Ford India plans to phase out its newly-launched Fusion as it got a very poor response. The US car-maker is exploring possibilities of phasing out the sturdy car, which was launched almost a year ago.

However, the company said that it will roll out its small car by 2010 as planned. "Yes, we will phase out Fusion, but not so soon," Ford India President Michael Boneham said on November 12 after the launch of its renewed sedan Ikon.

While Boneham did not specify the timeframe over which Fusion will be phased out, he said the domestic market has not accepted the car. He did not say how many units of Fusion were sold.

"Every car launched is phased out over a certain period. Fusion is not doing well in a slowed down market. Hence, we will take a call at the right time," he added.

Boneham stressed that Ford would stick to its $ 500 million India investment plans. The firm has begun the expansion of its Chennai car plant from 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 units a year.

"We would also roll out the proposed small car with both petrol and diesel variants in 2010," he added.