By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG manufacturing has a renewed connection with Ford after Carbon Revolution announced yesterday a deal to supply wheels for a new Shelby Mustang GT350R.
Despite Ford shutting down local manufacturing next year, Carbon Revolution hopes the contract with Ford USA could be a forerunner to further deals for high-performance vehicles.
The contract is the first manufacturer deal for the Deakin University-based start-up, although it has sold wheels into vehicle aftermarkets for marques including Porsche, Lamborghini, McLaren, BMW and Audi.
Carbon Revolution chief Jake Dingle said the deal effectively meant that company was in mass production.
Further contracts could double the company’s employment to 300, with Carbon Revolution already employing ex-Ford and Alcoa staff.
“Hats off to Ford, they’re first in the world to include a carbon wheel as standard,” Mr Dingle said.
“They’ve now got bragging rights by bringing the first carbon wheel to market.
“People will be amazed at the performance of this vehicle. Ford has turned it into a genuine track machine.”
Mr Dingle said Carbon Revolution was working on other manufacturer deals that he could not yet reveal.
Carbon Revolution was also exploring opportunities in aerospace that were “a real possibility” in the next five years, he said.
Fitted as standard to the Mustang GT350R, the lightweight carbon-fibre 48cm-by-28cm wheels save 8kg each, a significant 50 per cent saving over aluminium wheels.
The reduction in “unsprung weight” adds significantly to the car’s top speed, acceleration and handling.
Although Ford has yet to set a price for new Mustang, motoring reports citing leaked dealer information said the car’s starting price would be US$63,495, or a touch over $86,000 Australian.
However, the GT350R is unlikely to be released in Australia, although a lower-performance variant will arrive.
Federal Industry and Science Minister Ian Macfarlane said the deal was a glowing endorsement for the Geelong-based company.
“This is a great day for Carbon Revolution and Australian advanced manufacturing,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Funding from the Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund (GRIIF) has been very important in helping Carbon Revolution to develop products for the global automotive market.
“This is a significant achievement and demonstrates that Australia is continuing to play a very important role in supplying the global auto market,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“Geelong’s shared history with Ford makes this announcement particularly significant.”
Round one of the GRIIF provided $5 million in funding to Carbon Revolution for construction of its $24 million purpose-built manufacturing facility.
Federal Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson said the contract was “an absolute game-changer”.
