Performax Ford F-Series Cleared for Oz Production

Independent U.S. vehicle importer Performax International is to begin production of ’14 Ford Super Duty F-250 pickups re-engineered to right-hand drive.

Having won Australian Design Rule approval, Performax says the first RHD F-250s are expected to be delivered in August at prices starting at less than A$100,000 ($93,840). By comparison, the F-250 bases in the U.S. for a little more than $33,000.

ADR approval, allowing the F-series to be road-registered in all Australian states and territories, completes a 6-month development program led by former GM Holden and Ford Australia engineers at Performax’s Gympie, Queensland, manufacturing headquarters.

Performax 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.

In addition to its current annual output of about 320 RHD Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra and Ram pickups, Performax will have the capacity to build up to 300 Ford F-250s and F-350s.

The F-250 comes with a 6.7L common-rail turbodiesel V-8 engine producing 394 hp and 800 lb.-ft. (1,084 Nm) of torque.

Performax General Manager Glenn Soper is expecting healthy demand for the 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,” Soper says in a statement. “We're very happy with the mechanical and interior finish quality of the unit we submitted for ADR approval.”

Performax initially will offer the Ford Super Duty crew cab from less than A$100,000, with higher-spec Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum crew cabs for about A$125,000 ($117,500) plus taxes, subject to prevailing exchange rates.

Soper says Ford Australia in a recent media report ruled out importing the F-Series, citing insufficient demand. The automaker sells the 1-ton Ranger pickup family imported from Thailand.

“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,” Soper says.

Performax has almost 25 years’ experience importing and re-engineering American vehicles to full Australian Design Rule compliance.