AFF Technical Resources - FPV Looks to The Future

January 2007

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) is restructuring its business in order to continue developing world-class performance vehicles while significantly increasing its sales and dealer support operations.

Continuing as an independent joint venture between Prodrive and Ford Australia, FPV will now be overseen by Prodrive AT Asia-Pacific Managing Director, Mr Bryan Mears. The new structure will enable FPV to continue to utilise both Prodrive's and Ford Australia's Melbourne-based resources.

Increased resources will now be dedicated to sales, marketing and dealer support. FPV will recruit a new sales and marketing general manager to lead the business, while a doubling of the sales force will ensure the company's strong sales performance continues in an increasingly challenging market. In addition, the new general manager will be responsible for growing FPV's brand awareness and market share, as well as leading the future product development team.

"FPV has risen to every challenge presented by the changing automotive market in Australia and internationally," said Mr Mears.

"The introduction of innovative new products such as the ground-breaking F6 range of performance cars and Utes is just one example of the company's flexibility and engineering excellence.

"FPV achieved record sales results in 2006, thanks in part to the leadership of Sak Ryopponen. However, closer alignment with Prodrive will allow FPV to continually push the technology envelope and take full advantage of the engineering expertise available through the company's global operations.

"As a result, Sak will be leaving the organisation to take up new opportunities, effective immediately. We thank him for his stewardship of FPV as we have worked through this important restructure of the business."

Ford Performance Racing will continue to operate as an independent business.