Ford’s sales in India slipped in September to 7,794 cars (domestic wholesales), from 7,801 in September 2011. Exports totalled 1,624 units.
Market sales across the country have been disappointing recently. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has not yet released the final September sales figures, but in August, passenger car sales fell nearly 19%. Speaking at the publication of the August results, SIAM Senior Director Sugato Sen commented on the need for a government stimulus package, noting that dealers at this time of year have usually started stocking up to meet festive season demand. This year, he noted, it has not happened. The government introduced a stimulus package in 2008-09 during the global economic slowdown.
However, Ford remains positive and believes festive season demand will show itself: “We have seen customer confidence improving with the start of the festive season, and are fully prepared to handle pent-up demand during the festive period with our enhanced capacity for diesel engines at Chennai,” said Michael Boneham, President and Managing Director, Ford India.
