The company plans to export completely built-up Fiesta cars to South Africa a first such initiative from Ford India's manufacturing plant at Maraimalai Nagar near Chennai.
The company has been exporting 20,000-25,000 completely knocked down (CKD) kits annually to Mexico and South Africa.
Fiesta, a mid-sized sedan which made its debut in November 2005 in India, is the largest selling model for Ford India in the domestic market, with sales of over 2,500 units a month. Since its launch, the company is reported to have sold over 50,000 Fiestas till July this year.
Ford intends to export 5,000 units of Fiesta, which will be marketed under the already established 'Ikon' brand in South Africa, over the next 6-8 months.
These cars will be similar to what is available in India except for a few modifications such as the trailer towing capability and H-rated tyres, based on the South African market requirements.
Fiesta, under the brand name Ikon, will target young people and families looking for space and style. Ford India will export three variants of Fiesta to South Africa 1.4 L & 1.6 L petrol and 1.4 L diesel.
The car is expected to be launched next month in South Africa and will be marketed through its network of 131 dealerships in that country.
Addressing a press conference, Arvind Mathew, managing director and president, Ford India, said the Fiesta was showcased at an auto exhibition in South Africa last year and was well received. "We expect the same response in South Africa as we received in India," he added.
"We will also look at other markets for exports," he added.
Ford India is not expected to add a new production line at its Maraimalai Nagar plant near Chennai as it utilises only 60-65 per cent of its total production capacity of one lakh cars per annum.
In the domestic market, Ford India expects to expand its dealer network. Currently, it has 120 dealerships, which will be ramped up to 135 by the end of this year.
Against the earlier expectation of eight per cent volume growth for 2007, the company has lowered its growth expectations due to increasing finance costs that have affected the automobile sector in the country.
