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The diesel model is expected to make up some 50 per cent of the 2011 Territory's sales. Photo Gallery
- Feature: 2011 Ford Territory
- WATCH THE VIDEO: 2011 Ford Territory
FORD has unveiled the first of its new models subsidised by the abruptly axed Green Car Innovation Fund.
The much delayed diesel engine variant of the Ford Territory is partially funded by a $42 million green grant from the fund. The V6 turbo diesel originally developed for Land Rover runs much leaner and cleaner than the current petrol model and is seen as crucial to the survival of the only Australian-made SUV.
Developed in 2004 for Land Rover, the diesel is expected to comprise anything up to 50 per cent of the Territory's sales, the extensively redesigned version of which was previewed today in Sydney.
It is the first stage in Ford's three-part $232 million investment in the Falcon/Territory platform. The diesel will run in all models, from the base TX, through the mid-spec TS and in the top level Titanium, which replaces the old Ghia designation.
"The new diesel engine is just one part of the bigger story," Ford Australia's new chief executive Bob Graziano says. "Our new Territory has a new interior, a new exterior, new smart technologies and an all-new powertrain."
The thirsty turbo petrol variant, which was introduced in 2006 instead of the diesel, is no more. In typical strip tease fashion, Ford today revealed only the new Territory's design. Technical specifics come next month, the first drive in April. The Territory goes on sale in May.
While the re-skin is thorough and convincing when seen in the metal, the much-need diesel, negotiated seven years ago by former Ford boss Geoff Polites but cancelled to his anger by a successor, is the talking point.
Ford marketing manager Beth Donovan says diesel accounted for some 47 per cent of SUV sales last year and ``we now have an opportunity to compete in the entire segment''.
Graziano an American veteran of Ford and Mazda with a background in sales, marketing and strategy took up the post last month coinciding with Ford Australia's worst ever result. While at pains to emphasise the importance of Falcon and the Territory, he signalled a broader product strategy.
Coming models include the new Focus, driven by Carsguide last month, and the Ranger.
"What we will be able to do this year as we freshen 85 per cent of our showroom is continue to leverage the global resources and global assets that we have under the One Ford strategy. If we deconstruct January, year on year, we saw very encouraging signs. It was a best ever month on Fiesta, a good month on Focus, Territory same, and the private buyer was very strong on Falcon."
Graziano expresses frustration that Labor breached a promise made in 2008 to sustain the green car fund until 2020, having secured letters of commitment form the manufacturers.
"We are obviously disappointed it was withdrawn but we are looking forward to having continuing dialogue with the Government,'' he says. "It has been important in terms of accelerating that technology into Australia. It's not unusual in terms of the industry to have that kind of a fund. I think that partnership - car makers, the government and the consumer - is necessary not just in Australia, but around the world."
Asked if there had been any dialogue with the Government, which axed the fund without consulting carmakers, Mr Graziano says: "At this point no."
Most obvious is the new front end with trapezoid-shaped main grille, slim-line headlights, the Titanium variant getting LED position lamps. At the other end, there are wrap around lights and a new lift-gate. It rides on 17 or 18 inches wheels.
Within it's all soft touch materials and covered storage bins, plus a new Instrument Panel (IP) with an eight-inch touch screen. The Interior Command Centre (ICC) provides front-seat occupants with controls for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
