Ford Australia set to cease local manufacturing

Ford was due to release its financial results today, but various news outlets, citing confidential sources, have speculated that today's press release will also see Ford officially cease local car manufacturing as it moves to an import-only operation.

Ford had earlier announced that facelifted Falcon and Territory vehicles would be released in early 2014, but the death of the Falcon has been rumoured for some years.

Regardless of whether today's rumours are accurate or not, the Falcon is seen as unlikely to survive beyond next year, with the longstanding big car selling at its lowest level since it was introduced locally in 1960.

Ford sales in general have plummeted in recent years, despite the initial success of the Territory, and recent good results for the Focus, which was at one point destined for local manufacture.

The closure of both Geelong and Broadmeadows plants woudl result in the loss of around 3,500 jobs directly, with thousands more component and parts suppliers expected to be affected, too.

Ford's product engineering and vehicle testing at the You Yangs are expected to survive the closures.

Watch this space for further details.