• Ford India’s domestic sales stood at 6,356 units in March, up 21 percent
• Ford strengthens India’s position as a centre of manufacturing excellence; exports 5,449 vehicles in March
• Ford EcoSport becomes the most awarded vehicle ever in the Indian automotive segment

Ford India sold 11,805 vehicles in combined domestic wholesales and exports in March, up 57 percent from 7,499 vehicles in the same period last year.

Domestic sales in March stood at 6,356 units, up from 5,271 units in the corresponding period last year.

Reflecting Ford’s continued efforts to enhance India’s position as a centre of manufacturing excellence, Ford India exports continued to be strong, at 5,449 vehicles in March, up from 2,228 units last year.

“Cautious is how we should define the first quarter of 2014. The excise duty reduction has definitely been a positive step. As India gets set to vote, we look forward to such industry-friendly initiatives being sustained to support the important automotive sector,” said Vinay Piparsania, executive director of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India.

Setting a new standard with a combination of contemporary, stylish design, versatile capability and fantastic value, the all-new Ford EcoSport emerged in March as India’s most-awarded vehicle ever, garnering more than 30 coveted industry awards in less than a year since its launch.

The all-new Ford EcoSport’s industry recognitions include 18 Car or SUV of the Year award honours, six Viewer’s or Reader’s Choice awards, and several awards for its globally acclaimed EcoBoost and SYNC® technologies as well as its compelling value-for-money proposition.

The EcoSport’s latest awards helped it to overtake the Ford Figo, which in its debut year had been recognized in the Limca Book of Records 2012 as India’s most-awarded car.

“Ford is confident of playing a significant part in the next phase of growth in India’s automotive industry,” Piparsania said. “We are thrilled with the response to our vehicles. As a mark of growing favourability amongst customers, it is a matter of pride to see a Ford vehicle become India’s Most Awarded Vehicle Ever yet again.”