The history of Ford plays a major role in Australia’s car industry.  Not only is it currently one of the top cars used in the Australian V8, but it has always competed against Holden to be the most popular car in Australia.  One of Ford’s biggest claims to fame is that it is the only car manufacturer in Australia which designs and manufactures its own high volume engines.  Australians love it for this reason as well as for the innovative and practical technologies which allow their cars to remaining on the cutting edge.

History of Ford Coming to Australia

Ford arrived on the Australian scene in 1904, but did not open its own factory until 1925.  At that time, the factory was opened in Geelong, Victoria and Ford began local manufacturing of the Model T.  This subsidiary was a part of Ford Canada, which was a separate company from Ford USA.  Talks of creating an Australian designed and developed car began around 1955 and Ford quickly began working on the development.  After much deliberation over which car to use as a model, the Falcon was chosen as the best option.

History of Ford’s Early Growth in Australia

In 1928 the factory switched production from the Model T to the Model A.  Then, in 1932 the Ford V8 took over production.  An ingenious design, the coupe utility, was released in 1934 as the first of its kind in the world.  This car made it possible for struggling farmers during the depression to finance a car, since banks considered a passenger car to be an unnecessary luxury.  The coupe utility was viewed as a working vehicle and was therefore able to be financed.  It happily fulfilled the needs of the farm as well as the family.

History of the Ford Falcon

Assembly of the North American Ford Falcon took place in 1960 in Australia.  A few years later, the product lines of Australia separated from those of the US.  This was largely due to the extensive re-engineering required by the original Falcon in order to meet the road standards and desires of Australians.   However, once the changes were made, the Falcon has continued to remain the most popular car of Ford in Australia.  It is also currently used as the model for the Australian V8 supercar races.

Ford vs Holden

Ford and Holden have competed for popularity among Australians since they both came on the scene.  When Australia was looking for an all-Australian car, they were in competition to produce that car.  Ultimately, Holden’s design won because of the lower cost involved, but the government actually preferred the design of the Ford.  Today, this rivalry is stronger than ever as Ford and Holden take their competition to tracks like the Bahrain International Circuit during the V8 Championship to see who is the best.

The Ford Falcon, a major part of the history of Ford, has sold over three million units since its development in 1960.  It has often topped the sales charts.  This design has been such a hit in Australia that despite years of production, Ford Australia remains among the most popular manufacturers of cars on the road today.  The variety of models such as the hatchback, mid-size, family car, UTE and SUV keeps everyone happy to continue driving a Ford.