RHD 2014 Ford F-250 pickup officially on sale in Australia

Kevin J Lee June 16, 2014 News 2,820 Views

The Ford F-250 pickup will officially go on sale in Australia again, but not through Ford. Queensland-based Performax International has re-engineered the truck and converted it into full ADR approved right-hand drive models.

This means the F-Series can now full be fully road-registered in all Australian States and Territories.

The first Performax-built right-hand drive examples of America’s most popular pick-up are expected to be delivered in August at prices starting at less than $100,000.

Performax International is the first manufacturer in Australia to be awarded full volume compliance for the F-Series under a much more rigorous set of standards than previously required.

Performax International has almost 25 years’ experience importing and re-engineering American vehicles to full Australian Design Rule compliance, with work completed to ISO 9001 Quality Assurance standards. The company is now also certified to ISO/TS 16949 (Automotive Quality Management).

In addition to its current annual output of around 320 RHD Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra and Dodge RAM pick-ups, Performax International will have the capacity to build up to 300 more Ford F-250s and F-350s in series.

The F-250 comes with a 6.7 litre V8 common-rail turbo diesel engine producing 294 kW of power and a massive 1084 Nm of torque. Combined with six-speed automatic transmission and on-the-fly four-wheel drive, this gives the vehicle a five-tonne towing capacity and exceptional all-terrain ability.

Performax General Manager Glenn Soper said he expected healthy demand for the stylish new Fords from business and private buyers.

“The F-250 is a magnificent vehicle, with not only prodigious power but also supreme style and comfort for the driver and four passengers. We’re very happy with the mechanical and interior finish quality of the unit we submitted for ADR approval,” he said.

“Performax International initially will offer the Ford Super Duty crew-cab from less than $100,000, with higher-spec Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum crew-cabs for around $125,000 plus on-roads (prices subject to prevailing exchange rates).

“This is extremely competitive value when compared on features, work capacity and price with other premium 4WDs.

“In addition, buyers of a Performax-built F-series will have the assurance their vehicle is not just a one-off conversion job, but fully-warranted with production-line quality, consistency and parts availability.

“Previously, providers required individual engineering reports for each individual F-truck manufactured. By qualifying for true full-volume compliance under the new regime, we have proven we are Conformity of Production ready.

“This means that the department has such confidence in the sophistication and rigor of our controls and processes that they have deemed we no longer need to seek engineers’ approval on every vehicle we produce.”

Mr Soper said that Ford Australia in a recent media report had again ruled out importing the F-series itself, citing insufficient demand.

“However, Performax International believes there is good potential from buyers new to the model as well as residual demand from those who bought Brazilian-converted F-250s from Ford Australia between 2001 and 2007,” he said.

“With the arrival of the Ford Super Duty F-250, Performax International can consolidate its position as Australia’s biggest supplier of American heavy-duty pick-ups, offering buyers the choice of Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge or Toyota in configurations to suit all needs.”

Hi-tech practices such as computer-aided design, 3D-printed parts prototyping, injection molding and leading-edge adaption of onboard electronics systems ensure right-hand drive vehicles are manufactured to factory-original engineering, fit and finish quality.

Performax vehicles will be available at dealerships around Australia.

SPECIFICATIONS

Standard key features (with F250 XLT SRW 4×4 )

6.7 litre V8 PowerStroke® common-rail turbo diesel engine with 294 kw @2800 rpm and 1084 Nm @1600 rpm
Selectshift 6-speed automatic transmission
Electronic shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel-drive
Mono-beam front axle with coil springs
Roll stability control
Trailer sway control
Hill start assist
Hill descent control
Integrated trailer brake control
Electronic stability control, brake assist, electronic braking distribution, ABS anti-lock
Front, side and curtain airbags
5-tonne towing capacity
Four-year/120,000 km warranty with Roadside Assistance

XLT key features

Power windows
Cruise control
Bluetooth
Cloth trim
17 inch wheels
Manual towing mirrors
Remote locking

Lariat additional features over XLT

Premium Sony sound system with sub and amp
Leather trim
10-way power seats
Sync 8-inch touch screen in dash
Dash-top storage with plug for MP3, iPod and USB
LCD Driver information centre with trip computer, gauges and vehicle apps
Power adjustable pedals
Rear view camera
Steering wheel controls
Auto headlamps
Reverse sensors
Keypad security entry
Rear diff lock

Options include memory seats, heated and cooled seats, sunroof, power-extendable towing mirrors, off-road suspension pack, remote start, 18 or 20-inch alloy wheels, sunroof.

King Ranch additional features over Lariat

Premium Chaparral leather seats with King Ranch logo
Heated and cooled front seats
Memory for driver’s seat, power pedals and power tow mirrors
Remote start
LCD information centre with gauge setup, compass, trip computer, fuel economy and towing/off-road applications
Auto-dim rearview mirror
Power-adjustable pedals with driver memory
Rear view camera
Unique King Ranch Chaparral leather steering wheel with message centre control
Unique wood grain trim
Two-tone exterior color with color-coded bumpers and grille
Unique 20-inch wheels

Options include, sunroof, off-road pack, chrome pack, rear tailgate step, side steps with in-built step lights, heated rear seats.

Platinum additional features over Lariat