Ford Territory to return…

The popular Ford Territory nameplate has been revived, but instead of being seen on a large Australian-made SUV, it will worn by a new medium SUV to be sold in China only.

The Blue Oval axed the hugely successful Ford Territory — the only SUV ever designed, developed and produced in Australia — in 2016 when it closed its local manufacturing plant.

Although Ford has since released the Ranger-based, Australian-developed – but Thai-built – Everest seven-seat off-road SUV, the original Ford Territory’s spiritual successor will be the Ford Endura.

However, unlike the homegrown Territory, the Canadian-made Ford Endura will offer just five seats and four-cylinder diesel power.

Now the Ford Territory will return as a new “affordable utility that slots between EcoSport and Kuga” in the Chinese market early next year.

Instead of being powered by six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, China’s Ford Territory will be available with petrol, 48-volt mild-hybrid and even plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Developed with Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC), the born-again Ford Territory has been developed to stem mounting losses in the world's largest vehicle market, reports Automotive News.

It will be available with a wide range of technologies including an infotainment system with Mandarin voice-command and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of standard driver-assist features.

"Territory is a key proof point for how we will grow in China," said Ford China CEO Peter Fleet.

"We brought Territory to market with speed, high quality and cost efficiency. It will be affordable for young families and new buyers across China, not just the coastal mega-cities. And the technology will delight customers."

According to Automotive News, Ford plans to launch more than 50 new vehicles in China by 2025, and to replace or update 60 per cent of its line-up by the end of next year.