Ford Orion a distant star

Next generation Falcon is still 12 months away from showrooms and the next 365 days could be the longest in Ford Australia's history.

The new Falcon, codenamed Orion, cannot come soon enough for the Broadmeadows-based carmaker.

Sales of the current sedan and wagon are at 3000 a month, down from highs of 4500-5000 only two years ago. Ford expects sales to remain static for the rest of the year.

In anticipation of the shift, Ford executives planned for the Falcon slowdown this year, slashing production 20 per cent last October from 360 vehicles a day to 450.

Apart from petrol price increases and the move away from conventional large sedans, part of the reason behind the slump has been the success of the Territory.

The arrival of the newer VE Commodore, Toyota Aurion and, to a lesser extent, Mitsubishi 380 have had an impact, too.

When it does arrive, the new Falcon will be the last of the local offerings to be refreshed and Ford insiders say it will be as good, if not better, than the VE.

Ford is revealing little yet about the new vehicle.

CARSguide believes it offers Audi-like styling, following the European theme of its Fiesta and Focus offerings and soon the Mondeo.

Key design areas have been addressed, including improving rear-door access, the bane of taxi and fleet operators.

Though it will carry over its twin-cam six-cylinder and V8 engines, improving fuel economy will be among the key areas, meaning the six-speed ZF automatic will probably be adopted across more models.

The car's architecture and technology is locked in.

The use of lightweight, high-strength steels is on the cards.

Curtain airbags and the Territory's virtual pivot control link front suspension are also tipped to appear.