Ford Motor Company took another step forward in the important and growing Indian automotive market today with the launch of Ford Fiesta, an all-new sedan developed specifically for the Indian market by Ford's global engineering team. The global debut event-with the first public showing of the new Fiesta-was hosted by Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford.

When the Fiesta goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2005, it will join the Ford Ikon, Mondeo, Endeavor and Fusion. The four-door Fiesta will be introduced with two available powertrains: the Duratec petrol 1.6-litre engine and the Duratorq 1.4-litre TDCi diesel. With this launch, Ford will introduce its proprietary Turbo Direct Common Rail injection (TDCi) technology in India. Ford has set new standards in turbo-diesel performance with the Duratorq TDCi engines. While being one of the smoothest and quietest diesels in its class, the technology is designed to deliver responsive acceleration, outstanding fuel economy, and reduced emissions.

Fiesta will be available for customer test drives by mid November 2005 at the company's dealership facilities in 79 cities across the country.