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Step Into Uncharted Territory

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#1 ·
The Ford Territory will signal a new era in automotive interior design when the innovative new vehicle goes on sale next year.

Every interior element of the groundbreaking vehicle has been designed with one simple philosophy uppermost in the minds of Ford's interior specialists – Territory must be endlessly adaptable to cater to the Australian lifestyle.

Interior Design Manager Marcus Hotblack said his team used the famous Swiss armyknife as the inspiration for their work.

"A Swiss army knife has every gadget under the sun and can literally do anything. We wanted the interior of Territory to be like that.

"The Swiss army knife embodies the whole multi-function nature of Territory."

Territory will offer capacity for seven adults to travel in comfort, with each row of seats located higher than the one in front of it.

This innovative 'theatre style' seating design means passengers in the second and optional third row of seats will be able to see more and also provides excellent ergonomics to ensure a comfortable ride.

"One of the main reasons a lot of customers purchase SUVs is because they are positioned high and feel in command of their surroundings – but they don't like having to climb up into the vehicle," said Hotblack.

"The first thing you'll notice about Territory is the ease of access. There's no climb into the cabin. You'll simply step across into it.

"The command driving position in Territory provides good vision in typical urban driving situations, such as manoeuvring the vehicle in shopping centre car parks."

Hotblack said the passengers would enjoy similar levels of comfort with excellent visibility.

"We have added the option of a sliding second row seat, which can be moved backward or forward to provide extra leg room for passengers in the second or third row seat."

The second row seat features a 60/40 split-fold function and can be folded flat via a unique 'kneeling' seat arrangement – as the seat folds forward the seat base drops down and literally 'kneels', which means the seat cushion doesn't hold the back up.

Hotblack said Territory was designed for the second and third row headrests to stay with the seats when they are folded flat, unlike with many other vehicles.

"The third row seats can't be removed but they can be configured to fold flat into the floor so that when both the second and third row seats are folded down there is a long, flat load space for flexible cargo carrying.

"The target third row seat occupants are generally children and teenagers, but the vehicle has all the safety systems to cater for adult passengers in the third row, giving full seven seat capacity when it's required.”

Territory will also feature an amazing number of interior storage areas – with 30 separate compartments in the entry-level seven-seater vehicle and an astonishing 33 in the high series five seater.

The instrument panel includes a glovebox, a centre compartment and a top tray, while the centre console houses a tissue box holder, gearshift lever trinket bin, two cup holders, a bin and a removable rubbish bin. (9)

The front row seats have two front door map pockets, two flexible drink bottle holders, two compartments beside the seat and a lockable under seat bin. (7)

The second row seats house two door map pockets, two flexible drink bottle holders, two centre armrest cup holders and two seat pockets. (8)

The third row includes two armrest bins and two cup holders, while rear and overhead storage is made up of a large rear load floor bin (five seater only), a small rear load floor bin, a compartment to house the jack, an overhead sunglass compartment (high series) and a cargo net (high series).

"The high number of storage compartments is a direct response to feedback we got from customers in the numerous design clinics conducted as part of the Territory program," said Hotblack.

"They include compartments designed to cope with life in the 21st century, such as a lockable storage area that can house items up to the size of a laptop computer and slides under the driver's seat."

Handbags and large bottles are amply catered for in Territory's capacious interior.

The storage compartments located in both driver and passenger seat sides can easily hold a large bottle or a handbag – items which typically are left to roll around on the back seat or footwell.

Hotblack said Territory's interior was designed to cater for the active, outdoor way of life enjoyed by Australians.

"Territory five seater features two large storage areas underneath the rear floor that can house sporting equipment or wet towels from a day at the beach.

"As well, a reversible wet and dry rear floor panel is included on five-seat vehicles, allowing owners to transport wet surf gear or take a trip to the local nursery without damaging the luggage compartment floor."

Territory boasts six cup holders in total, with two for each row of seats.

"We've also taken the drink holder concept one step further, with flexible drink bottle holders in each of the front and rear doors. And there's an optional Territory branded drink bottle designed to match.

"Territory also includes three power sources and space for a travel fridge – which will be available as an option on all models. That's just part of an extensive accessory collection.

"Practicality has been a priority too. For example, one of the storage compartments in Territory is a rubbish bin, which can be removed and safely cleaned in a household dishwasher.

"Similarly, the rubber coated front row cup holder is removable for ease of cleaning. "

Hotblack said there were two specific aims the interior design set out to achieve.

"The higher seating position of Territory enabled the design team to make all the interior surfaces feel lower, creating a feeling of spaciousness.

"The other thing we wanted to achieve was creating what we call a T-shape. This is the central spine running up to a T-form on the dashboard, reinforcing the strong image of a robust, lifestyle vehicle. We have built on the aesthetic 'DNA' created by the acclaimed BA range and have successfully evolved the direction to this active lifestyle package.

"That has helped in creating an interior that includes all the passengers, making them feel part of the interior and not alienated from it. At the same time it gives the driver a feeling of control with its driver-orientated cockpit, something our customers were emphatic about. It's an active family vehicle, and the T-shape definitely helps in reinforcing that theme."

Hotblack said catering to the needs of customers was key.

"From day one, the needs of the customer have been uppermost in our minds.

"We were constantly thinking about the customer's interaction with the interior – what they're looking for, what they want.

"We included features that are enduring and usable – not just gimmicks. They include a sturdy folding loadspace cover, which perfectly complements the liftglass feature at the rear and gives the vehicle a beautifully tailored look.

"We targeted an active family feel and I'm confident we hit the bullseye with the finished product.

"Territory has a fantastic interior package we're very proud of – boasting an interior design and ambience perfectly suited to the active Australian way of life," Hotblack said.
 

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#2 ·
Choose Your Own Territory

Buyers of Ford's upcoming new Territory crossover vehicle will be able to choose either an entry or a high series vehicle when it goes on sale in 2004. Both series vehicles will be available with the choice of either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.

"Territory will offer Australian consumers a range of choices with their vehicle they haven't experienced before," said Ford Australia President, Geoff Polites.

"The different specification levels will allow them to choose the exterior and interior appointments that matter the most to them, while also allowing them to have either RWD or AWD capability as well."

The entry-level vehicle will be generously equipped with standard safety features including traction control, anti-lock brakes, independent rear suspension and front airbags. Creature comforts will include air-conditioning, CD player, electric windows, power seats and power-adjustable foot pedals.

The high-series vehicle specifications include standard leather, cruise control, a six-stack CD player, alloy wheels, dual front and side curtain airbags and a cargo shelf in the rear load area.

The AWD vehicles feature the same equipment levels as the RWD models but add the Australian-first, sophisticated stability control system that modulates braking and engine torque to enhance stability.
 

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#3 ·
FORD TERRITORY MODEL BY MODEL

ENTRY RWD
Barra 182 4.0-litre DOHC, dual equal VCT I6 engine with ETC
Air conditioning
Power driver’s seat (4 way)
Front and rear power windows
Steering wheel audio controls
Sequential Sports Shift automatic gearbox
Interior Command Centre
Tissue box holder
Single CD
Trip computer
Eucalyptus seat fabric
17-inch steel wheels
Front passenger grab handle
60/40 split fold second row seat
Optional sliding second row seat (when third row seat fitted)
Optional third row seat
Anti-lock brakes
Glovebox lamp
Power adjustable pedals
Painted accent color bumpers and mouldings
12 volt power outlet in second row seat console
12 volt power outlet in rear luggage area
30 storage compartments (7-seat model)
31 storage compartments (5-seat model)


ENTRY AWD
As with Entry RWD but with the following features:
All Wheel Drive
Stability control
Optional descent control


HIGH RWD
As Entry RWD but with the following features:
Automatic headlamps on/off
Dual zone climate control air conditioning
Leather seat fabric
Leather wrapped Sequential Sports Shifter
Leather steering wheel
Cruise control
17-inch alloy wheels
Full body color coded bumpers and mouldings
Electrochromatic rear vision mirror
Six-way power driver's seat with memory function
Front and rear door courtesy lamps
Sun visor vanity mirror lamps
Premium 6 Stack CD Player (7 speakers)
Premium Interior Command Centre with color TFT display screen
Overhead console
Footwell illumination (front)
Trip computer (ICC located)
Fog lamps
Reverse Sensing System
Automatic reverse dipping door mirror
Cargo shelf
Cargo net
32 storage compartments (7-seat model)
33 storage compartments (5-seat model)
Side curtain airbag


HIGH AWD
As with Entry AWD but with the following features:
All Wheel Drive
Stability control
Optional descent control


Customers to Find Friendly Territory

Delivering on customer needs is clearly evident in Territory's ergonomics package.

"From a design perspective, Territory's interior gave us a great challenge, as we wanted to really deliver on a host of package and ergonomic requirements," said Ford Design Director Simon Butterworth.

"There's a lot of ingenuity incorporated into Territory, with a lot of clever thought devoted to thinking about the driver and all the passengers.

"We had to ensure we catered for the needs of up to seven people sitting in the vehicle at the one time, ensuring all the controls were in the right place and maximising the storage capability of the vehicle.

"We also needed to think about how people would use Territory, and how we could best use the available space for needs of individual customers."

Fortunately, the package and ergonomic engineers had an excellent base to start from.

"Territory represents a package engineer's dream," said Package and Ergonomics Attribute Leader Roger Lewis.

"It has the roominess to suit a broad range of occupants, the visibility and ingress/egress to suit people at all life stages and plenty of storage capacity.

"All this flexibility is contained inside a vehicle that is physically no bigger than a Falcon, providing the customer with the freedom to enjoy the driving experience."

Lewis said customers would enjoy the command driving position.

"The driver's seat in Territory is higher off the floor than in a sedan. This has provided the vehicle with excellent ingress/egress, as the hip-point – or H-point – is about the same height from the ground as an average adult's hips when they are standing next to the vehicle.

"You don't climb up into Territory and you don't sit down into it either. You just slide into the vehicle, which is a real advantage.

"We have all-new seat designs for Territory, with 55mm of height adjustment in the four-way power driver's seat that is standard on the entry level model. The high series range will come standard with six-way power driver's seat with a memory function.

"That means we have class-leading height adjustment and the capacity to easily accommodate people up to 200cm.

"In another first for an Australian vehicle, adjustable pedals will be standard on Territory. This will allow occupants of all shapes and sizes to assume a safer, more comfortable driving position.

"Adjustable pedals are especially useful for smaller drivers, eliminating the uncomfortable compromise of bunching their arms up against the steering wheel.

"Being able to adjust the pedals rearward allows them to stretch their legs to a more comfortable position, and then adjust the steering wheel to suit."

The rear flip glass on Territory opens to enable customers to place items in the rear cargo section without opening the lift gate.

The plastic appliqué extends much lower than the edge of the glass, allowing shorter people easier access to get items in and out of Territory.

"We have doors that open to 65 degrees (front) and 70 degrees (rear). In addition, when the door is restricted – say in a tight car park – Territory customers will still have excellent access to all seats.

"We've achieved this by having an all-new A-pillar structure with new hinges. The front of the door opening aperture has been pulled forward 60 mm."

Lewis said the package team worked hard on keep the floor to rocker sill height to a minimum.

"We were very particular about the step-over width. That's the distance between the H-point and the extreme outboard of the vehicle.

"Allowing people to get in and out of the vehicle in one movement was paramount to the team and we fought hard to keep that step-over width to a minimum."

Lewis said young families would appreciate the detail and thought that had gone into constructing the second row seat.

"The second row H-point, like the front seat, is about 750mm off the ground – or about the same height as a moderate sized adult.

"This makes the second row seat particularly good if you have children with booster or child safety seats. Parents will not have to lean all the way into the car to buckle up their children.

"Having the door opening with a fully upright C-pillar and the top of the rear door being a fair way from the customer's head means that putting anything in the second row seat is a very easy task."

Lewis said Territory provided a high, upright driving position that generated a number of advantages.

"It's great for visibility because you can easily see over the bonnet and further forward.

"We focussed on visibility for Territory, particularly being able to see all around the vehicle. It's important not just for driving safety, but also when reversing the vehicle out of your driveway and being aware of children or pets in close proximity."

Territory owners will particularly enjoy the excellent and well thought-out ergonomics of the vehicle.

"The grab handle, the position of the window switches, the door handle, the shifter and the pedals are all positioned so a wide range of customers can easily set themselves up in an excellent seating position with all controls in easy reach."

Lewis explained that Territory engineers had remained faithful to the three pillars of ergonomics.

"The first is findability – literally being able to find the right button at the right time.

"The second is accessibility – once you've found the right button, can you actually reach it?

"The third is useability – is the button intuitive, does it work the way you'd expect it to without having to consult the owner's manual?"

Lewis said there was much more to the field of ergonomics than posture.

"It's very much being able to have the driver or passengers interact with the vehicle quickly, so they don't have to take their eyes off the road.

"We've been able to achieve high goals with Territory through the use of Ramsis manikins. These are three dimension manikins created from large, anthropometric databases.

"These manikins are recreated with Computer Aided Design (CAD) so we can engender a number of manikins with a variety of shapes and sizes, from small children to 97th percentile adults.

"By using these manikins during the design process, we can accurately demonstrate what parameters we're trying to meet, whether it be accessing the CD player, finger curl around the steering wheel or reaching to the indicator stalks.

"We used software that helps us to mould the instrument panel so we can look at things like visibility through the steering wheel.

"We employed CAD to a major degree in the design of BA Falcon, but the Territory program has taken that process to a new level," Lewis said.

Colorful Territory

When the Ford Territory colour and trim designers went looking for inspiration, they found it in the form of the humble sports shoe.

"Our brief was to create a modern, energetic and fresh interior environment," said Colour and Trim Design Manager Sharon Gauci.

"The trigger for the colour and trim program was found in the developments, technologies and mixtures of materials found in a sports shoe.

"We used a single image of a sports shoe to define the trim and finishes program for Territory.

"By juxtaposing different materials, textures, details and hints of colour we have managed to create a dynamic interior ambience."

Gauci said particular attention had been paid to tiny details, such as small contrasting colour accents.

"The mix of opposing technical and leather grains brings elements of the interior to life, and in line with design items found in the home or office such as computers, mobile phones, or on the underside of sport shoes etc."

Gauci said the Territory interior colour strategy was to provide an active, versatile and new interior environment.

"We designed a family of colour called Eucalyptus, taking its inspiration from the famous native tree. It was important to bring the outside in. With so many lifestyle shows, we have a fascination with plants and gardening at the moment. Also the spaces in our homes that were once defined as outside and inside are now being blurred.

"With a hint of green, the Eucalyptus family is an innovative, modern, fresh and very urban colour palette.

"Accent colours in orange, silver, white and black all complement the Eucalyptus family and are injected throughout the Territory interior."

Gauci said the Territory interior fabrics were deliberately simple in their design.

"The design team was very much influenced by the directions in active apparel and footwear. We were seeing strong influences and cross over in street wear, sport wear and comfort wear, with the boundaries between these fashion directions no longer defined but quite relaxed.

"So with these directions in mind, we set out to design sporty, active fabrics.

"The designs are structured, linear patterns with a fresh and energetic 'city' approach of casual, upbeat motifs.

"The designs are simple and uncomplicated, with high and low effects in the fabric as well as micro-shapes within shapes."

Gauci said the predominantly functional nature of the interior demanded the fabric didn't dominate the environment.

"The colour, the look and especially the handle of the fabric were extremely important elements in achieving harmony, security and grounding qualities.

"The leather strategy is, once again, a simple design philosophy that is crisp and taut in appearance, but overall very relaxed.

"The beautiful soft feel of the leather is enhanced by small details such as the double stitching and perforated leather inserts.

"We think its all come together beautifully," Gauci said.

Safety First for Territory

The Ford Territory will boast the first side curtain airbag on an Australian-built vehicle when it launches next year.

The side curtain airbag will be standard on the high series all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive versions.

It will be available as an option on the entry level models.

The Territory side curtain airbag – the first designed in Australia – heads up an impressive list of firsts for Territory which includes:

The first locally manufactured AWD vehicle with stability control
The first locally manufactured vehicle in its class to have adjustable pedals as standard fitment
The first locally manufactured vehicle with a lockable under seat security bin
The first locally manufactured vehicle with seven seats as a factory fit
The first locally manufactured vehicle with optional descent control
"From day one we have said Territory would be a unique vehicle," said Ford Australia President Geoff Polites.

"The side curtain airbag and the other vehicle firsts are proof of the depth of engineering that has gone into the Territory program," Polites said.

For further information, please contact:
Ford Australia Communications
Phone: 03-9359 8491

Step Into Uncharted Territory
The Ford Territory will signal a new era in automotive interior design when the innovative new vehicle goes on sale next year.

Every interior element of the groundbreaking vehicle has been designed with one simple philosophy uppermost in the minds of Ford's interior specialists – Territory must be endlessly adaptable to cater to the Australian lifestyle.

Interior Design Manager Marcus Hotblack said his team used the famous Swiss armyknife as the inspiration for their work.

"A Swiss army knife has every gadget under the sun and can literally do anything. We wanted the interior of Territory to be like that.

"The Swiss army knife embodies the whole multi-function nature of Territory."

Territory will offer capacity for seven adults to travel in comfort, with each row of seats located higher than the one in front of it.

This innovative 'theatre style' seating design means passengers in the second and optional third row of seats will be able to see more and also provides excellent ergonomics to ensure a comfortable ride.

"One of the main reasons a lot of customers purchase SUVs is because they are positioned high and feel in command of their surroundings – but they don't like having to climb up into the vehicle," said Hotblack.

"The first thing you'll notice about Territory is the ease of access. There's no climb into the cabin. You'll simply step across into it.

"The command driving position in Territory provides good vision in typical urban driving situations, such as manoeuvring the vehicle in shopping centre car parks."

Hotblack said the passengers would enjoy similar levels of comfort with excellent visibility.

"We have added the option of a sliding second row seat, which can be moved backward or forward to provide extra leg room for passengers in the second or third row seat."

The second row seat features a 60/40 split-fold function and can be folded flat via a unique 'kneeling' seat arrangement – as the seat folds forward the seat base drops down and literally 'kneels', which means the seat cushion doesn't hold the back up.

Hotblack said Territory was designed for the second and third row headrests to stay with the seats when they are folded flat, unlike with many other vehicles.

"The third row seats can't be removed but they can be configured to fold flat into the floor so that when both the second and third row seats are folded down there is a long, flat load space for flexible cargo carrying.

"The target third row seat occupants are generally children and teenagers, but the vehicle has all the safety systems to cater for adult passengers in the third row, giving full seven seat capacity when it's required.”

Territory will also feature an amazing number of interior storage areas – with 30 separate compartments in the entry-level seven-seater vehicle and an astonishing 33 in the high series five seater.

The instrument panel includes a glovebox, a centre compartment and a top tray, while the centre console houses a tissue box holder, gearshift lever trinket bin, two cup holders, a bin and a removable rubbish bin. (9)

The front row seats have two front door map pockets, two flexible drink bottle holders, two compartments beside the seat and a lockable under seat bin. (7)

The second row seats house two door map pockets, two flexible drink bottle holders, two centre armrest cup holders and two seat pockets. (8)

The third row includes two armrest bins and two cup holders, while rear and overhead storage is made up of a large rear load floor bin (five seater only), a small rear load floor bin, a compartment to house the jack, an overhead sunglass compartment (high series) and a cargo net (high series).

"The high number of storage compartments is a direct response to feedback we got from customers in the numerous design clinics conducted as part of the Territory program," said Hotblack.

"They include compartments designed to cope with life in the 21st century, such as a lockable storage area that can house items up to the size of a laptop computer and slides under the driver's seat."

Handbags and large bottles are amply catered for in Territory's capacious interior.

The storage compartments located in both driver and passenger seat sides can easily hold a large bottle or a handbag – items which typically are left to roll around on the back seat or footwell.

Hotblack said Territory's interior was designed to cater for the active, outdoor way of life enjoyed by Australians.

"Territory five seater features two large storage areas underneath the rear floor that can house sporting equipment or wet towels from a day at the beach.

"As well, a reversible wet and dry rear floor panel is included on five-seat vehicles, allowing owners to transport wet surf gear or take a trip to the local nursery without damaging the luggage compartment floor."

Territory boasts six cup holders in total, with two for each row of seats.

"We've also taken the drink holder concept one step further, with flexible drink bottle holders in each of the front and rear doors. And there's an optional Territory branded drink bottle designed to match.

"Territory also includes three power sources and space for a travel fridge – which will be available as an option on all models. That's just part of an extensive accessory collection.

"Practicality has been a priority too. For example, one of the storage compartments in Territory is a rubbish bin, which can be removed and safely cleaned in a household dishwasher.

"Similarly, the rubber coated front row cup holder is removable for ease of cleaning. "

Hotblack said there were two specific aims the interior design set out to achieve.

"The higher seating position of Territory enabled the design team to make all the interior surfaces feel lower, creating a feeling of spaciousness.

"The other thing we wanted to achieve was creating what we call a T-shape. This is the central spine running up to a T-form on the dashboard, reinforcing the strong image of a robust, lifestyle vehicle. We have built on the aesthetic 'DNA' created by the acclaimed BA range and have successfully evolved the direction to this active lifestyle package.

"That has helped in creating an interior that includes all the passengers, making them feel part of the interior and not alienated from it. At the same time it gives the driver a feeling of control with its driver-orientated cockpit, something our customers were emphatic about. It's an active family vehicle, and the T-shape definitely helps in reinforcing that theme."

Hotblack said catering to the needs of customers was key.

"From day one, the needs of the customer have been uppermost in our minds.

"We were constantly thinking about the customer's interaction with the interior – what they're looking for, what they want.

"We included features that are enduring and usable – not just gimmicks. They include a sturdy folding loadspace cover, which perfectly complements the liftglass feature at the rear and gives the vehicle a beautifully tailored look.

"We targeted an active family feel and I'm confident we hit the bullseye with the finished product.

"Territory has a fantastic interior package we're very proud of – boasting an interior design and ambience perfectly suited to the active Australian way of life," Hotblack said.
 
#9 ·
I was just reading this on the press site and it pretty much confirms our worst nightmare. 182 TQE power only. Oh well......
 
#10 ·
Aussie Pete said:
I was just reading this on the press site and it pretty much confirms our worst nightmare. 182 TQE power only. Oh well......
Yes but AP, you can option one up with a fridge! Surely that is a much more relevant and exciting prospect than a V8 option... :wnc: :mrt:
 
#12 ·
To all the BA drivers – what (if any) are the differences in the dash? Looks fairly similar, but given this is about the most exciting thing Ford had at the show there must be something astounding.

Also, wouldn’t it be a good idea to be able to get the sliding second row seat without the third seat, so you could adjust the leg room/boot size compromise as per Mazda 2 & Honda Jazz? Note there are no pics of the boot with the third row seats in place.

Also, what the hell is a manikin? Do they mean mannequin?
 
#13 ·
Oh, looking at the interior I think the finish and detail is superb. But I have to say that the different shades of grey all on top of each other make me think EF Falcon GLi. Not my scene at all.

Then again I'm not in the market for this type of car - it's cylinder deficient. Shame because I think territory is obviously a better car than Adventra, but should I be forced to buy such a car the Holden would win based on drivetrain.
 
#17 ·
After seeing it at the Press Day I can say I am very impressed with this vehicle. Looks sporty, classy and tough all in one.

I wouldn't be too concerned with the power.. It's not like it's running a wheezy 4 banger.

Had a look at the Toyota Kluger.... and in comparison that looks like a Kia Sportage. Very cheap and nasty looking but that's just my opinion (this is just based on looks).

Well done I say... power increases will come if and when customers ask for it. Can't wait to see them on the road!!!
 
#18 ·
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm how do I rob that bank ........ I just want one :p OK its lacking the V8 I really wanted in this type of vehicle .....but ........ I do like what I see so far ;)

Thanks for the info RPO ......now to figure out a way to get one hehehehehehehe ;)

:fairy
 
#19 ·
I really really want one
However I dont think I can wait til next June for a new car. THis thing keeps getting delayed more and more. Now they say June, but evenif it is launched in June, by the time I ge the order in , car built, delivered etc. it could be september or later.

Methinks I will get a BA for now, squeeze the tribe in the back seat for 4 years or so and see how the Territory is fairing in 2007/8... Besides by then it will be Territory series 2 or 3.
 
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