It's all over. After nearly 100 years of production, Ford Motor Company built its last car in Australia. The bright blue, rear-drive Ford Falcon XR6 rolled off the line at Broadmeadows near Melbourne on Friday. Ford built its final Falcon Ute in July.
"Today is an emotional day for the entire team of Ford Australia," division CEO Graeme Whickman told reporters outside the factory, the Detroit News reports. "We are saying goodbye to some wonderful manufacturing colleagues who have done a great deal for Ford in Australia."
Ford's decision to end Australian production will cost the country 600 jobs at Broadmeadows and end the Falcon's legacy after 56 years and 3.5 million units. Ford will continue to import vehicles to the world's smallest continent, while local engineers will contribute to development of the models sold there.
Production of the final Ford Falcon is part of a double-whammy for the Australian auto industry. General Motors' Holden subsidiary assembled its last locally built small car, a red Cruze Hatchback, on Friday as well. Holden's arch-rival to the Falcon, the Commodore, will end production in 2017, as part of that brand's Aussie production winddown. Toyota is also ending its Australian production next year.
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"Today is an emotional day for the entire team of Ford Australia," division CEO Graeme Whickman told reporters outside the factory, the Detroit News reports. "We are saying goodbye to some wonderful manufacturing colleagues who have done a great deal for Ford in Australia."
Ford's decision to end Australian production will cost the country 600 jobs at Broadmeadows and end the Falcon's legacy after 56 years and 3.5 million units. Ford will continue to import vehicles to the world's smallest continent, while local engineers will contribute to development of the models sold there.
Production of the final Ford Falcon is part of a double-whammy for the Australian auto industry. General Motors' Holden subsidiary assembled its last locally built small car, a red Cruze Hatchback, on Friday as well. Holden's arch-rival to the Falcon, the Commodore, will end production in 2017, as part of that brand's Aussie production winddown. Toyota is also ending its Australian production next year.
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