Royal Enfield reports 34% sales growth in July, reaching 118,232 units

In Tashkent, where over 1700 buses currently operate, 191 units are not equipped with air conditioners. These vehicles are old diesel models manufactured between 2012 and 2013, according to Mirakbar Ikromov, head of the Capital Transport Department, in an interview with 'Gazeta.'

According to the plans, half of the outdated diesel buses are expected to be taken out of service by 2026. Furthermore, starting next hot season, vehicles without cooling systems will be completely excluded from use.

Mirakbar Ikromov noted that in accordance with presidential directives and set goals for the current year, it is necessary to phase out 50% of the old diesel fleet. He emphasized that by the hot days of next year, buses without air conditioning will no longer be present. The requirement for cooling and heating systems in buses is becoming a mandatory condition integrated into tender documentation.

When asked about the reasons why air conditioners might not work even in equipped vehicles, the department head named several factors. He mentioned that it is difficult to ensure a comfortable temperature for all passengers because some ask to turn off the AC due to excessive cold, while others insist on turning it on and closing the windows.

Another reason could be technical malfunctions. A state institution has been established at the Capital Transport Department to monitor the quality of routes, employing 50 inspectors. These specialists travel along routes, identify buses with AC malfunctions, and assess the overall quality of service. If a problem is found, the bus returns to the garage and can only return to service after the fault is repaired, as reported by Mirakbar Ikromov.

Moreover, Mirakbar Ikromov refuted the assumption that drivers might switch off air conditioners to save fuel. He explained that fuel for each bus is calculated based on its daily route, and consumption depends not only on the heat but also on the driver's skill; if standards are met, there will be no fuel issues.

According to the department, approximately 300–400 capital buses currently run on diesel fuel, while the rest use gas. The fleet also includes 528 electric buses. By the end of 2026, another 240 buses are planned for delivery to Tashkent: 200 will be acquired by 'Toshshahartranskhizmat', and 40 by private carriers.

The start of air conditioning in capital buses is scheduled for May 7, 2026. At that time, 'Toshshahartranskhizmat' stated that vehicles with faulty cooling systems would not be allowed on routes, and any breakdowns would be promptly fixed. It should be noted that until 2018, Tashkent buses did not have air conditioning, but now all new vehicles are equipped with cooling systems.

In the early 2000s, Ford achieved remarkable success by introducing the EcoSport in 2003, which was the first compact SUV manufactured in Brazil. Unlike most automakers who focused on minivans to meet the needs of Brazilian families, the American brand opted to create a smaller and more affordable model based on the Fiesta platform, which facilitated its development and production.

In a market where vehicles like Mercedes-Benz Class A, Renault Scénic, Citroën Xsara Picasso, Fiat Idea, and Chevrolet Meriva competed, Ford presented a distinct alternative. The EcoSport featured an adventurous look, a high driving position, and an appearance more aligned with sports utility vehicles popular abroad. This positioning resulted in a rapid conquest of the Brazilian market, surpassing the sales volume of rival minivans.

When launched in 2003, the EcoSport was available in three engine configurations: 95 hp 1.0 Supercharger Zetec Rocam, 98 hp 1.6 Zetec Rocam, and up to 143 hp 2.0 Duratec. Ford's strategy with the 1.0 version was motivated by the possibility of achieving more competitive prices for the end consumer, since vehicles with engines up to one liter benefited from reduced IPI and ICMS rates at the time.

Company executives expected that a compact SUV with a price similar to that of a popular car would be widely accepted. There was an expectation that the EcoSport 1.0 would achieve high sales volumes, capitalizing on both the growth of the segment and the tax incentives applied to smaller displacement engines. The Brazilian consumer showed appreciation for SUVs, and Ford recognized this trend before its competitors.

However, the public looking for an SUV did not want a 1.0 engine. At that time, engines of this capacity were often associated with entry-level cars, primarily intended for those prioritizing economy and low initial cost. Even equipped with a mechanical compressor to boost power and torque, the small Zetec Rocam failed to change this buyer perception, who demanded performance commensurate with the vehicle's image, regardless of its size.

Additionally, the price disparity between versions was not significant. Upon launch, the EcoSport 1.0 Supercharger cost about R$ 31 thousand, while the 1.6 version was sold for approximately R$ 35 thousand. For the extra amount, the customer received a car with better performance, more agile acceleration, and, under certain usage conditions, more balanced fuel consumption. Thus, the market decision almost automatically leaned towards the 1.6 option, due to its tradition and reliability.

While the EcoSport established itself as a major commercial success for Ford in Brazil, the 1.0 Supercharger variant followed a different path. Its sales were very low, and the model failed to gain consumer trust. After only three years in the market, Ford opted to discontinue its production in 2006, removing the EcoSport 1.0 from the lineup without direct successors.

The situation was aggravated by the fact that the Supercharger system required specific maintenance care. The mechanical compressor used its own lubrication, and many owners and workshops were unaware of the correct conservation procedures. Over time, frequent cases of premature unit deterioration, excessive noise increase, performance drop, and considerable rise in fuel consumption emerged. Thus, the version designed to be the most accessible ended up being one of the least sought after, marking a curious episode in the history of the national automotive industry.