In 2013, Ford Australia announced that it will stop making cars by the end of 2016. The company quoted uncompetitive manufacturing costs, poor sales, as well as losses of AUD$141 million and AUD$290 million (around $107 and $219 million) in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The decision meant that about 1,200 people would lose their jobs and that the brand would cease to exist after 90 years on the market. Come 2016 and Ford has commenced the unfortunate process by axing the Falcone Ute.
The last unit of the two-door coupe utility vehicle rolled of the company’s assembly line in Melbourne on July 29, putting an end to a lineage that goes back to 1961. The last example built, a white XR6 model, will remain with Ford.
The Ute’s death marks the beginning of Ford’s Australian shut down and will be followed by the Falcon sedan and the Territory SUV in October.
“It will be held in our historical vehicle fleet, along with the final Falcon and final Territory, both of which will be built on October 7,” said Wes Sherwood, Ford Australia’s communications and public affairs director.
One that happens, Australians will no longer be able to buy locally built Fords. Instead, the Blue Oval will import cars from other countries. For instance, the Falcon Ute will be replaced by the Ranger pickup truck, which is produced in Thailand.
Ford is not the only manufacturer shutting down Australian production. Holden is also set to cease operations in 2017, while Toyota will close its Camry assembly line in Victoria at the end of 2017.
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