Local F-150 plant could expand to Bronco

FORD Australia’s new remanufacturing program with RMA Automotive in Melbourne is only just starting to bear fruit in the form of the first examples of the F-150 large pick-up truck, but there is potential for even more models to be added to the production lines.

At the launch of the new Ford F-150 right-hand drive models in Australia, local media was shown through the RMA Automotive factory - a 21,000 square-metre facility north of the Victorian capital - where the general manager of RMA Automotive Holdings Australia, Trevor Negus, indicated that the 20-units-a-day output is just a starting point for the collaboration.

Mr Negus said that the current throughput is just one shift during business hours, but there is scope to expand if more volume is required. That equates to, give or take, about 5000 units per year at the current rate, and while Ford wasn’t willing to discuss its order bank or expectations for the F-150, Mr Negus said there is potential for other models to come on stream - including the Ranger T6 platform-based Bronco SUV.

“I think it's very do-able, and I'd love to have that challenge - but I'll hand over to A.B.,” said Mr Negus, referring to Ford Australia CEO Andrew Birkic.

“Bronco’s an amazing vehicle. I think I've been on the record before saying yeah, we'd love it,” said Mr Birkic.

“We're looking at it, but we've got nothing to share. And there'll be lots of decisions that need to be made… where we would go through a very rigorous process and due diligence. What's the right way to do it? What's the most effective way? Can we get the supply? Is it commercially viable? So, it's a good question and it's a very obvious question and thank you for asking it.

“But we're very focused on getting this right,” he said. “It's great to look at what's next and what you could do, and sometimes it's good just to love the ones you're with. And that's what we're doing.

“We are very much focusing on the core job that every one of those units rolling off the line is exactly what it should be,” he said, referring to the focus on build quality and finishing, and ensuring that the F-150 models sold here are rolling out to a consistent high standard.

“That doesn't happen by coincidence, and it doesn't happen by fluke. It happens by a lot of hard work, and very clever, talented people following processes. And that's what we need to come back to, let's land the plane on this, and then we'll have conversations with our seniors in the US and in Bangkok about what's possible.

“But very clearly we need to get this right and that is our total focus,” said Mr Birkic.

Mr Negus followed on with: “We said it before, the primary objective for this business is the safety of our people and our product. Almost equal to that and the only measure we're using to launch this product is quality.”

The F-150 range is available to purchase through Ford dealerships, with the brand offering two distinct trim levels at launch – the entry-level XLT, from $106,950 (MSRP) and the more luxurious Lariat model, from $139,950 (MSRP).

Both versions are available in short- and long-wheelbase designations, though all are powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 EcoBoost engine, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and with either selectable 4WD (XLT) or what Ford calls ‘permanent’ 4WD, which can be driven in an automatic four-wheel drive mode on sealed surfaces.

As with other Ford models, the F-150 comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty plan, and there is a capped-price servicing model offered as well, with intervals set at 12 months/15,000km, with up to seven years of roadside assistance offered if you maintain your vehicle with a Ford dealership. Maintenance pricing is still to be revealed.

Stay tuned for our review coverage of the Ford F-150 in October.