Ford’s Drops City Rivalling B500 Sedan Plans

Ford joins the latest list of manufacturers who are looking into their business plans for India. As per a report in Economic Times, the US based automaker has dropped the ball on their mid-sized sedan, codenamed B500. Expected to rival the likes of the City, Ciaz, Vento and Verna, the B500 was to set things right for the brand after the disastrous sales run by the new Fiesta.

Before this another American car maker (General Motors) and a Japanese (Toyota) manufacturer have been vocal about future plans. While Toyota is still doing decent numbers, especially thanks to the new Innova, Chevrolet is in a lot of trouble. Ford too was in an extremely precarious situation with the sales of its new hatchback and compact sedan falling below expectations.

New-2014-Ford-Fiesta-Pic (2)

Re-working on their marketing strategy has helped them increase volumes but axing the upcoming B500 seems like a major blow. The new Fiesta was launched in June 2014 without a petrol workhorse, despite the fact that Ford has a lovely 1.0 litre turbocharged mill called as the EcoBoost. Production came to a grinding halt in May last year.

While globally Ford has plans for a new Fiesta but based on the performance so far, it is unlikely to make its way to India. Their most successful product in India, the EcoSport too has been facing a tough time due to the presence of new rivals. That’s where the B500 sedan would have helped. Most of the research and development was expected to be undertaken by Ford India and was expected to hit the road in 2018.

Despite this can Ford India emerge stronger? What say guys?

Leave a Comment