Ford introduced its all-new Ford Ka Concept as an entry-level vehicle for urban consumers in Brazil and other key markets around the world.

The Ka Concept expands Ford’s portfolio of compact car offerings. The vehicle strategically positions the company to address global demand for sub-B compact vehicles, a segment that is projected to increase to approximately 6.2 million vehicles by 2017, according to the automaker. Anticipated to grow by 35 percent from 2012 to 2017, this compact vehicle segment would far outpace the industry growth rate by 12 percentage points largely on the back of surging demand from urban consumers in developing countries.

A strong precursor to an all-new global compact car from Ford, a vehicle such as the Ka Concept could launch in 2014. Designed with many features normally reserved for more expensive vehicles, it offers class-leading fuel economy, a roomy interior with comfortable seating for five, air conditioning, and a host of useful technologies such as a central docking station for mobile devices and Ford SYNC.

“The Ford Ka Concept is aimed at customers in growth markets who want and expect more,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas for Ford Motor Company, who was on hand to unveil the new concept vehicle. “It will delight consumers with its sleek design, clever technology, attention-to-detail quality and superb craftsmanship. It also shows the continued importance of our South American design and engineering capabilities to serve markets around the world. It’s truly another global design and engineering milestone for Ford.”

The Ka Concept is the second vehicle developed by Ford Brazil following the highly successful EcoSport compact utility. It represents a critical entry in emerging markets such as South America and South Asia, which will jointly make up 44 percent of the global sub-B compact vehicle segment by 2017, according to the automaker. The Ka Concept positions Ford as a strong option and exemplifies the company’s One Ford pledge to serve customers in all markets with a full family of vehicles.