Duster gets its Rival: Ford to bring back EcoSport for Europe
Ford has been a popular brand in India even after it was discontinued in 2021. There were rumors that Ford might have some plans to return to India but currently, all plans for Ford are settling for Europe. The new Ford EcoSport will transition to hybrid petrol engines and fully electric formats, in line with industry trends. Ford has talked about manufacturing a "new multi-energy model" in Europe, but exact details have not been provided. The launch in Europe is expected in 2025.
The new-generation EcoSport will bridge the void left by the retirement of popular models like the Ford Fiesta and Focus in the European market. The new EcoSport is probably going to be made at Ford's Valencia facility in Spain, whereas the previous generation was made at the Craiova factory in Romania.
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In Europe, the Ford EcoSport was a well-liked option for entry-level SUVs, selling about 50,000 vehicles annually. It was placed behind the Puma, which is still selling well in European countries. To appeal to a wider range of customers, the next-generation EcoSport will also be priced affordably and positioned as a mass-market product. The new EcoSport has the potential to reach new heights with electric and hybrid drivetrains.
The new EcoSport's main competitor in the European market will be the Renault Duster, a well-liked vehicle that has sold about 2.2 million copies since the first generation model's 2010 release. With the release of the third-generation Dacia Duster, offered in markets including India, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, and South America under the Renault name, sales are anticipated to increase even further. The third-generation Duster is receiving extensive cosmetic and functional changes, so the new Ford EcoSport will have an uphill battle.
The Ford EcoSport had a devoted fan base when it was offered in India because of its adaptability, high build quality, and powerful performance. The SUV was recognized for bringing the sub-4-meter SUV class in India to a wider audience. However, as subsequent models like the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Kia Sonet offered a far superior overall package, EcoSport sales began to decline at the end. Ford currently has no plans to introduce the new EcoSport in Brazil or India; instead, the new vehicle will primarily target the European market.
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