Ford Territory could be set for an Aussie comeback

Ford Australia could be eying a two-pronged attack on the top-selling mid-size SUV segment following the discovery of a design trademark for the Chinese-built Ford Equator Sport – a model sold in overseas markets as the Ford Territory.

While that name will resonate with many readers, this latest model has nothing in common – besides its name – with the previous Australian-built Ford Territory that was based on the Ford Falcon large sedan and graced Aussie dealerships for more than a decade.

With a length of 4630mm, 1935mm width and an overall height of 1706mm, the Ford Equator Sport – which the Blue Oval co-develops with Jiangling Motors in China – is 16mm longer, 52mm wider and 36mm taller than the current 2022 Ford Escape and rides on a 16mm-longer wheelbase.

Whereas the current Escape looks like an upscaled Ford Focus (as per its platform), the Equator Sport takes on a much boxier, rugged and aggressive aesthetic with squinty headlights, a wide contrasting grille and squared-off bodywork.

It relies on a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (127kW/260Nm) for propulsion, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Ford Australia has long said local trademarking and patenting is not reflective of product plans.

carsales understands the US auto giant may have submitted the design filing on a ‘just in case’ basis, even if the Ford Australia is denying any plans.

“We have no news to share on any plans to introduce the Equator Sport to Australia,” a spokesperson told carsales.

“Ford submits design applications for various brand assets as a normal course of business, but they aren’t necessarily an indication of new branding, badging or product plans.”

Ford could be planning to offer the Equator Sport as a slightly bigger and more rugged alternative to the Escape that would serve as an indirect replacement for the previous Ford Endura large SUV without threatening the Aussie-developed Ford Everest.

There would be some risk involved in reintroducing the Territory nameplate Down Under as Aussies are typically sceptical when badges from home-grown cars are applied to imported version, as seen with the ill-fated German-sourced Holden Insignia-cum-Commodore.

However, a two-pronged product strategy within key vehicle segments is common practice and is already found across multiple brands, including the Mazda CX-3 and CX-30 and the Mitsubishi ASX and small SUVs.

GWM Australia could also be plotting a similar move within the mid-size SUV segment with the established Haval H6 and the trademarked Haval Dargo.

SsangYong will follow suit, too, when the new SsangYong Torres joins the familiar SsangYong Korando Down Under.