Ford Fiesta raring to go with Abhishek Bachchan

Company Release

NEW DELHI, December 9

Indicating its determination to lead the market, Ford India has announced the appointment of the superstar, Abhishek Bachchan, as the brand ambassador for the all-new Fiesta. The company also unveiled a contemporary marketing campaign for the Fiesta that will leverage the product strengths with the captivating appeal of Abhishek. This strategic association is an aggressive initiative as the company grows its presence across the country.

Unveiling the company's plans, Arvind Mathew, Managing Director and President of Ford India, said, "Fiesta with a potent combination of powerful styling and a 'raring to go' spirit is set to excite our consumers with its performance and comfort. Once behind the wheel, we believe our consumers will 'Go Fida' over this car. The Urdu expression 'Go Fida' best translates to a sense of obsession that this car will create when driven. The charismatic Abhishek Bachchan with his strong lineage is the perfect choice to endorse the attitude of the Fiesta."

With its powerful styling, superior driving dynamics, enhanced interior comfort and class leading fuel economy, Ford Fiesta will redefine the benchmark in its segment. The invitation price of the all-new Ford Fiesta, starting from Rs.5.86 Lakhs (ex Showroom Mumbai), presents consumers with an opportunity to acquire a contemporary, premium sedan at a fantastic value.

The Duratec petrol engine in the Fiesta gives it the fun-to-drive flavour and enhanced fuel economy through a combination of advanced combustion technology, minimum weight, and low internal friction. The Ford Fiesta Duratec comes in two variants – 1.4 Litre is an ideal city car and 1.6 Litre is a joy-to-drive car for the driving enthusiast.

With this launch, Ford will introduce its proprietary Turbo Direct Common Rail injection (TDCi) technology in India. The Fiesta’s all- aluminum diesel powertrain is the state of the art version equipped with new generation TDCi technology. Using the latest two-stage fuel injection system and an Accelerometer Pilot Control, the Fiesta will create new standards in turbo-diesel performance.

Mr. V. Sivaramakrishnan, Vice-President - Marketing, Sales and Service said, “The TDCi-powered Fiesta will revolutionize the diesel market in India. Once you experience the refinement and spirited performance of the Fiesta, it will radically change conventional perceptions associated with a diesel vehicle. While being one of the smoothest and quietest diesels in its class, the contemporary technology is designed to deliver responsive acceleration, outstanding fuel economy, and reduced emissions.”

The exciting line-up of Ford Fiesta at very attractive introductory prices is now available across India. Fiesta will be available for customer test drives across all company's dealership facilities in the country. Customers can now also place orders for the Ford Fiesta with the company’s dealers.

Fiesta 1.6 Duratec Petrol will be available in the super luxury version SXi with special features such as plush leather upholstery, leather steering, power mirrors, height adjustable driver seat, 6-CD in-dash premium audio with six speakers and premium metallic finish on the front fascia.

Fiesta Duratec and Duratorq luxury version ZXi will have on offer plush fabric upholstery, tilt steering, power windows, power steering, single CD audio with four speakers, front and rear reading lights and premium metallic finish on the front fascia. The 1.4 Duratec EXi is well equipped with tilt steering, power windows, power steering and distance to empty gauge in instrument cluster.

Focused on enhancing customer satisfaction through ‘peace-of-mind’ motoring, quality products and processes, Ford India has introduced the Total Maintenance Plan (TMP). An innovative program, TMP offers total maintenance which starts at a price as low as Re. 0.40 per km. The plan covers even wear and tear items in addition to electrical and mechanical items in a car. This plan insulates the customer from spare parts price revisions in the future and increases the resale value of the car. Another product under the Ford Solutions brand to meet the extended service requirements is the Extended Warranty Plan. This plan is offered for a period of 1 to 2 years to all Ford Ikon, Ford Endeavour, Ford Fusion and Ford Fiesta owners. This cover protects the car against all electrical and mechanical failures. Customers can opt for this within 10 months from the date of vehicle purchase. Extended warranty provides the customer with the reassurance of an original product. These innovative offerings also enhance residual value of the car.

Ford India continues to expand its distribution network and will grow to 115 dealer outlets in 79 locations by the end of 2005.

For more information, visit www.india.ford.com