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FPV collapse a nail in Falcon coffin

“Next year’s change of ownership at FPV in no way affects the future of FPR".

...with what amounts to the collapse of FPV.

The joint-venture Ford Performance Vehicles operation that was responsible for designing, developing and producing the FPV models has ended, with Ford buying out the dominant share previously held by Prodrive.

Ford says it is part of streamlining work on the company and that the Falcon GT is safe, with a planned update of the FPV range included as part of the government-backed facelift planned for the Falcon in 2014. Still, 32 jobs are going at FPV with only a small offset against the 440 redundancies previously announced at Broadmeadows and Geelong, as Ford takes engine and vehicle assembly into its mainstream operations.

The president of Ford Australia, Bob Graziano, reveals to Carsguide that the PFV decision was taken after a joint assessment with Prodrive - the British-based motorsport and engineering company that also operates Ford Performance Racing - of the business, including the forward model plans.

"We, as the two partners, were looking at the business longer term. We didn't see it as a viable business in its current configuration," admits Graziano. "It will just become part of the Ford Motor Company now. It will ultimately result in us moving the production, marketing and sales of those vehicles into our broader operations.

"From a customer perspective we don't anticipate any changes. It will be where the vehicles are developed and manufactured. "It's going to be integrated into our business. We're buying the assets of the joint venture, so the joint venture will actually cease to exist." Graziano refuses to discuss the cost of the change, but it's likely to be at least $20 million.

The decision to bring PFV in-house at Broadmeadows follows two restructuring moves at the hot Falcon shop, one which cost jobs - including former boss Rod Barrett - in June. Graziano says he is still committed to FPV and promises there will continue to be fast Falcons in the company's range. "It's part of our history and it's been there for 20 years. Bringing it in will give us the efficiencies we need going forward," he says.

"Yes, there will be FPV cars. They will be developed as they are today, and marketed through the dalers as they are today. The only difference is that they will be produced in our plants. “Although this segment of the market is relatively niche, it is an important part of Ford’s performance history and DNA. Both partners have worked hard to ensure the FPV brand can continue to thrive in Australia post the change to our current arrangements.”

Ford intends to switch production of FPV's V8 engines to Geelong and put FPV final assembly through the line at Campbellfield. The change, which should be complete by December, is not expected to affect the operation of FPR, which continues as Ford's official factory racing team.

“Next year’s change of ownership at FPV in no way affects the future of FPR," says team boss, Tim Edwards. "We are a separate business and all our plans for 2013 and beyond remain. The FPV brand continues, which is very pleasing for us as it is one of the team’s founding commercial partners."