Figo's production gets underway

Ford has commenced with the production of its 1.2-litre petrol engine at the company's Chennai plant. This is the same engine that will power the soon to be launched Ford Figo. (Read our First Drive Report here)

Ford has invested additional Rs 1,500 crore to its existing plant where the company currently produces the Fiesta, Ikon and Endeavour. Spread across 40,000 square meters, the plant has a capacity of producing 2,50,000 engines annually (earlier 60,000 engines were manufactured annually). The recent expansion at the plant will provide livelihood to further 1.000 employees, in addition to the existing 2,100 workers.

Initially, the plant will focus on assembling the 1.2-litre petrol and the common rail 1.4-litre diesel engine for the domestic markets. Both engines, along with locally sourced Ford's IB5 transmissions, will be fitted in the new Ford Figo that will be produced at the plant starting first quarter of 2010. The massive expansion gives India a chance to become a major hub for Ford to export its diesel and petrol engines.

Based on the family of Ford’s SIGMA engines, the new 1.2L engine has been specifically designed for the Indian market with emphasis on fuel efficiency. The motor has been engineered specifically to run on Indian spec fuel and to meet the stricter BS-IV emission norms.

While the plant has been continually producing diesel engines, the new line is completely flexible and will have the ability to handle both diesel and petrol engines simultaneously.