The Detroit News is reporting the dashing of many an Aussie Ford fan’s hopes with news that Ford is intending to develop its next rear-wheel-drive platform in the U.S.
Having finally agreed to develop a global RWD platform, it is believed that head office has shut the door on their RWD experienced Australian operation. Ford Australia was widely rumoured to become the global RWD development centre for Ford, in much the same way as Holden is for GM.
The main reason being cited is the weakening of the US dollar which is providing Ford with a lower cost local workforce, while the comparative cost of the Australian operation increases for the same reason.
Ford will be developing the new RWD platform near Detroit and it is expected to underpin a range of new vehicles, including an all-new Mustang as well as other Ford and Lincoln models.
[Source: Autoblog]
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Wata jip !!!
Ford Australia is way ahead in terms of technology in the RWD platform, yet, America seems to take the stage yet again.
Well Done Ford
*sighs*
Ford’s origins are in USA and I guess they believe they can do all better.
The truth is more like they have been overtaken on all fronts by the rest of worlds FORD’s and the Japanese and they are not willing to admit it.
As a former ford fan and still a believer in ford I can only look on in dismay as Ford kills its self due to nothing more then arrogance
Well said Seven you said it all, I am a total Ford Fan and this is just shocking news - I see Ford going down the toilet here. Ford Australia should have been more assertive in the BA Falcon and just sent it over for sale in the States it is a far better car then any sedan they produce over there and the reliability has been proven with every Falcon made here (Taxis are run off the clock before they are replaced - only some require a engine rebuild at 500,000Km). For its price I dont see how the Falcon is a world car? look at the Commodore it is lapping it up in the States and its funny how they all think that it is an American built car (in reference to the GTO)
My friend on Facebook shared this link and I’m not dissapointed that I came to your blog.
Well said Seven, so how do you spell those two ‘F’ words again?
How about ‘BUGGERED’ or ‘STUFFED’. So long Ford Falcon, its been nice knowing you. Your new Falcon will be spelt F-O-C-U-S from 2011. Its a good thing that this little beast is a nice car for what it is.
I think it’s great news (abit late with the reply). Keep it in Australia and NZ where we appreciate our own Falcon, with it’s history, etc.