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Instead has announced that it is changing tack and will introduce a four-cylinder engine into the Falcon line-up, invest $230 million iin new engine technology and start a big export business push for the Falcon and Territory.
The changes will see the four-cylinder in the Falcon range from 2011 as part of Ford’s global ‘ecoboost’ strategy.
The first application of the ecoboost four-cylinder in a rear-wheel drive will be a 2.0-litre with direct-injection and turbocharging, which Ford says will “deliver the power and refinement of a six-cylinder” but with 15-20 per cent better fuel economy.
The first of these engines will be fitted to Falcons within two weeks for local testing.
Other developments include a PSA-sourced 2.7-litre turbodiesel for the 2011 Territory –which will reduce emissions by 25 per cent compared to the petrol six-cylinder version – three new engines and a range of other engine updates from 2010 aimed at better economy.
The company is committed to investing in new, more economical petrol, diesel and LPG engines for its large cars.
The move will protect current car-worker jobs at Geelong and Broadmeadows and provide the potential to grow the company's employee base when exports start.
Ford had already committed to building the Focus at its Broadmeadows plant from 2011.
The Focus plan would have meant 40,000 cars a year would have been built at Broadmeadows with 15,000 to be sold in Asia.
Last November it renewed its commitment to the in-line six cylinder Falcon engine in place of importing a new V6 engine.
Ford had originally announced that it would dump the Falcon and Territory's six cylinder in favour of a globally sourced and more efficient V6 that met Euro IV emissions standards that come in from next July.
