A model poses beside a Ford Ecosport during a media presentation of the 34th Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok March 26, 2013.
A model poses beside a Ford Ecosport during a media presentation of the 34th Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok March 26, 2013.Reuters

Ford's latest endeavour has proven success as the bookings for EcoSport rose to more than 25,000 in just 17 days of its launch. After a minor glitch last week, Ford dealers in India have resumed bookings for EcoSport diesel variant.

"Yes, we are taking bookings for the diesel variant of EcoSport now. The waiting period lies between 6-9 months. And for EcoSport (petrol), the waiting is up to one year," said Syed Jamal, Sales Manager at Metro Ford, Bangalore.

The bookings for the much-awaited SUV had started more than an year ago and it was reported a week ago that the waiting period for delivery of the SUV would be 3-4 weeks.

"Customers have been waiting for one and a half year. They don't want to wait anymore. I think the situation will change in a few months as we start producing and delivering more cars. Give it three months," said Sudhakar NMK, Sales Manager at Ford.

The bookings for EcoSport touched 14,000 last week before witnessing more than 10,000 fresh bookings this week, making it the second most successful car launch of the year after Honda's Amaze.There were around 2000 fresh bookings for the SUV from Bangalore alone.

Ford EcoSport was launched on 26 June at a starting price of ₹ 5.59 lakh (petrol) and ₹ 6.69 lakh (diesel). The aggressive pricing and competitive positioning of the product has boosted the overall demand for the SUV.

Touted as a major comeback for Ford India, EcoSport will give a sigh of relief, as it has been under pressure despite initial success of Figo.