Leslie Massey
Ford Motor Company of Australia Pty Limited is a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, founded in Geelong, Victoria, in 1925. The company has designed, engineered, and imported award-winning and best-selling cars, SUVs, and trucks. Ford Australia started by assembling Model Ts and has since expanded its range of vehicles, offering various models such as the Ford Escape, Everest, Fiesta, Focus, Ikon, Laser, Mustang, and Ranger. Ford Australia also served as a product development centre for the Asia Pacific and African regions, introducing vehicles like the Ford Bantam ute in South Africa. However, Ford Australia ceased its local manufacturing operations in 2016 and now fully imports its vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of establishment in Australia | 1925 |
| First Australian-built model | Model T |
| Other models assembled in Australia | Model A, Ford V8, Coupé utility, Pilot, Prefect, Anglia, Consul, Zephyr, Zodiac, Ford Laser, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Ford Ikon, Ford Bantam ute, Ford Escape, Mustang |
| Number of employees in Australia | 1,500 |
| Number of locations in Australia | 5 |
| Global number of employees | 176,000 |
| Types of vehicles | Cars, SUVs, trucks, vans, utes |
| Special features | Self-driving technology, all-wheel drive, powerful engines, impressive towing capacity |
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What You'll Learn
Ford's history in Australia
Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited, or Ford Australia, was founded in 1925 as an Australian outpost of Ford Motor Company of Canada. The first Australian-built Ford was a Model T, which was launched on 1 July 1925 in a disused Geelong wool storage warehouse. During the construction of the Geelong plant, Holden's Motor Body Builders Ltd (now known as Holden) assembled and supplied vehicle bodies for Ford Australia. In 1928, the factory switched to the Model A, followed by the Ford V8 in 1932. During the Great Depression, Ford Australia released a coupé utility based on the US Model A Ford "Closed Cab Pickup Truck", as banks would lend money to farmers for "working" vehicles but not for passenger cars.
In 1936, Ford opened an assembly plant at Homebush, and during World War II, Ford Australia ceased producing cars to begin military production to support the war effort. After the war, Ford recommenced assembly of imported Ford models, including the UK-sourced Pilot and a range of British cars, such as the Prefect, Anglia, Consul, Zephyr, and Zodiac. Ford also assembled the Canadian Ford V8.
In 1956, Ford Australia purchased 162 hectares of land in Broadmeadows, and the original Geelong factory became an engine plant. The Falcon, originally a US model, was introduced in Australia in 1960 and adapted to Australian requirements and road conditions. The first Australian-designed Falcon was released in 1964. The Laser, produced in Ford's plant at Flemington in Sydney from 1981 until 1994, was replaced by the Ford Focus in 2002.
Ford Australia was one of Ford's five product development centres globally. In 2016, Ford ended its 88-year history in Australia due to uncompetitive manufacturing costs and lacklustre sales. Since then, it has fully imported cars and trucks for the Asia/Pacific region. Ford Australia has also been designated as one of five full-service Regional Product Development Centres for the Asia Pacific and African regions.
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Ford's Australian factories
Ford Motor Company of Australia Pty Limited was founded in Geelong, Victoria, in 1925. The first Australian-built Ford was a Model T, which was launched on July 1, 1925, in an improvised production line in a disused Geelong wool storage warehouse. Another factory was being constructed several miles away in an area that would later be renamed Norlane. During the construction of the Geelong plant, Holden's Motor Body Builders Ltd (now known as Holden) supplied vehicle bodies for Ford Australia.
In 1956, Ford bought a large tract of land in the northern Melbourne suburb of Campbellfield to build the Broadmeadows Assembly Plant. In July 1961, the company announced that the new Melbourne factory would become its headquarters.
Ford had two main factories, both in Victoria: one in the Geelong suburb of Norlane and the other in Campbellfield. Ford also had a plant in Flemington, Sydney, where the Ford Laser was produced from 1981 until the plant closed in September 1994.
Ford Australia was one of Ford's five product development centres globally. Since the end of factory operations in 2016, it has been fully importing cars and trucks for the Asia/Pacific region. Ford Australia was designated as one of five full-service Regional Product Development Centres, specifically for the Asia Pacific and African regions.
Ford is Australia's largest direct automotive employer, with around 1,500 engineers, designers, technical, and other automotive specialists working at five locations across Victoria.
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Ford cars in Australia
Ford Motor Company of Australia Pty Limited is a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, founded in Geelong, Victoria, in 1925. The first Australian-built Ford was a Model T launched on 1 July 1925. Ford Australia started by assembling Model Ts, and as Ford introduced new models, they were assembled in Australia. During World War II, Ford Australia ceased car production to support the war effort. After the war, Ford recommenced assembly of imported Ford models, including the UK-sourced Pilot, and a range of British cars, such as the Prefect, Anglia, Consul, Zephyr, and Zodiac.
Ford Australia has designed, engineered, and imported award-winning and best-selling cars, SUVs, and trucks. Ford is Australia's largest direct automotive employer, with around 1,500 engineers, designers, technical, and other automotive specialists working across five locations in Victoria. Ford Australia was one of Ford's five product development centres globally. Ford's range of passenger cars combines cutting-edge design with smart technology, advanced safety features, and an exhilarating driving experience.
Ford offers iconic Mustang models, and there are four models of Ford Fiesta: Ambiente, Trend, Sport, and ST. The Ford Fiesta Sport features an award-winning efficient EcoBoost engine, while the ST has a more powerful 6-speed 1.6L engine. The Ford Escape is a mid-size SUV built for urban driving, with a stylish design and intelligent features. The Escape Ambiente costs about $30,000 to $32,000, while the Escape Trend costs $34,000 to $38,000. The Escape Titanium, marketed as kid-ready, is priced close to $50,000.
The Ford Everest is a capable SUV suitable for handling almost any terrain, with a 3-tonne towing capacity and four-wheel drive handling. The Everest Ambiente starts around $50,000 to $55,000, while the Everest Trend is priced at about $60,000, or around $57,000 for the RWD version. The Ford Ranger is a powerful ute with a 147kW diesel engine and a braked towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes. The Ranger has won multiple awards and is now available as a Plug-in Hybrid.
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Ford SUVs in Australia
Ford Australia offers a range of SUVs catering to different needs and preferences. One notable SUV model is the Everest, a large family SUV that offers high functionality and comfort. The Everest comes with either five or seven seats, nine airbags, and an adaptable third row. It is capable of hauling up to 3500 kg, making it a versatile option for those who need to tow. With its advanced features, the Everest is well-suited for both inner-city and rural families.
Another Ford SUV available in Australia is the all-electric Mach-E, which offers a sleek design and ample space for the whole family. The Mach-E provides a thrilling ride while ensuring safety and comfort for all occupants. While specific features of the Mach-E are not extensively discussed, its inclusion in Ford's SUV range highlights the brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The Ford Ranger is another popular choice, boasting impressive towing capabilities, in-car comfort, and ample storage space. The Ranger is suitable for both worksite duties and family adventures, showcasing its versatility. Additionally, the Ranger has received multiple awards, demonstrating its recognition in the Australian market.
For those seeking a more compact option, Ford offers the Tourneo, an eight-seat people mover with flexible seating arrangements. The Tourneo provides comfort, versatility, and advanced technology, making it adaptable to various scenarios, from family trips to daily commutes.
It is worth noting that Ford Australia has a rich history, starting with the assembly of Model Ts and evolving over time. While Ford Australia faced challenges in the early 2010s, resulting in the closure of some factories, the company continues to operate and serve the Asia-Pacific region.
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Ford trucks in Australia
Ford Australia has had a long history of producing and importing trucks. The first Australian-built Ford was a Model T launched on 1 July 1925. During the Great Depression, Ford Australia released a coupé utility based on the US Model A Ford "Closed Cab Pickup Truck".
In 2009, Ford Australia received permission to add a new small car to its Falcon production line. However, in 2013, Ford Australia announced that it would be leaving the Australian market due to uncompetitive manufacturing costs. Since the end of factory operations in 2016, Ford Australia has been importing cars and trucks for the Asia/Pacific region.
Ford Australia has developed and launched several trucks, including the Ford Bantam ute in South Africa and the new Ranger. The Ford Ranger has received multiple awards and is known for its impressive capabilities, such as its 4,500 kg towing capacity and all-wheel-drive system.
In addition to the Ranger, Ford Australia offers other truck models such as the F-Series, which includes the F-450 and the Super Duty. The F-Series, affectionately known as "Effie" by Australians, is not built in Australia but has captured the hearts of many truck lovers since the 1960s with its strength and dependability.
Ford trucks have played a significant role in Australia's automotive industry, offering a range of capabilities and features that cater to the needs of Australians, from rugged adventures to heavy-duty jobs.
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Frequently asked questions
The first Australian-built Ford was a Model T, launched on 1 July 1925.
Ford Australia assembled the Model T, Model A, Ford V8, coupé utility, and the Falcon. During World War II, Ford Australia ceased producing cars and started military production. After the war, Ford Australia assembled imported Ford models, including the UK-sourced Pilot, and a range of British cars such as the Prefect, Anglia, Consul, Zephyr, and Zodiac.
Ford offers a range of cars, SUVs, and utes in Australia. Some of the models include the Escape, Everest, Fiesta, Focus, Ikon, Mustang, and Ranger.
Ford labels the Everest as its most capable SUV, suitable for handling almost any terrain. It has a powerful 3.2L TDCi Duraotorq Diesel engine, 3-tonne towing capacity, and four-wheel drive handling.
The Ford Ranger is a popular choice in Australia, with its impressive braked towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and 147kW diesel engine. It has won multiple awards and is sold in approximately 180 markets globally.
