- Ford CEO Jim Farley visited Australia and spoke to local media about the new Ute model.
- The vehicle isn’t just an imported or rebadged Ford Maverick.
- Ford will build a unibody Ute specifically tailored to the demands of the Australian market.
Ford CEO Jim Farley was recently in Australia, where he spoke with local media. The topic of a Ute revival comes up, and it seems Farley agrees that the Australian market needs a new truck.
The Utes have been thinking about something lately. Regardless, this is a vehicle that makes sense for Australian car buyers. The Ute was discovered there and has long held a place in the hearts of many Australians.
Lewis Bandt Coupe Utility by Ford Australia
Photo by: Ford
Talk to Car ExpertFarley said the Australian market could benefit from a truck-style vehicle based on a unibody car. He pointed to the Maverick’s success in the US market, while emphasizing that the Australian Ute would be a separate model.
“To do this here, as a car lover, I want this to not only provide a global solution and force the market to accept it—so that’s why I’m here,” Farley said.
A possible candidate for such a vehicle is an existing small crossover already offered in the right-hand drive market. Ideally, we’d like to see Ford slap a Falcon badge on the back of whatever it deems up to the task.
Australia will see the return of an icon to its automotive lineup, and the world will have another exciting and unique vehicle available for sale.
Motor Pickup1: Australia has been moving towards true trucks and SUVs in recent years, but this is partly due to a lack of Ute options. Holden is no more, and there are no decent Ford Utes for sale today. The return of a true Ute will be fun to watch, and hopefully, enough people will show up with the cash to generate significant sales to bring the Australian icon back to life.
