Territory Begins South African Safari

[RPO83]

Ford Australia President Tom Gorman today announced at the Melbourne International Motor Show the award-winning Territory SUV would be exported to South Africa.

"This is a very exciting day for everyone at Ford Australia," Gorman said.

"We were confident we had an excellent product in the Ford Territory and the decision by Ford South Africa to add the vehicle to their line-up is testament to the strength of the Territory concept and design and the quality of the product we are building here in Australia."

Ford South Africa will have three models in their line-up – the TX RWD, Ghia RWD and range-topping Ghia AWD.

"The SUV market in South Africa is replicating what we are seeing here in Australia, and has grown more than 60 per cent since 2002.

"Ford South Africa was very interested in the development of Territory and made an official approach to us early in 2004.

"We sent over a prototype vehicle midway through 2004, and the Ford South Africa team was very impressed by the combination of SUV versatility and car-like dynamics," Gorman said.

"Following the success of the Ford Territory in Australia, we expect this exciting new SUV to do well in South Africa," says Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa President and CEO Robert Graziano.

"Considering the revitalisation Ford is currently experiencing in South Africa, the Territory arrives at an opportune time to assist in our efforts to take the brand to greater heights.

"South Africa has unique driving conditions involving high altitudes and high speeds, but the excellent work of the development team involved with Territory meant there was little change required." Gorman said the programme to fine tune the car to meet South African requirements began in July 2004.

"South Africa has unique driving conditions involving high altitudes and high speeds, but the excellent work of the Australian development team involved with Territory meant little change was required."

The complete range of Territory accessories will be offered to South African customers as well, with the exception of DVD satellite navigation as South Africa has no global positioning satellite network.

Gorman said the first South African Territory would roll off the Broadmeadows assembly line within a month.

"We anticipate selling up to 2000 Territorys in South Africa annually, adding to the profitability of Ford Australia and adding to the incremental sales of this fantastic, award-winning product."

Territory is already exported to New Zealand, where it clocked up more than 1400 sales last year and has been the market leading SUV since launch.

Territory has been the best selling SUV in Australia since July 2004, achieving more than 15,000 sales in its first nine months.

[paulvdb]

"We anticipate selling up to 2000 Territorys in South Africa annually, adding to the profitability of Ford Australia and adding to the incremental sales of this fantastic, award-winning product."


I can't help but wonder at the spin levels involved here. We've all read in other posts that Ford are making as many cars as possible given the existing shifts, and that Terri is every third car on the line. So what gives? Is Ford really only selling as many as the customer want or as many as they can make?

[johnydep]

I can't help but wonder at the spin levels involved here. We've all read in other posts that Ford are making as many cars as possible given the existing shifts, and that Terri is every third car on the line. So what gives? Is Ford really only selling as many as the customer want or as many as they can make?

They can always end BA wagon production.

Wagon sales are not that huge for Ford and not as profitable as the Territory, so killing it off would allow more Terri's.

Is the Ford plant running three shifts 7 days a week?

[Bossxr8]

6 cylinder engine production is scheduled to run 10% higher this year, from 100,000 last year to approx. 110,000 this year, so production is still being raised. Most engine part machine lines are running 3 shifts 5 days a week with some running almost non stop 7 days a week.

[Territory]

And how do you know that Bossxr8 ?

[bfiipursuit]

Coz hes a Ford employee, thats how he knows that.

[johnydep]

Coz hes a Ford employee, thats how he knows that.

So is Territory, and he doesn't like others telling on Ford :Up_to_som

:monkes:

[Territory]

:offtheair:

[paulvdb]

:offtheair:
Now what on earth does that mean? My sarcasm radar must be turned off.

Getting on topic a wee bit - have any Terris left yet? Are the South Africans buying?

[johnydep]

..........

Getting on topic a wee bit - have any Terris left yet? Are the South Africans buying?

There are a few answers to that one; http://www.4x4africa.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=302
Gorman said the first South African Territory would roll off the Broadmeadows assembly line later this month.

"We anticipate selling up to 2000 Territorys in South Africa annually, adding to the profitability of Ford Australia and adding to the incremental sales of this fantastic product."

And we have these comments from http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=751&fArticleId=2433771
No showroom arrival date has yet been fixed, but it is understood the Territory should be available in South Africa in the third quarter of 2005.
But then they say this;

Gorman said the first South African Territory would roll off its assembly lines towards the end of March.

"South Africa has unique driving conditions - high altitudes, high speeds - but the excellent work of the Australian development team meant little change was required."


Anti-shatter tape on the back of the mirrors.
A unique "interior command centre" with the control knobs recessed by 3.4mm
A new radiator using the core from the Boss 260 4V V8 engine.
The inclusion of a reflective safety triangle.


Then there is this lntersting bit of info; http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12436766%255E643,00.html
"The SUV market in South Africa is replicating what we are seeing here in Australia, and has grown more than 60 per cent since 2002," Mr Gorman said. He also tipped that the Territory might pave the way for other exports, possibly the Falcon, to the African continent.
Now Territory has joined Falcon in the export mix, Ford anticipates exporting 10,000 vehicles this year. Since its launch last June, almost 18,000 Territorys have been sold. It has become the country's best-selling SUV.
According to yesterday's VFACTS industry sales figures, it is the first time in 15 years that Ford has sold more than 20,000 vehicles in the first two months of the year

Maybe Territory can shed some light on when Ford Oz will start sending Territory's over to South Africa.

[Pik0]

Im wondering where the falcon is being exported to other than NZ?