Johnson says Falcon needs exports

As Ford this week announced plans to axe 440 jobs from its two Victorian plants and throw the future of the Falcon into jeopardy, the legendary five-time Australian Touring Car Champion and three-time Bathurst winner has come out in support of the family car and the company.

“Certainly from our perspective it would be a shame to see the Falcon disappear off the face of the earth,'' he said. “It's one of few rear-wheel-drive platforms in the world and Aussies have traditionally enjoyed rear-wheel-drive cars.''

Johnson says there is nothing wrong with the product. “The product is an excellent car. All Ford products are excellent,'' the long-time Ford racer said. “I don't think the styling is bad and now that they've brought out the four-cylinder model and have the EcoBoost engines, they are much more economical.

“Surely there is still a market for people who enjoy the luxury of a car with a lot of room.' 'He says the problem is the lack of an export market. “Where Holden have a slight advantage over Ford is they have an overseas export market which keeps production numbers up,'' he said.

“That's the problem. They need an export strategy. Ford is reducing daily production from 209 to 148 vehicles in November in response to an industry-wide slump in large car sales, despite a $103 million funding package Ford received from its US parent company, the Victorian and federal governments in January.

The package is aimed at securing the manufacture of the Falcon and Territory SUV at Geelong and Broadmeadows until at least the end of 2016. Industry analysts predict the Falcon will be axed at the end of that period.

“I hope they keep it. It's been very good for us,'' Johnson said. “I don't know where it's heading. Between now and 2016 we may see a resurgence in sales.

“Markets change and one would hope the economy will repair itself in the meantime and we might see a few things pick up. “I'm the eternal optimist.'' Johnson, who runs a three-Falcon team in the V8 Supercar series, says he will he still race Falcons even if they are scrapped from production.

“My favourite Falcon is any one that won a race,'' the laconic driver said. “Realistically the ones that most people relate to is the XD and XE. They were tough-looking cars.''