Ford India rolls out new Endeavour, will continue same growth rate

New Delhi, June 20 (UNI) Ford India today relaunched its premium action sports utility vehicle (SUV) Endeavour priced between Rs 14.72 lakh Rs 15.62 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) and said it will continue to grow at eight per cent in the next fiscal also.

''Our growth rate was eight per cent a year ago and will continue to grow at the same percentage next year also, although our sales were soft in the months of April and May, this year,'' Ford India Managing Director and President Arvind Mathew told reporters on the sidelines of the launch here.

He said the market share of the company in the mid-size segment, will also remain at 15-16 per cent next year, out of the overall 75 per cent of the country's market.

''The new Endeavour is a supreme combination of the latest in vehicle engineering and legendary 'Built Ford Tough' ruggedness that is the hallmark of Ford SUVs across the globe,'' Mr Mathew said.

For the 4X2 wheel drive variant, the vehicle is priced at Rs 14.72 lakh and for the true blue 4X4 wheel drive enthusiasts, it is available at 15.62 lakh. The company is also launching a limited edition variant packed with additional features such as wood interiors, 16" lockable wheel cover for the spare tyre in the rear and a new bumper overrider.

The new vehicle boasts a host of upgrades over the previous model including a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel common rail injection (TDCi) engine that delivers a torque of 330 Newton-metres at 1800 rpm and power of 143 PS at 3500 rpm.

It has five-speed manual transmission with the new 4X4 transfer case, new frame, suspension and steering gear among other new features like new multi reflector headlamps, clear fog lamps and tail lamps.

''The new endeavour with its commanding road presence, comfort, flexibility, safety and robustness is the ideal action SUV for the modern family,'' Mr Mathew added.

He said the company is also planning to launch diesel variant of its mid-size vehicle Ford Fusion by the third quarter in this fiscal.

''The diesel variant, to be launched by the third quarter of this year, will enable us to have a robust diesel portfolio,'' he added.

The new vehicle has been launched in Mumbai simultaneously.

UNI