Ford crosses the boundary, enters Nepal market

Michael Boneham, Ford India's president and managing director will inaugurate the exclusive dealership along with GO Ford's dealer principal Akash Golchha on Sunday.

"We are proud to celebrate the opening of Nepal's newest Ford dealership. We are excited to bring volume products like the Ford Figo and the Ford Fiesta to the Nepalese market," said Boneham.

"Customers will benefit from higher levels of localisation, availability of spare parts and good value for money from our vehicles. In India, our customers enjoy a low cost of ownership and we wish to replicate that here too," he added.

GO Ford will also introduce the Ford Everest SUV and all-new Ranger pickup truck, which will be imported from Thailand, in addition to vehicles from India.

The dealership will provide a range of after-sales services and support for customers in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. The new facility will help Ford to significantly expand its presence in the northern part of the Indian sub-continent.

"We are delighted to partner with an auto sector leader such as Ford who has provided great support in key areas such as the development of cutting-edge vehicle service infrastructure and best practices," said Golchha. "With their experience, great products, and our local market knowledge, we look forward to a bright and profitable future on all fronts."

Located in the centre of the city, the GO Ford dealership includes a spacious showroom and a state-of-the-art servicing centre. As well as being a Ford authorised Brand@Retail* outlet ' in line with Ford's global branding and design guidelines ' the new facility includes a separate café and dedicated lounge area for customers.

"We are committed to bringing world-class service to our customers and this facility is equipped with the latest tools to ensure a better service experience," said Nigel Wark, executive director, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford India.

The facility can service up to 24 cars per day. GO Ford will offer 24-hour emergency break down service to customers in Kathmandu.

The spacious new dealership will be manned by 60 Ford-trained sales and service staff. In addition to its 4,600-square-foot showroom area, GO Ford boasts an 18,000-square-foot workshop area with state of the art service facilities that are among the best in Nepal.

Nepal is Figo's second export market after South Africa, where 7000 vehicles are being sent. The exceptionally popular vehicle has already sold 50,000 units since it launched in India in March, and sales are expected to remain strong as it reaches up to 50 export markets worldwide in the near future.

The Ford Fiesta is also popular, having notched up sales of more than 100,000 units in India since it launched in the market in 2005.

"We are confident that these vehicles will generate the same passion and interest from consumers in Nepal as they have in India," said Boneham.