Ford India exports up 54pc

Ford India maintained steady sales in May with 7,729 domestic wholesale and export vehicles sold, despite increasingly challenging market conditions, including a petrol price increase this month and high interest rates, both of which have affected consumer confidence. Ford India’s exports are up 54pc this year, with 11,224 units exported since January, including 1,693 cars exported in May. The company exported 7,281 cars from January to May 2011. Ford India now exports to 35 international markets. Ford India sold 6,036 wholesale units domestically in May this year, compared to 7,046 in May 2011. “Despite the challenging market conditions, Ford is confident in the long-term future of the automotive market in India. We will continue investing to expand manufacturing and retail capacity in order to bring more great value-for-money, fun-to-drive, fuel efficient vehicles to India,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. "We are working to offer more diesel vehicles to keep up with increased demand. We have increased capacity at our Chennai Engine Plant to 340,000 engines with an investment of USD 72 million that will be commissioned very soon,” Boneham added. Amidst the tough market conditions, Ford India welcomed record numbers of customers into dealerships during its one-day-one-night midnight sales event on May 13, when all its showrooms remained opened from 8 AM till midnight and offered customers the opportunity to shop for a car at their own convenience with attractive offers on all Ford cars