Ford is preparing to launch a new vehicle platform for India and other emerging markets that will spawn a host of new models, including a local rival to the Hyundai i20.
Codenamed B563, the new platform will be an upgraded version of the B562 platform used by the Ford Figo and Aspire and will underpin a premium hatchback to rival the i20 as well as a mid-size sedan to rival the Honda City, Autocar India reports.
Speaking about the platform in anonymity, a Ford official said the new platform will be made specifically with India in mind.
“The Fiesta (B299 platform) was essentially a car made for Europe and the cost structure was too high for India and that made it unviable. The B563 platform allows us to be far more cost efficient which is the key to competitive pricing in India,” they said.
Unfortunately for local customers looking to an alternative to the i20 and City, neither model is predicted to launch before 2020 but when they do, both will be developed to meet tight emission regulations beyond 2023. This means that the i20 and City rivals will land with new small displacement petrol engines.
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