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Ford to drive 1.6-litre `Ikon` with HM-made engines
New Delhi, Aug 10: The local unit of world`s second-biggest carmaker ford motor co. Is all set to launch its 1.6-litre mid-size car `Ikon` with the engine and gearbox sourced from domestic automaker Hindustan Motors, a senior company official said.
New Delhi, Aug 10: The local unit of world's second-biggest carmaker ford motor co. Is all set to launch its 1.6-litre mid-size car 'Ikon' with the engine and gearbox sourced from domestic automaker Hindustan Motors, a senior company official said.
"After the 1.3-litre model, we are now in the process of launching the 'Ikon' with the 1.6 litre rocam engine and gearbox made by HM. This will happen in the next 1-2 months," Ford India managing director David Friedman told newspersons.
The sourcing of the powertrain would help the company to reduce its dependence on costly imports and increase sales by making its cars more affordable, as part of plans to become profitable by accounting standards by 2005, Friedman said.
He declined to give details of the number of engines and gearboxes to be sourced from Hindustan Motors.
Ford India has recently started sourcing the 'rocam' engine and gearbox for the 1.3-litre petrol 'Ikon' model from HM's factory in Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh).
The production of the 1.3-litre engine and gearbox has increased the localisation of the car to over 90 per cent, thus enabling Ford India to launch a new model 'Ikon Flair' this month at below Rs five lakh.
"We want to gain more volumes. The launch of the sub-five lakh 'Ikon Flair' model is part of that initiative. We have passed on the cost benefits of sourcing the powertrain from HM to the customers," Friedman said.
The sourcing of the powertrain would help the company to reduce its dependence on costly imports and increase sales by making its cars more affordable, as part of plans to become profitable by accounting standards by 2005, Friedman said.
He declined to give details of the number of engines and gearboxes to be sourced from Hindustan Motors.
Ford India has recently started sourcing the 'rocam' engine and gearbox for the 1.3-litre petrol 'Ikon' model from HM's factory in Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh).
The production of the 1.3-litre engine and gearbox has increased the localisation of the car to over 90 per cent, thus enabling Ford India to launch a new model 'Ikon Flair' this month at below Rs five lakh.
"We want to gain more volumes. The launch of the sub-five lakh 'Ikon Flair' model is part of that initiative. We have passed on the cost benefits of sourcing the powertrain from HM to the customers," Friedman said.
Bureau Report