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Put another shrimp on the barbie -- American automakers are going Australian.
WJR: Ford Looks to Oz
TheCarConnection
by Paul A. Eisenstein 5/14/2003
Ford Studying Aussie Import
Detroit automakers seem to have a thing for Australia. And with the Holden-based Pontiac GTO soon to hit U.S. shores, Ford insiders tell TheCarConnection they’re actively considering import options for the Australian-made Ford Falcon. Like the Holden Monaro/GTO, it’s a rear-drive muscle car, a breed that has not only survived but thrived down under despite near European-level fuel prices. It could provide a companion to the long-lived Mustang, and as with the GTO, might also revive a legendary nameplate that, in this case, hasn’t graced a U.S. Ford product in decades. The current version of the Falcon is equipped with either an in-line six or Ford’s high-output V-8, also used in its big F-150 pickup. Ford’s North American product development bossPhil Martens tells TCC such a project is “a twinkle in everyone’s eye (but) not in the cycle plans at this time.” But you can bet Ford is watching closely to see what happens with the revival of the GTO. —Paul A. Eisenstein
Detroit automakers seem to have a thing for Australia. There’s the reborn Pontiac GTO, a beefed-up version of the Monaro, built by GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden. Ford went down under for former CEO Jac Nasser. And though Nasser’s been given his walking papers, company officials are looking at another possible import – in this case, the four-wheeled kind.
Ford insiders tell TheCarConnection they’re actively considering the Australian-made Ford Falcon. It’s a rear-drive muscle car, something the Australians have come to specialize in. Falcon could fill a long-vacant niche in Ford’s American line-up, giving it a ready rival to the GTO – while reviving one of the most famous nameplates from Ford’s past. Insiders stress they’re not ready to make a final decision. But you can bet they’ll be watching closely to see what happens with the revival of the GTO.
If Pontiac’s down-under imports hits the mark, don’t be surprised to see even more Australian products turn up in U.S. showrooms.
(Photo) FORD FALCON XR8 BA
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Stacy94PGT
My first car was a 67 Mustang Coupe, 2nd one was a 67 Cougar XR-7, 3rd one was a 66 Mustang Coupe. Why did I get rid of these cars for ? I know why, because I'm stupid, stupid, stupid. 
My next Ford.....
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