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New EcoSport SUV the first of several new entry-level Fords aimed at emerging markets

The Ford EcoSport baby SUV will spearhead a range of new products aimed at emerging markets, according to Joe Hinrichs, group vice president of Ford Asia Pacific.

Speaking at the Beijing motor show, Hinrichs told Autocar: "There were two million SUV sales in China last year, and the EcoSport is taking us into a white space, a sector with little competition.

"It is the perfect vehicle for the smaller cities of around a million people that we are expanding into. Now we must capitalise. We're opening two dealerships a week in China and expect string sales growth again this year. There's an appetite for this kind of car.

"Now we must support those markets with products. At the moment our Fiesta is our entry car in emerging markets. We believe Ford has the brand capability to aim at a lower price point, to offer value-orientated products. We can use our global platform strategy to access those products."

Hinrich declined to name potential products, but Ford already sells the Figo in India, which is based on the old Fiesta platform and speculation suggests a B-Max-style vehicle without the innovative doors could be sold in emerging markets.

Jim Holder

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