Diesel difference for Territory

Ford is anticipating high diesel take up in new Territory -- not least because of a "unique" diesel/rear-wheel drive offering
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Ford Australia is quietly banking on a high uptake of turbodiesel Territorys to help the born-again softroader regain the top spot on local sale charts. And that uptake looks set to be driven by a range that includes rear-wheel drive variants.

It was anticipated in many quarters that the Blue Oval would limit its turbodiesel offer to all-wheel drive versions of the Territory only. But at yesterday’s reveal of the comprehensively revised softroader, Ford execs confirmed the diesel powertrain will be offered across all three equipment grades and in both rear and all-wheel drive versions.

Territory will feature a modified version of the Ford PSA 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel that once power Land Rover models. Coupled with a version of Falcon's six-speed ZF automatic transmission, the rear-wheel drive/diesel powertrain should set new fuel economy benchmarks for the medium SUV segments.

It will also be a unique offering -- short of luxury German marques there are currently no other passenger car derived high-ride SUVs that combine current turbodiesel technology with rear-wheel drive.

Ford insiders are quietly confident this offering, coupled with fresh styling and equipment upgrades will revitalize the Falcon-based crossover's position in the local marketplace.

Ford's marketing chief David Katic confirmed the availability of the diesel rear-drive Territory at yesterday's official unveiling of the new range. He told the Carsales Network the car would occupy "a unique spot in the market."

According to Katic Ford Australia is anticipating a high uptake of diesel in the roll out of the new model. Like its European small car diesel stablemates, the Territory oiler will wear TDCi badging.

"There are two types of buyers talking to our dealers now: established petrol customers who are looking at the new Territory and are keen to get into it; and those that have always considered Territory but wanted diesel... Buyers who are sick of driving a truck and want a more car like vehicle but with [SUV style amenity]," Katic explained.

Katic says "more than 50 per cent" of new Territory volume will be diesel -- a stat backed by new Ford Australia boss, Bob Graziano. Both Katic and Graziano admit, however, the proportion could be higher.

Katic asserts to date Territory has only competed in around half the potential Medium SUV market. With new paddocks to plough, the eventual model mix is hard to nail down, he says.

"We've ordered a lot [of the turbodiesel engines]," Katic stated. "But I've got this feeling that it will be big for us. If it comes in at a massive mix, say 90 per cent, then we are in for an interesting time... But we're confident the diesel customers will be incremental."

Katic said Ford was not concerned about moving stock of the existing model during the run-out period ahead of the new car’s onsale in May.

"We’re in good shape there," he says.

A significant switch to turbodiesel as the engine of choice in Territory could be problematic for Ford, however. Currently the Territory is 100 per cent petrol, with all engines built in-house at Ford’s Geelong-based engine plant. The new turbodiesel is fully imported.

Couple a drop in Territory's petrol volume with further reductions in the number of inline sixes going into Falcon, when Ford's turbocharged ECOBoost four-cylinder engine finds its way into the large sedan later this year, and could there be a problem in the making?

Not so, asserts new boss Graziano. In addition to real growth in Territory volume, he says other new products will offset any shortfall, including the new LPI (LPG) engine destined for Falcon.

"It's too early to talk about where we see the ultimate mix… Our opportunity our challenge and opportunity will be to continue to talk about the benefits of both the petrol and diesel [Territory offering],” Graziano opined.

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