Ford Australia is to shore up the ongoing viability of its Falcon and Territory models with a $103 million investment aimed at upgrading fuel efficiency, emissions and safety.
The announcement of the investment, which will include $34 million from existing New Car Plan funding as well as "additional support" from the Victorian state government, was made at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by Ford Asia Pacific and Africa president t Joe Hinrichs, Ford Australia president and CEO Bob Graziano and the federal minster for manufacturing Senator Kim Carr.
The $103 million investment adds to Ford's $232 million sustainability initiative for Falcon and Territory that the company says is "now well advanced."
The upgraded Falcon and Territory models will go on sale in 2014 and will benefit from technological improvements such as improved aerodynamics, low rolling-resistance tyres and a new high-tech six-speed auto transmission.
The sum effect is an expected 5.3 per cent improvement in the Falcon's CO2 footprint.
Ford is not giving details of the safety improvements it's planning, merely saying Falcon and Territory will gain "additional new safety, technology and design features" that will complement the existing five-star ANCAP safety rating.
In Detroit, Ford Australia boss Bob Graziano said: "Few single technologies are readily available at a price most consumers can afford that by themselves will provide large reductions in CO2. Rather, we are reducing the CO2 footprint of our range – both domestically-produced and imported – through ongoing engineering and development."
Bob Graziano said the benefits of the initiative will provide "direct employment for around 300 people during the design and engineering stages – as well as supporting jobs and investment across our supply chain."
The announcement is clearly aimed at lifting public confidence in the viability of large, locally-built cars in a market where smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles are on the ascendancy.
"There's no doubt the large car segment is challenging, but it can remain viable if we continue to provide buyers what they want – fuel efficiency, design excellence, and features that enhance safety and the driving experience" Graziano continued.
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