FordAUS Announces Major New Projects: Global Ute, LHD Falcon/Territory

[PaulST]

Quote:

Ford Australia Announces Major New Projects Ford Australia has announced a new strategic direction for the company, including significant investment in new projects and accompanying facilities, totalling more than AUD1.8 billion over the next decade. The company's Product Development team will take an enhanced role as an engineering and design 'centre of excellence' for the Asia Pacific and Africa region. One of the first projects to be undertaken by a significantly expanded team will include the design and engineering leadership of a new global light commercial vehicle architecture that will eventually be used for product in more than 80 countries worldwide. In addition, the Australian centre of excellence will develop future Falcon and Territory programs for Australia and export markets. Ford Australia has worked cooperatively with both the Federal Government and the Victorian State Government to ensure the successful outcome of these major investment opportunities. "As we work to build Ford Motor Company's global competitiveness, it is critical that we continue to invest and grow our capabilities in the Asia Pacific region," said Mr Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company Chairman and CEO. "The engineering experience and capability we have in Australia is a strategic advantage for Ford and it is important that we use this great resource not just to benefit Australian customers, but to benefit customers in markets around the world. "The skills and technologies available in the Australian marketplace are some of the best in our global organisation. "I am glad to see our strategic vision for Ford Australia is shared by the Federal Government and the Victorian State Government. We are very pleased to have worked closely with them to ensure the viability and future success of these major opportunities," said Mr Ford. "For over 80 years, Ford has taken a leadership role in automotive design, engineering and manufacturing in Australia," said Ford Australia President, Mr Tom Gorman. "We have been very successful locally with the Falcon range of vehicles, which have been a mainstay of Australian motoring for more than 45 years. More recently, with the launch of Australia's top selling sports utility vehicle, the Ford Territory, we have solidified our position as one of Australia's leading car companies. "Our local success is now allowing us to capitalise on our strategic location within the increasingly important Asia Pacific region. "Our new globally-oriented strategic direction will allow us to build upon the capabilities and intellectual excellence we have here in Australia. The Ford Australia team will deliver an exciting new engineering and design program for numerous markets around the world, while also investigating further future export opportunities for both Territory and Falcon." Global light commercial vehicle architecture Ford Australia will have lead design and engineering responsibility for a new vehicle architecture that is targeted to underpin a range of light commercial vehicles in more than 80 countries worldwide. Engineered for both right- and left-hand drive and manufactured in multiple locations, the first derivative is most likely to be a pick-up truck, although the architecture has the capability for a variety of multiple configurations and body styles. "We are at the very beginning of this exciting new project. Significant engineering and design work over a number of years is still required before formal program approval will be granted by Ford. It is anticipated that once this occurs, the architecture derivatives are expected to result in more than 400,000 sales annually," said Ford Australia Vice President of Product Development, Mr Trevor Worthington. The design and engineering program is expected to generate in excess of AUD700 million in research and development revenues for Ford Australia during the course of the project. The new light commercial vehicle project will provide Ford Australia's design and engineering teams with the opportunity to extend their technical knowledge and capabilities, and also represents an expansion of Ford Motor Company's global shared technologies strategy. "Our success with Falcon, Territory and all their derivatives, has shown that Ford Australia can develop world-class car-based vehicles," said Mr Worthington. "This new project will afford us with the opportunity to broaden that knowledge base and further increase our importance to the rest of Ford's product development community globally. "Specifically, engineering for left-hand drive will ensure we have the capabilities necessary to develop possible opportunities for our local products in the future," said Mr Worthington. Falcon and Territory An all-new Falcon model and future Territory models will form the basis of potential export opportunities for Ford Australia's globally competitive large rear-wheel drive vehicle platform. "Our current Falcon model has enjoyed modest export success to New Zealand, while the flexibility inherent in Territory has expanded the company's export reach to South Africa and Thailand," said Ford Australia President, Mr Tom Gorman. "While we have no concrete export plans to announce at this time, our new strategic direction as a company will involve us actively targeting additional opportunities for our outstanding domestically manufactured vehicles. "The addition of left-hand drive engineering capability to our product development team will provide significant experience and assist us to develop a viable export program for our world class rear-wheel drive architecture. "We have agreed with our Government partners, at both the Federal and State level, to aggressively pursue all potential exports for our technologies and skills. We look forward to making progress on this issue in the years to come." Product Development Ford Australia's Product Development team will take on an enhanced role within the company's global product development community as a design and engineering centre of excellence for the Asia Pacific region. "The Asia-Pacific region is vitally important to the car industry globally," said Ford Motor Company Vice President and President of Asia Pacific and Africa, Mr Peter Daniel. "The design and engineering capability built up by Ford Australia's product development team with the success of recent projects such as both the BA and BF Falcon, the Territory and, most recently, the design and engineering of a new Fiesta specifically for the Indian market, has ensured the team is best placed to lead major new projects in this region. "This regional capability is critical as Asian economies mature and consumers continue to demand outstanding motor vehicles tailored to their specific requirements." Importantly, Ford Australia's product development team will take the lead on developing new processes and methods for Ford's global product development community. "Increasing the stature of our PD team goes further than just the additional projects we plan to undertake," said Ford Australia Vice President of Product Development, Mr Trevor Worthington. "As a recognised key partner in Ford's product development world, it will be incumbent on us to develop new best practises and methods of operating that will improve quality and reduce the time to market. "Our design and engineering lead role for a new global light commercial vehicle architecture will require us to share these best practises with our partners around the world and help drive their implementation." Significant investment in world class facilities to deliver state-of-the-art vehicle dynamics, safety and refinement will take place at Ford Australia's operations in Broadmeadows, Geelong and the You Yangs to ensure the company can take advantage of strategic global opportunities. Additionally, the company will also expand its core design and engineering staff. Investing in the future The projects announced by Ford Australia today, along with the company's new strategic focus, will ensure the success of Ford in Australia for the foreseeable future. "Our business is changing," said Mr Gorman. "We have been very successful with our business model over the past 80 years. Now is the time to take our company to the next level and grow our business even further. Today's initiatives and investment plans are the first step in a new strategic direction for our company. "Although some of these plans are longer term in nature, the recognition shown to our product development team and the broader Ford Australia business through projects such as the light commercial vehicle architecture and the state-of-the-art rear wheel drive platform, proves that we are on the right track and that our direction is the right one for the future of our company." Ford Australia history Ford cars have been sold in Australia since 1904. Growing demand for Ford vehicles led to the establishment of the Ford Motor Company of Australia on March 31, 1925. Ford began production of the Falcon in 1960 – a vehicle that now holds the mantle of Australia's longest running nameplate. Seven generations of the Falcon have been produced and it is joined by Territory as the only two Australian vehicles that are wholly designed, developed and built locally. Headquarters are located in Broadmeadows, on the northern outskirts of Melbourne, along with an assembly plant, research centre, engineering & technology centre, training centre and Ford Customer Service Division. The company's proving ground is located in the You Yangs outside Geelong and casting, stamping and engine plants are all located in Geelong. A significant portion of the company's product development team is also based at Geelong. Ford has 230 dealers located around Australia and also operates regional offices in each major capital city.

Well this really came out of nowhere. It's great that Ford Australia's position is safe because I'm sure we were all starting to question how viable the place was.

[ELSpeedo]

Hooray Ford OZ is saved I knew they would see common sense eventually.... They finally have lost their myoptic view of the world and started to export geez its the only way to survive in manufacturing these days. This should increase jobs as well I hope....

[ELSpeedo]

HOORAY HOORAY HOORAY



now for the new GTHO to escape captivity.

[ELSpeedo]

Does this also means the Fairlane is saved aka- Crown Vic MkII Ozzie edition. Will the yanks will finally drive real 4 doors RWD's again?

[FPV GTHO]

Thats great news. Was that sourced from Ford Paul?

[FG40]

Oh i wonder if this has anything to do with it ?

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,19033684-2,00.html


James

[FG40]

has this nailed the GM/H coffin now I wonder.

[2006]

Quote: Originally Posted by james

has this nailed the GM/H coffin now I wonder.

No, just that Ford OZ can supply Holden with platinum nails if they so wish....can't get to ****y but its great news.

[PaulST]

Quote: Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

Thats great news. Was that sourced from Ford Paul?

Yeah sorry, I should have clarified that it was a press release.

[FPV GTHO]

No worries. Any chance i could get the location? Just trying to share the good news

[Cobba]

A bigger export push had to come eventually by realising the potential sales in the LHD market. Now I wonder what this means about engines. For anyone who doesn't already know, the I6 layout is an impediment to LHD conversion. In its current form, there just isn't the space on the left hand side of the engine bay for the steering and other components that would have to be shifted. So several scenarios are possible now.

1. The I6 will remain as is (although upgraded) in RHD market cars, while LHD markets will have a V6 fitted.
2. The I6 will be dropped for a new V6 to be fitted for sale in all markets.
3. The I6 will be reconfigured so that it can be used in both RHD and LHD applications.

Obviously there will be advantages and disadvantages with all options. It will be interesting to see what happens. We know that Orion is supposed to stay with the I6 layout at this time, but that may change. The other thing is that this plan is a 10 year plan, and it might be the model after Orion where significant changes occur, including all-new engines.

Regarding the US market, would the export potential be limited like it was with Monaro - 20,000 units per year maximum allowed? Or would the Falcon be manufactured there?

A lot of things to be worked out yet, or to be revealed.

[Elements]

Of Cobba's 3 options - I reckon #3 is most likely.

'Tis good news - am glad to hear.

[ELSpeedo]

A US built LHD Falcon I think as Ford wants a big return on investment.
I think 2 and 3 could be options depending on the export market and the
demmand (if immediate) to go ahead with LHD in the BA now or in the
Orion in the future. Im sure for other countries though we'd be doing
the building as we have proved to be cost effective and 'quality' place
to build.

Retooling the i6 does seem possible in the Orion thats for sure I think. After all
it could (xr6 turbo) go global..... a 4 door GT-R anyone?????? Hell Aussie cars
will now be on the world stage, where they should be.

Interim option in the BA shape could put the perky Mustang V6 inside it which ain't
too bad either. After all originally the Falcon was meant to be a 4 door Mustang.
Forget Holden, the Germans better be worried, their reign on classy 'affordable' 4 doors is kaput.
This is the return to the good old days with Ford I think. When they unleash
their designers here Im sure they going to come up with trumps. Ford the automotive
giant has been sleeping for too long but now...

[PaulST]

There's an article on WHEELSmag.com.au: http://wheels.carpoint.ninemsn.com.a...Alias=wheelsau
It'll be interesting to see how it all works out because we'll never export to the USA because it's better if they build the Orion/Crown Vic over there although Australia could supply Asia and the Middle East. The problem with that is that FordUSA will be keen on keeping their North American plants running as full capacity so it's more likely that they'll build the cars that are exported to the Middle East and Asia because it's more important that they make money than the Aussie division.
But in saying that, could America's foreign policy affect people buying their cars? "Australian made" may be something Ford would want to point out in the Middle East?

This really is fantastic news! Nick Hogios may be regretting moving to that fridge maker...

[ELSpeedo]

Who knows their could be a dual import philsophy on some countries including the US.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...-ford-now.html

That car and driver article dogeyaussie put on seems to the point. I think the performance Falcons could be made by us or the states could do it as well. Very hard to tell. This also means SVT, Shelby, Rousch, Steeda and Saleen could soon turn their Talents towards Falcons could'nt they? HSV have more than met their match. Last time Rousch turn his talents to a Falcon we nearly had a EA GTHO in '91.

I think 'Aussie' would sound better than a Yank built Falcon in the Arab world. Its all about quality we do a better job I wreckon. I need a beer this deserves a celebration. Who knows what this could lead to a US-Australian V8 supercar championship? This would revitalise NASCAR as well perhaps with a real RWD V8. Would sell even more Falcons I think. I don't think GM are doomed far from it . Fords need to show them who's BOSS after all. The BMW 3 and 5 series have met its Aussie match. I think thats what Fords thinking...?

[charles_wif_xf]

Thats great news for us Ford boys, but I wonder what the motivation is behind the govt's grants to only Ford and not the other local manufacturers?

[ELSpeedo]

Johhny wants a Fairlane not a Statesman. Sounds classier anyway. Wish I had shares in Ford right now they
should be on the comeback.

[turbo nick]

AT BLOODY LAST!!! haha

That's awesome news! Well done Mr Ford!

[Elements]

Quote: Originally Posted by ELSpeedo

A US built LHD Falcon I think as Ford wants a big return on investment. I think 2 and 3 could be options depending on the export market and the demmand (if immediate) to go ahead with LHD in the BA now or in the Orion in the future. Im sure for other countries though we'd be doing the building as we have proved to be cost effective and 'quality' place to build. Retooling the i6 does seem possible in the Orion thats for sure I think. After all it could (xr6 turbo) go global..... a 4 door GT-R anyone?????? Hell Aussie cars will now be on the world stage, where they should be. Interim option in the BA shape could put the perky Mustang V6 inside it which ain't too bad either. After all originally the Falcon was meant to be a 4 door Mustang.

No way - with Orion but 18 months away I don't think we'll see a LHD BF Falcon. Orion will be the earliest this will happen.

Quote: Originally Posted by ELSpeedo

Forget Holden, the Germans better be worried, their reign on classy 'affordable' 4 doors is kaput. This is the return to the good old days with Ford I think. When they unleash their designers here Im sure they going to come up with trumps. Ford the automotive giant has been sleeping for too long but now...

Egg-zachary.

[Tribute_Escape]

Jack Roush working on the Aussie Falcon again?

yes please ...

Can someone say GTHO ...

Quote:

Last time Rousch turn his talents to a Falcon we nearly had a EA GTHO in '91.

Thanks ELSpeedo ... damn that will almost end HSV if the HO made a comeback and then goes on sale WORLDWIDE - the Euro sports cars will be saaving WTF as they did in 2002 withthe BA XR6 Turbo doing the rounds in Euroupe and UK (Wheels) the EL Falcon GT again in the UK and even the EF Falcon XR6 in 1994.

As for a Godzilla type Falcon, yes the F6 Typhoon would be nice if they could fix it with the Territory AWD system :-) and give it 300kw ...

and the Territorey Turbo maybe fitted with the JAG badge will give the X5 and ML series Euro AWD's a run for there money but probably wont work in the USA as the Freestyle failed but I like many others put that down to the small V6 and CVT combo drivetrain even though it has the same size as the Territory and if anything a better AWD system from Volvo.

[Superfresa]

I join the Cheers, Hope Ford Australia models start selling in the USA and do well....

damn it about time too!!!

[2006]

Quote: Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

No worries. Any chance i could get the location? Just trying to share the good news

Here's the link to the Ford site:
http://media.ford.com/newsroom/relea...?release=23353

[fordfalcongt]

Let the new era begin. Cant wait to see whats ahead.

[Paxton]

I can't believe how ironic it is that Ford USA tried to get the Aussie Falcon morphed into an American Taurus, of which the AU was the stepping stone, with the Falcon canned. I also find it ironic that the very car that the USA had, and ruined (in their home market) could be the very thing that saves them.

It will be Orion (at the earliest) that brings forth any real insight into how the LHD Falcon will behave, but hopefully, the I6 goes wherever the Falcon does, and that the car isn't influenced by any real Yank input. Ford Australia have a large design clinic for a reason.

[PaulST]

It seems that the Orion Falcon has been codenamed E8 too. I wonder if Ford will move to tell the public what the name is before the release like Holden has with the VE? E8? Sounds a lot like V8 to me, or a type of fuel.
Gorman's said that the Fairlane is staying too, there's more in this thread: http://www.fordaustraliaforums.com/f...999#post156999