Ford has announced plans to sell its legendary F-150 pickup truck in Australia – and it will be right-hand drive.
As the best-selling vehicle in the United States for more than 40 years, the F-150 now gets the chance to prove how it handles the Australian Outback.
The Ford F-150 will be converted to right-hand drive in Australia through an agreement with RMA Automotive.
‘Dreams do come true’
Ford has experienced considerable success in the Australian pickup market. The Ranger is currently ranked as the country’s best-selling 4×4 vehicle, with Ford Australia responsible for development work.
However, Ford admits that enthusiasts Down Under have been persistent in their calls for a larger pickup.
Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand, said: “Whenever I speak to our dealers, they tell me that customers consistently ask about F-150, ask when it is coming, so I am very proud to now be able to say it’s heading our way.
“There are just so many passionate F-150 fans out there and we’re all thrilled to be able to bring this iconic truck to our roads with locally remanufactured right-hand-drive models.”
American truck showdown
Australian-market F-150s will be built exclusively with Ford’s 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine. Combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission, owners will have 400hp and 500lb ft of torque at their disposal.
The 3.5-litre EcoBoost has become the most popular engine in the 14th-generation F-150, and delivers more torque than the classic 5.0-litre V8. It offers the potential for the F-150 to tow up to 4,500kg.
Such towing capacity will make it competitive with the other two American pickups sold in Australia.
The F-150 will square up to the Chevrolet Silverado and the Ram 1500, just as it does in the USA. All three vehicles are now offered in right-hand drive for Australia.
‘Part of a new wave’
RMA Automotive will undertake the conversion of F-150s to right-hand drive at a facility in Melbourne. This includes working closely with Ford’s own engineers to ensure the iconic truck retains the same qualities American buyers have come to rely on.
Prices and final specification for the Australian F-150 will be confirmed closer to the official launch in the middle of 2023.
Andrew Birkic notes that more Ford imports could be on the cards. He said: “The F-150 is part of a new wave of Ford vehicles for our Australian customers”.
“We’re listening to customers and breaking down barriers to give them what they want – the best of our global line-up. There’s more where F-150 came from.”
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