Ford fights back with Territory upgrade

SLUGGED in the sales race by the new-generation Toyota Kluger, Ford’s Territory has been given added-value incentives to improve its standing in the marketplace.

Ford Australia president Tom Gorman last week announced that the TX RWD Territory would receive third-row seating and rear parking sensors as standard fitment for no additional cost, a deal that will run until December 31 and which was prompted by the sales success Toyota has had with its Kluger II.

September VFACTS figures show that the once-dominant Territory only narrowly outsold Kluger for the month with 1273 sales compared to 1251 – a 10.2 per cent fall for the Ford SUV compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date, the Territory is down 8.5 per cent.

“We’ve taken some direct tactical marketing actions which improve the value story in light of where Toyota’s gone with Kluger,” Mr Gorman said.

Ford Australia will absorb the cost for the additional seats but the dealer will cover the cost of the parking sensors.

Mr Gorman hinted again last week that a diesel engine was in Territory’s future, but would not comment on launch timing other than to say it would come after the next-generation Falcon, due in the second quarter of 2008.

He also suggested that not having a diesel in the Territory line-up often meant customers travelled straight past a Ford dealership.

“Clearly, Territory is under attack there is a cycle plan that’ll take care of Territory, including actions we want to take on powertrain.”