K Stalin. Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India; Raj Nair, vice president of operations, Asia Pacific and Africa; Sandip Sanyal, executive director of operations, Ford India and nearly three thousand employees of the newly expanded Chennai facilities were all on hand to join in the Job 1 ceremony.

Michael Boneham, Dr. M. Karunanidhi and others at the Ford Figo Engine Facility
“Michael Boneham (Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India), Raj Nair (VP, operations- Ford APA), sitting in white CM Dr. M Karunanidhi, standing in white is Deputy CM Dr. M K Stalin.”

“Figo is a great example of the role Ford will play in the future of India,” Dr. Karunanidhi said during the ceremony.

Michael restated the vision for Ford in India, saying, “Less than six months ago, Ford Motor Company reaffirmed its commitment to transform the plant located here outside Chennai into a regional manufacturing centre of excellence.”

“It’s 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,” he told our special guests.

Secondly, the Job 1 ceremony was followed by the inauguration of the new engine facility that manufactures the exclusive 1.2L petrol engine for Figo. Dr. M K Stalin congratulated the

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