FORD Australia’s new remanufacturing program with RMA Automotive in Melbourne is simply simply beginning to bear fruit within the type of the primary examples of the F-150 massive pick-up truck, however there may be potential for much more fashions to be added to the manufacturing strains.
On the launch of the brand new Ford F-150 right-hand drive fashions in Australia, native media was proven by means of the RMA Automotive manufacturing unit – a 21,000 square-metre facility north of the Victorian capital – the place the overall supervisor of RMA Automotive Holdings Australia, Trevor Negus, indicated that the 20-units-a-day output is simply a place to begin for the collaboration.
Mr Negus stated that the present throughput is only one shift throughout enterprise hours, however there may be scope to increase if extra quantity is required. That equates to, give or take, about 5000 models per yr on the present charge, and whereas Ford wasn’t prepared to debate its order financial institution or expectations for the F-150, Mr Negus stated there may be potential for different fashions to return on stream – together with the Ranger T6 platform-based Bronco SUV.
“I feel it’s extremely do-able, and I might like to have that problem – however I will hand over to A.B.,” stated Mr Negus, referring to Ford Australia CEO Andrew Birkic.
“Bronco’s an incredible car. I feel I have been on the file earlier than saying yeah, we might adore it,” stated Mr Birkic.
“We’re taking a look at it, however we have nothing to share. And there will be a number of selections that must be made… the place we’d undergo a really rigorous course of and due diligence. What’s the proper method to do it? What’s the best manner? Can we get the provision? Is it commercially viable? So, it is a good query and it is a very apparent query and thanks for asking it.
“However we’re very centered on getting this proper,” he stated. “It is nice to take a look at what’s subsequent and what you may do, and generally it is good simply to like those you are with. And that is what we’re doing.
“We’re very a lot specializing in the core job that each a kind of models rolling off the road is strictly what it ought to be,” he stated, referring to the concentrate on construct high quality and ending, and making certain that the F-150 fashions bought listed here are rolling out to a constant excessive normal.
“That does not occur by coincidence, and it does not occur by fluke. It occurs by a variety of arduous work, and really intelligent, gifted folks following processes. And that is what we have to come again to, let’s land the aircraft on this, after which we’ll have conversations with our seniors within the US and in Bangkok about what’s doable.
“However very clearly we have to get this proper and that’s our complete focus,” stated Mr Birkic.
Mr Negus adopted on with: “We stated it earlier than, the first goal for this enterprise is the protection of our folks and our product. Virtually equal to that and the one measure we’re utilizing to launch this product is high quality.”
The F-150 vary is out there to buy by means of Ford dealerships, with the model providing two distinct trim ranges at launch – the entry-level XLT, from $106,950 (MSRP) and the extra luxurious Lariat mannequin, from $139,950 (MSRP).
Each variations can be found in short- and long-wheelbase designations, although all are powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 EcoBoost engine, paired to a 10-speed computerized transmission and with both selectable 4WD (XLT) or what Ford calls ‘everlasting’ 4WD, which may be pushed in an computerized four-wheel drive mode on sealed surfaces.
As with different Ford fashions, the F-150 comes with a five-year/limitless kilometre guarantee plan, and there’s a capped-price servicing mannequin provided as effectively, with intervals set at 12 months/15,000km, with as much as seven years of roadside help provided if you happen to keep your car with a Ford dealership. Upkeep pricing continues to be to be revealed.
Keep tuned for our evaluate protection of the Ford F-150 in October.
