 His
approachable manner makes it very easy to talk to him. The tall, handsome,
blue-eyed Philip G Spender is the present Managing Director
of Ford India. He has been a part of Ford Motor Company for
the last 24 years.
He took charge as MD of Ford India in January 1999 and one of his
major tasks in the country is to provide leadership to the organisation.
He has gained rich experience through various
cross-functional assignments in the company. Under his able leadership,
Ford India has successfully launched Ford's latest introduction -
the Ford IKON Exi.
Spender, with his engineering background, has been instrumental
in developing global manufacturing practices for Ford. He has also
been involved in several new car launches, from the planning and
development stages to their final launch. His enthusiasm and commitment
to the Indian customer pervades all aspects of Ford's operation
in India.
Under his competent leadership, Ford India has taken a positive
position on key consumer and industry issues such as environment,
safety and emissions, customer service and satisfaction, infusion
of new technology and the impact of global trends on the Indian
automobile industry.
An active race enthusiast, he has been passionate about cars since
his childhood and is a Formula Ford racer himself. He has
built and designed a Formula Ford Racing Car in the National
Champion in New Zealand from 1971 to 1975. He also loves
playing football and tennis. Yet another area of interest of his
is education.
He is married and has two teenage children studying in Australia.
Presently, he lives with his wife in Chennai, close to India
Ford's corporate office and manufacturing facility.
Recently, he was in Bangalore to lauch Ford IKON Exi. Our correspondents
caught up with him at the venue and discussed the role of Ford India
in India.
 Excerpts
of the interview:
Role of Ford India in India…
Indian heart with global practices… We want to dare Ford India
to be great and to add value to India as a country.
How receptive is the Indian car market?
It is an enthusiastic market, an emerging market. On the whole,
it's very strong in Asia. The Indian automotive market is poised
to become one of the largest markets in the world and we will ensure
that the IKON will be there at the forefront.
You think Ford will become a market leader, say ten years from
now?
A market leader in any country in the world, maintains a
12-20% share in the market. That's it, and it is actually more!
There is a lot of competition. In India, Maruti is a leader. It
had monopolised the market. We waited for the market to stabilise,
and then we entered.
What's your definition of a car?
A car is an expression of the individual who owns it and so,
primarily, it must be desirable. It should be exciting and grab
a customer's attention instantly. It should be safe and dependable.
Above all, it should be good value for money.
What is that 'josh' element in Ford IKON?
It fuses you! Wow! It's exciting, I mean to say
the whole package! Go for it! IKON's excitement factor has worked
very well. It has an edge over Hyundai Accent, Santro and Lancer.
How has Ford Escort fared in the Indian market?
Initially, it was good. On the whole, the sales were not as
good as we expected. We sold around 40,000 cars. We stopped its
production eight months ago.
 You
plan to enter the small car segment?
Not now. Surely, after a couple of years…
How eco-friendly is IKON?
It is very E-friendly. We are environment conscious. The model
reduces fuel economy by 25%. In India, we lead the Euro II position.
How do you feel staying and working in India?
I have stayed in India for 20 months now. I've discovered the
Indian Summer. The place our corporate office is situated - Chennai
- is really hot. But I like the place. I think the Indian education
system is very strong.
How is Bangalore?
Great. I've played golf in the golf course near IT Park. Bangaloreans
are warm people. I like coming here.
- J.
Vinay & Levine Lawrence
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