FORD is set to fast-track its new vehicle launches in what it says is a bid to help auto suppliers win business globally.
The move follows the auto-maker’s decision to cut its manufacturing operations by 2016, cutting 1200 jobs.
Ford said it was helping staff hit by the shutdown to find new work. It said it would employ a marketing team of 20 to back its growth plans.
Reports ahead of an official statement expected this morning said the company would also refresh its lineup, including launches of the Falcon, Territory, Mondeo, Focus and Mustang by next year.
Ford said it was helping Victorian auto suppliers find new business in its global operations, leading so far to nine Australian companies earning business with Ford globally.
Victorian Manufacturing Minister David Hodgett was reported as saying the government would back Ford’s efforts to find new opportunities for auto suppliers overseas.
“Despite its recent announcement to close its production operations by 2016, Ford still expects to be Australia’s largest automotive employer which is great news for the Victorian economy,” Mr Hodgett told one media outlet.
“Importantly, Ford is also introducing local suppliers to new business opportunities within the company’s global operations.”
Ford said also that it was providing competitive redundancy packages for workers, some of whom it has helped move to other jobs.
“Helping employees transition to the next phases of their careers and lives is a critical priority for Ford,” Ford Australia boss Bob Graziano told AAP.
The carmaker has stumped up $10 million to a $49 million investment package, backed by state and federal governments in response to Ford’s closure announcement.
Ford is expected to today announce plans to become Australia’s largest auto employer by 2018, within two years of its manufacturing sackings.
The new jobs are expected to include some 1500 highly skilled employees across fields such as engineering and design.
