Local Engineering Expertise Meets Global Collaboration
Australian F-150s are subject to an uncompromising and detailed re-manufacturing process. The process requires around 500 new parts and recalibration of key systems to suit Australian needs, including the steering, climate control, lighting systems, as well as the instrument panel and software upgrades.
The facility can complete the re-manufacture of up to 20 F-150s each day, using an assembly line with 65 individual stations. The re-manufacturing process takes around 22 working hours over three days to complete for each vehicle.
“We have a long legacy to uphold when it comes to the F-150 – for 75 years, this truck has captured the hearts of customers with its unbeatable capability and comfort. The F-Series has also been the highest selling vehicle line in the U.S. for over 40 years1. To be able to offer this iconic vehicle to Australians is a privilege, and it really speaks to our local engineering know-how. Our Product Development team is collaborating closely with RMA Automotive to bring customers the same ‘Built Ford Tough’ F-150, re-manufactured to meet local design rules and regulations,” said Tom Dohrmann, F-150 Assistant Chief Program Engineer, Ford Australia.
RMA Automotive has over 30 years of engineering expertise and is considered one of the world’s leading suppliers of modified vehicles, with over 100,000 modified vehicles delivered globally to date2. As a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier, Ford’s relationship with RMA dates back to 1997, with projects in markets including Europe, North America, the Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
“As a long-term partner of Ford, we at RMA Automotive are both proud and excited to extend our relationship into the Australian market with the F-150. As the first customer vehicles roll off the line, we are delighted to be an integral part of the project that enables Ford to set yet another standard when it comes to offering Australian customers the very best vehicles to suit their specific needs,” said Trevor Negus, General Manager, RMA Automotive Holdings, Australia.
Engineered for convenience and safety
A rigorous re-manufacturing process sees an array of engineering changes to ensure the right-hand drive F-150 meets Ford’s exacting standards, including:
- New cast magnesium cross car beam and injection moulded instrument panel carrier.
- New dash and cowl sheet metal in-fill panels.
- New major electrical harnesses – instrument panel, engine, body, trailer, seats.
- Ranger Raptor right-hand drive steering rack adapted for purpose, new intermediate shaft assembly and recalibrated steering feature software.
- New climate control air handling unit, ducting and heater hoses.
- Re-manufactured headlamps.
- Exterior mirrors with new wedges and bezels.
- New wiper linkages and blades, with matching new cowl grille
- New towbar assembly, plus 4.5T hitch and 70mm ball.
The process also sees a number of interior features replaced or adapted, including:
- New instrument panel, including topper panels and decorative trim.
- New right-hand drive transmission shifter assembly and console bezels.
- New brake pedal assembly and brake lines.
- New child restraints.
- New carpets with driver footrest.
- Seats, including re-manufacturing of driver’s seat memory function.
- Door switches.
- New Australian-specific software for SYNC, instrument cluster, audio and climate control systems.
- DAB radio tuner.
- Locally compatible modem enabling the full suite of FordPass connected features
The highly anticipated Ford F-150 XLT and LARIAT, in both short wheelbase and long wheelbase variants, is now available for Australian customers alongside the full Ford vehicle range through Ford’s nationwide dealer network, with customer deliveries beginning November.
For more information on the Ford F-150, visit here.
