The new decade saw Ford Australia introduce an Alloy Head engine to its XD falcon range further improving fuel efficiency and refinement. The last of the Cortina’s the TF was relapsed and huge upgrades were being undertaken to Sydney’s Homebush plant to make way for the Laser which went on to become one of the most popular small cars of the 80’s.
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The European inspired XD Falcon brought new levels of styling and comfort to Falcon.
The Laser hit the market in 1981 and was an instant winner revolutionising small cars in Australia, $70 million was invested in Geelong to build 4 cylinder engines for Laser. Trucks and commercials were the other big news for Ford in 1981 with the F Series, Bronco 4×4, Cargo, Econovan, Trader and Courier all hitting the market. Fremantle’s tractor plant doubled capacity and Ford had a successful year financially posting a $49 million profit. Ford had great wins on the track too with Falcon taking out Bathurst.
The XE Falcon was launched in 1982 and brought further refinement to the vehicle and included a Watts Link rear suspension an upgraded engine and transmission plus fresh styling inside and out. The Laser received an upgrade and a new model the ‘S’ a four door version with a boot was also added called the Meteor. The Australian Army strikes a contract with Ford Australia to purchase 550 Cargo trucks and 170 F Series for their fleet. Ford had another very profitable year with an after tax profit of $66.3 million and launched its “Ford Australia we’re moving with you” advertising program.
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The LTD brought new levels of luxury never seen on an Australian car.
1983 Saw the Ford Falcon, Fairlaine and LTD range become the first motor vehicles ever to be awarded the prestigious Australian Design Award. The Falcon range received further upgrades including Electronic Fuel Injection. Ford’s new mid size car the Telstar and TX5 were introduced as well as the KB Laser and GB Meteor which further enhanced the Ford’s very popular small car range.
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The Meteor was a sedan version of the popular Laser hatch back.
The last of the X model Falcons was launched in 1984 with the XF which received a new interior, fresh rounded front styling and plenty of new mechanicals including the EEC 1v engine management system. Ford for the second time in two years won the Mileage Marathon breaking the world record – 3,133 miles per gallon (.090 L/100km). Ford had another profitable year with an after tax profit of 97 million. Ford Australia invested heavily in state of the art design technology in ‘84, investing $69.1 million into CAD/CAM facilities in Geelong.
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The Laser was a joint venture with Mazda and went on to become one of the 1980’s most popular vehicles.
At the midway point of the decade Ford Australia sold over 170,000 units and made a huge $103 million profit. Falcon celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special limited run of 2000 commemorative vehicles wile the KB Laser Turbo got a limited release, before the KC Laser and GC Meteor hit the streets. Ford Australia started work on its huge new state of the art paint facility and talking of paint a special yellow Laser was introduced styled by fashion designer Carla Zampatti.
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The XF Falcon was the last of the X badged vehciles which dated back to Falcon’s introduction in 1960.
1996 saw a freshener of the XF falcon and brought power steering and four wheel disc brakes as standard items to the vehicle. A luxury version of the wagon, the Ghia was launched as was the TX5 Turbo and Meteor wagon. The new Econovan and Spectron hit the showrooms as did the Force 11 tractor range.
The all new KE laser was introduced in 1987 as was the AT Telstar. The paint facility finally opened at Broadmeadows as well as a new $2.4 million training centre. Ford’s tractor division separated and became Ford New Holland Inc and transferred to Cranborne in Victoria.
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1988’s EA Falcon was released during Australia’s bicentenary and went on to become one of the most popular Falcons ever.
1988 the Australian Bicentenary brought the brand new EA Falcon range to the Australian showrooms and was soon followed with a new Fairlane and LTD. The Louisville heavy truck LTS 9000 was replaced with the LN 9000 and Ford was a major exhibitor at Expo 88 on Brisbane’s South Bank.
1989 Saw the Capri launched onto the Australian market and was later exported to the USA. Falcon, Fairlane and LTD all got a series II model which brought further refinement and a much awaited four speed automatic transmission. The Corsair a joint venture with Nissan entered the medium car market and a new range of Trader trucks were launched. Ford had a great year financially posting a $134 million profit.
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The Ford Capri was sold in Australia and exported to the USA.
