The latest model in Ford's Fiesta range has just commenced sales in India – and it's thanks to a team led by Ford Australia engineers and designers that motorists in the sub-continent have a car designed specifically for their local conditions.

While the new model enjoyed input from Ford India and Ford of Europe engineers, it was the contribution made by some 150 Ford Australia staff which really got the wheels moving.

"The India Fiesta is one of the most ambitious small car projects we've ever undertaken, but everybody involved in the project – from stakeholders in Australia and India, right through to Bill Ford himself – are thoroughly impressed by the finished product," said Vice President Product Development Ford Australia, Trevor Worthington.

"We pitched for this project against other engineering teams in the Ford world, and completing this job in the manner and to the standard we have is something to be proud of. It speaks volumes about our local skill level and expertise - we have been, in effect, exporting knowledge, know-how and skills developed through our own Falcon and Territory programmes."

Ford engineers completed 700,000 kms of test driving, a large proportion of which was done in India.

"Indian roads are quite unlike anything we have in Australia. Whilst they are sealed, they are generally of a poor quality, featuring coarse uneven 'choppy' surfaces," said Mr. Worthington.

Climatic extremes also influenced the design elements of the vehicle – the Fiesta had to cope with searing summer temperatures, but also contend with monsoonal floods.

"A capability for Fiesta to be able to operate in, or literally wade through flooded roads for a short distance, was a unique necessity," added Worthington.

In addition to unique road conditions, designing a car for Indian customers presented its own swath of cultural considerations.

These included a requirement for additional head space in the vehicle – to allow room to allow for men's turbans – and also a special shelf on the instrument panel on which a religious idol could be placed.

"I know a lot of the team have a new understanding and appreciation of Indian customs and beliefs," said Mr. Worthington.

"In that respect, it was an excellent exercise in learning to work with a large number of people across a variety of cultures – it was a real lesson it cultural diversity.

The Indian Ford Fiesta features distinctive exterior styling, contemporary interiors, an exciting range of colours and a host of cutting edge technologies, including a choice of either a 1.4L or 1.6L Duratec petrol or 1.4L Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. It will be built at the Ford plant in Chennai.

The new model will enable Ford India to compete more aggressively in a steadily growing market, which is heading towards one million new vehicle sales this year. Based on the strength of Fiesta, Ford India is hoping to double its sales to 50,000 in 2006.

2006 Ford Fiesta - India

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