√2023 Ford F-150 production ramping up for Australia

The first examples of the new Ford F-150 destined for Australian showrooms will soon roll off the US production line ahead of local right-hand-drive conversions before deliveries start mid-year.

US production of the first examples of the 2023 Ford F-150 destined for Australian showrooms will soon ramp up ahead of local conversions and deliveries from the middle of this year.

Ford Australia CEO Andrew Birkic told media this week the F-150 program was “in full swing,” with the first stage of production about to begin in Dearborn, Michigan before the vehicles are shipped to Australia to be remanufactured in right-hand-drive.

“F-150 is in full swing – so, very close in terms of production out of North America,” Mr Birkic said.

“A lot of work happening out at Merrifield [in Melbourne’s north], at the RMA facility that will be doing the [remanufacturing on behalf of Ford].”

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The F-150 – which starts from $106,950 before on-road costs – will be converted from its original left-hand-drive configuration to right-hand drive to make it suitable for Australia.

While the Ram 1500 and the Chevrolet Silverado are converted by the Walkinshaw Automotive Group – the company previously behind Holden Special Vehicles performance cars – Ford has turned to Thai-based third party RMA which has never before undertaken a program like this or on this scale.

However, Mr Birkic says the quality of the remanufacturing work for the F-150 is the highest priority for Ford.

“We’re really focused on getting it right. I’ve been in a few meetings this week, where again, we remind ourselves that the key is to ensure that we do an absolute wonderful job of the remanufacture,” he said.

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“And our partner, RMA, [is] totally in sync with that … completely aligned with that objective.”

While the Ram and Chevrolet pick-ups are V8s, the Ford will be powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine, sending 298kW and 678Nm to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Ford F-150 is due to begin arriving into local showrooms from July – pending any delays – with XLT and Lariat models available in short- and long-wheelbase formats.

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