BIKRAM RAI

Ford Figo sold 50,000 units in India in the first seven months after its launch and as Ford launches in Nepal, it is hoping to replicate this success. "We expect 70 per cent growth from the Asia-Pacific and African region. Nepal is part of this strategy and an important market for us," says Michael Boneham, President and Managing Director, Ford India.

Hatchbacks and compacts have dominated the car market in Nepal and Ford has made an apt entry with its first small car, Figo. In fact, Nepal is Figo's second export market. Boneham claims that with Ford, Nepali customers will get value for their money and enjoy a low cost of ownership.

Ford has opened its new dealership with GO Automobiles under Golchha Organization to market its cars here. Along with Figo in the hatchback segment, Ford is rolling in Fiesta, a sedan, Ranger, a pick-up and the more familiar Everest, an SUV.

"Figo and Fiesta have been made for Indian roads and are thus are built to run on road conditions similar to Nepal," says Akash Golchha of GO Automobiles. "Ranger and Everest, which come from Thailand, have fantastic off-road capabilities."

Ford's new showroom in Thapathali is already showing off these models and the service centre in Swayambhu opened with a three-day Ford Carnival. The event was a family affair, and showcased Ford's range while offering facilities like spot exchange, finance and insurance along with games and refreshments. Spare parts are readily available and Ford also makes child parts, which allows the customer to change independent components at a lower cost.

"Our target is to sell 600 units during our first year," says Golchha, and GO Automobiles might be on the right track to achieve that target, with bookings for 100 cars even before the launch.

Paavan Mathema

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