Ford is adding a third shift at its Chennai plant.
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The company currently sells the Ikon (three-box sedan version of the old shape Fiesta), the Endeavour SUV and the Fusion multi-activity vehicle models in the country and the new shift will boost production to 100,000 a year, up from around 60,000 at present.
The new shift is likely to start in the second half of the year, when the company is expected to launch a new model.
While the company has confirmed a new model for India, it is not yet clear what it will be.
There has been press speculation recently that the Mondeo will switch from imports to local assembly. Such as move would make sense as it would allow Ford to reduce its large car’s price and make it more competitive.
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By GlobalDataThe Ikon gained in popularity in 2004 thanks to a number of price reductions. Ford India launched the Fusion some time back and has sold a little less than 500 units since. Sales are expected to touch 1,000 units per month by middle of this year.
Ford India added a second production shift in August 2004, when capacity was stepped up from 27,000 units to 60,000 units annually.
Deepesh Rathore / Tilak Swarup
