On sale this week as a 2011 model year vehicle already, Ford’s Brazilian made EcoSport has minor styling updates including the model name foremost on the hood like a Land Rover, a new grille, headlamps, wheels and roof rack.
This compact SUV, derived from the Fiesta platform, has been a best seller since launch in 2003. Exports included, volume is 550,000 units-plus and it remains Ford of Brazil’s flagship. Competitors in this lucrative market segment include the Hyundai Tucson.
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Ford has had 24 consecutive quarters in the black in South America (Brazil accounts for over 50% of sales) and the region contributed 2009 profit of US$750m to the parent.
It has also announced its largest investment in 90 years in Brazil– $2.2bn for 2010-14. The Bahia plant is to be enlarged.
This sound financial outlook allowed a price cut of some 5% for all EcoSport versions, in addition to extending warranty from one to three years, unlimited mileage. Prices range from $26,000 to $34,000 (two-litre engine, 4WD, automatic transmission).
The development centre in Brazil is already working on an all-new EcoSport for 2011/12, in cooperation with the parent company and the European subsidiary. It is due to replace both the Escape and Europe’s phased-out Fiesta-based Fusion.
