Australia has a new fully-accredited car manufacturer.

With the Australian Design Rule (ADR) approval of a 2014 Ford Super Duty F-250 pickup re-engineered by Performax International, the independent American vehicle importer is now ready to produce and supply the popular series to the Australian market.

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.

ADR approval, meaning the F-series is ready to be road-registered in all Australian States and Territories, completes a six-month development program led by former GM Holden and Ford Australia engineers at Performax's Gympie, Queensland, manufacturing headquarters.

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.

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."

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).

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 4x4 )

• 6.7 litre V8 PowerStroke+é-« 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

Platinum additional features over Lariat

• Unique 20-inch wheels
• SecuriCode keyless entry keypad
• Premium leather seating with Platinum logo
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Memory for driver's seat, power pedals and power tow mirrors
• Power-extendable heated tow mirrors
• Remote start
• Unique wood grain interior trim
• Unique grille
• Chrome side steps
• Chrome door handles
• Chrome mirror caps
• Satin chrome tailgate
• Chrome tow hooks
• In-built tailgate step
• Reversing sensors
• Heated leather and walnut steering wheel with message centre control

Options include off-road pack, heated rear seats, sunroof.

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