Ford, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world has unveiled their US version of EcoSport, the runaway popular sub-compact sub four meter SUV that has seen massive success in Asian and European countries. This is because space is a rare commodity in these regions of the world.
San Francisco and New York City deal with similar issues as well.
Ecosport in US
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This is the first time EcoSport is going to run on North American soil. It was recently unveiled at the LA Motor Show. Ford has assured that the affordable sub four meter SUV will be available for booking in early 2018.
The sub compact SUV will be made in Chennai, India and later imported to the US. Michael O'Brien, marketing manager for Ford's SUV department, says that the manufacturing process of EcoSport takes place at six different locations around the world, and it is sold in over 100 different markets. Michael also revealed that more Ecosports are exported out of the Chennai plant then are sold in the country itself.
Ford has had some issues selling vehicles in India but that is another topic.
Ford's Asia Connection
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This is for those who like to crunch some numbers. During the period of April to October for the year 2016, Ford India sent out 49,136 EcoSports out from the Chennai plant. This has earned EcoSport the title of being the most exported car of the year. Ford has said that apart from India, the car is also assembled in Brazil, Russia and Thailand.
Ford is currently working with the Romanian government to start a plant there in 2017 but if the pro-business Trump lowers taxes like he says and needs to do, more American companies will choose to build in America. But this is another topic.
If past sales reports are anything to go by, then Ford is looking forward to breaking some records in the US with the EcoSport.
Specification
As for the specs, the new EcoSport that will go on sale in early 2018 in North America and will come with a 1.0 liter three cylinder turbo charged EcoBoost engine. Instead of turning the ignition (pun intended) for all wheel drive, Ford has decided to stay with front wheel drive.
For those who are looking for more power and more excitement in their lives, there is also another engine variant type. EcoSport will also come in a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine with optional four wheel drive. Unlike the Asian version, the North American version will come standard with 6 speed auto transmission mated to the engine.
As many as ten colors will be available to choose from and the sub compact SUV will come in four trim levels: S, SE, SES, and Titanium.
As far as the Indian, or should we say the Asian variant is concerned, it is still not announced but rumors are that Ford may decide to continue with the current line up in correlation with the engine and drive terrain.
Cosmetic Changes Only
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However, Ford will go with the cosmetic updates as well as the new SYNC 3 powered infotainment system. In older models, the car came with a modular console with a number of buttons. The new touch screen equipped infotainment system will save a lot of space on the dashboard making the interior appear neater and cleaner.
The EcoSport also features new air con vents that are positioned a little lower, a new instrument cluster, a new steering wheel, body colored inserts, and silver finished insiders.
The North American version will be shipped without the tailgate mounted spare wheel which is a standard feature for the Asian bound variants.
Apart from this, the EcoSport will also get newly designed fog lamps, new wheels, headlamps, alloy wheels, a bumper, and a new unibody front grille.
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