Ford Australia Will Not Develop Global RWD Platform

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]