After announcing its withdrawal from the Indian market in 2021, Ford has been making moves to return to the country since the beginning of 2024. First, the company planned to sell its factory in Chennai, posted job listings, and most recently, it has filed a copyright for a highly anticipated new design.
Image of the copyrighted design expected to be the new generation Ford EcoSport. Photo: RushLane
In the leaked copyright image, an SUV model with a length of about 4 meters or less is seen. This immediately sparked rumors that the new generation Ford EcoSport will return as the main weapon to help Blue Oval make a comeback in India.
Image of the leaked SUV model believed to be the upcoming Ford EcoSport developed since 2020. Photo: Petrobug
Most notably, the front design registered is similar to an uncovered Ford SUV model in India since 2020. The large grille blends well with the horizontal strip headlights divided into 2 layers on the sides. However, compared to the actual leaked car, the registered design no longer has vertical lights on the sides but this area is covered.
Graphic rendering closest to the “new generation Ford EcoSport” design revealed in 2020 as well as the new registered copyright. Photo: Omkar Surve Design
The Ford EcoSport is a pioneering model for the sub-4-meter SUV segment in India, so it still holds a special place in the hearts of Indian consumers. Introduced as a concept in India in 2012 and officially launched in 2013, the model quickly achieved great success by selling and exporting 100,000 units in just one year.
However, this model later fell behind in India when it was surpassed by newer competitors like the Hyundai Venue or the Kia Sonet. In 2021, only about 3,800 EcoSport vehicles were sold throughout India, with no sales in December.
