US auto major Ford today said it is recalling 972 units of the diesel variants of its newly launched compact SUV EcoSport in India to rectify a part in the engine starting system.
“As part of routine checks, we discovered a potential concern with EcoSport diesel variants related to the glow plug module which requires relocating the module. We are contacting customers to take their vehicle to their Ford dealership to have the work carried out,” Ford India said in a statement.
A glow plug helps burn fuel efficiently when a diesel engine is being started and the function of the glow plug module is to regulate the functioning of the plug.
The company, which is present in the country through a wholly-owned subsidiary Ford India, added that no accidents or injuries have been reported related to the issue and this is a proactive, voluntary recall action to ensure customers’ safety and satisfaction.
Ford had launched the much-awaited SUV in India last month with price starting at Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
EcoSport is available with three engine options of 1 litre petrol with Ecoboost technology, 1.5 litre petrol and 1.5 litre diesel engine.
While the price of 1 litre Ecoboost petrol version starts at Rs 7.90 lakh, the 1.5 litre petrol variant is priced at Rs 5.59 lakh.
The EcoSport with 1.5 litre diesel has price starting at Rs 6.69 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The automatic transmission version in 1.5 litre petrol starts at Rs. 8.45 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Ford India has invested $142 million at its Chennai plant to manufacture the EcoSport. It is also investing $ 1 billion to set up its second production facility at Sanand that will be operational by 2014. The plant will have an installed output capacity of 2.4 lakh vehicles and 2.7 lakh engines annually.
With completion of the Sanand plant in Gujarat, Ford India will have a total installed capacity of rolling out 4.4 lakh vehicles and 6.1 lakh engines every year.