Iconic Josh no more; Ford Ikon Phased out

[Akash]

The iconic Ford Ikon which made its way to the indian auto markets 12 years back has been discontinued by the company as a result of dipping sales each month. Read the complete report below.

It is curtains for one of the popular Ford vehicle on Indian roads, the Ikon. Ford India has confirmed that it has phased out Ikon to make way for newer products. The car which started the actual branding process for Ford in India and made it a popular name is now bowing down to make way for the new products to come from Ford’s stable.
It has been reported that the Ford which has already announced its plans to introduce eight new products based on its global platforms, by 2015 has been looking at launching a new car this year. Rumours have stated that the new car will be based on the Fiesta sedan.

According to reports, confirming that the production of the Ikon had ceased, Ford India president and managing director Michael Boneham has stated that the company would be discontinuing the Ikon. He was mentioned as saying that the company needed to cut back on the number of products in its production facility to allow for the launch of new products. The reports have mentioned that as of 1 Februrary, the sale of Ford Ikon stands discontinued from the non-Bharat Stage IV markets. It was stated in the reports that last year, the model had been withdrawn from sale in BS IV markets also. The Ikon has clocked sales of 134,000 units so far and till last month, the car was available in 1.3 petrol and 1.4 diesel versions for Rs5 and Rs5.6 lakh (ex-showroom prices).

It was reported that according to Boneham, the Ikon was a much-loved car but not being built on the company's global platforms it has started facing a ''legacy problem'' as it was not being manufactured anywhere else in the world. It was reported that Boneham, has, though assured that the company would extend significant and ongoing support to Ikon owners for parts and servicing.

With the new new-generation Fiesta slated to be launched in June or July, the company would aim to strengthen its presence in the sedan segment. This would be the company's first launch after it unveiled the Figo, in March 2010. This year Ford will also start exports of the compact car to overseas markets having identified growth opportunities in several geographies.

Source: WheelsUnplugged

 

[safire90]

This was one of the first 'cheap' sedans to hit the Indian roads along with Esteem. It was one hell of a car. The Josh Machine.

P.S.: Why is the lifetime of this car different in the above post?

 

[Akash]

P.S.: Why is the lifetime of this car different in the above post?

Thanks for pointing it out Safire90, but to best of my knowledge, Ford launched the Ikon in 1999. Anyways to avoid confusion, the content has been removed.

 

[IndianDrives]

Nice pic and good post. Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[cooldhaya]

Though i have not driven an Ikon till now i have seen people telling that its a good driver's car! Ikon will be missed for sure , but on the brighter side we can expect better new cars from Ford!

 

[remin]

sad to see such an awesome car phased out,the 1.6 version was the machine.the crisp handling and the raw power

 

[Pakshal]

@remin,
you said it mate. the 1.6 was the one with the most josh of them all. But the ikon has had its run. With the new Fiesta due for launch anytime, the existing Fiesta should be in for a re-positioning at a lower price-point.

So i totally understand Ford's rationale behind phasing out the ikon. Good to see Ford flying high. They really have hit the jackpot with the Figo, which continues to sell strongly month after month.

So more power to Ford, for giving us better build-quality, frugal/exciting engines (1.4 duratorq/1.6 duratec) and a chassis that complements with its sorted ride/handling characteristics.

Best :)