Ford Oz lobbies execs

Ford Australia has jumped onto the front foot to 'sell' its FG Falcon range inside the upper echelons of the Ford world.

Coming Down Under to drive the new FG Falcon range in early May is a delegation of senior Ford Motor Company execs, headed by Group Vice President, Global Product Development, Derrick Kuzak.

Along with Kuzak, the group will play a pivotal role in deciding the future of Ford's large car plans. In doing so, it could 'green light' the local arm to become the centre of excellence for Ford's rear-wheel-drive passenger car development.

New Ford Australia chief, Bill Osborne (pictured), confirmed the delegation was on its way Down Under at last week's first drive of the FG Falcon. He said along with Kuzak the visitors would include: Group Vice President, Global Quality, Bennie Fowler; Vice President, Global Powertrain Engineering, Barb Samardzich, head of Global Product Planning Doug Szopo, and head of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, John Parker.

According to Osborne, the "entire group will be here for some discussions and for a drive of the vehicle."

"We're going to be holding wide range discussions about a number of topics at both the regional level and for Australia," Osborne told the Carsales Network.

"I think it's an opportune time because a lot of [Ford] people will be interested in driving the vehicle. That's one of the things I think will be the highlight of the trip.

"The last vehicle that Derek [Kuzak] drove was a confirmation prototype, so I think he's anxious to see how production level vehicles are going to turn out," Osborne said.

The Ford Australia boss says the delegation will drive the new FG range at Ford's You Yangs proving ground on May 2. They will also drive "competitive product".

Despite what has been postulated elsewhere, the program is far from a 'final exam', the results of which Falcon and RWD development future hinge. However, Osborne admitted: "It will be a very important meeting for all of us.

"It's an evaluation of the products and long-term potential of the products. I think it's also an opportunity for us to discuss with them what we think are our important strategies for Australia going forward," Osborne explained.

"From my standpoint it's a great opportunity to have senior leadership here right at the launch of one of our most important products, and at a point in time when we're discussing future strategies... What's the best way for Ford to operate in Australia and how can we support global strategies," he opined.

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