Stand-by for Ford model rush in 2011

Ford is due to release a flood of new models over the next 12 months in the biggest overhaul of the local line-up in years.

The new model offensive starts later this year with the facelifted Fiesta and new Fiesta sedan, before an onslaught of new models in the new year.

"We have a big year ahead," said the boss of Ford Australia, Marin Burela. "All through 2011 you're going to see new products and new engines across our line-up. This is going to be a strong year for us."

Australians will get a glimpse of what's coming next year at the Sydney motor show next fortnight, starting with a concept version of its new Ford Ranger ute. That model, engineered and developed in Australia but to be built in Thailand and exported to 180 countries, is due in late 2011.

Before that arrives, however, Ford will launch a heavily facelifted Territory which will be available with a turbodiesel engine, and the six-cylinder powerplant is also expected to receive an overhaul.

The facelifted Mondeo is also likely to lob around the same time, and shortly after that, the locally-developed LPI Falcon. Before the year is out, there is a strong chance the four-cylinder Falcon will arrive in showrooms, and the new Focus small car (pictured) may also make the cut.

"We are moving quickly with much more fuel efficient models so we can remain relevant to more customers and get on more people's car shopping lists," said Burela.

Ford: what's coming
Facelifted Fiesta and new sedan (diesel and petrol) -- fourth quarter 2010
Facelifted Mondeo (diesel and petrol) -- first quarter 2011
Facelifted Territory (diesel and petrol) -- second quarter 2011
Liquid Pressure Injection Falcon -- third quarter 2011
Four-cylinder Falcon sedan -- fourth quarter 2011
All-new Ranger ute -- fourth quarter 2011
All-new Ford Focus -- fourth quarter 2011

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