Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Mr Bill Ford joined with Victorian State Premier, the Hon Steve Bracks and Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism & Resources, the Hon Ian Macfarlane last Friday to officially dedicate the new Research & Development Centre currently under construction by Ford in Geelong.

"This new Research & Development Centre will allow Ford Australia to continue developing world-class vehicles for Australia and overseas markets," said Mr Ford.

"The Ford Australia team is in a unique position to offer world-class design and engineering capabilities to the rest of the Ford world. This exciting new facility will allow Ford Australia to continue this important work.

"I am very proud to be here today with Premier Bracks and Ministers MacFarlane and Haermeyer to dedicate this new facility. I would particularly like to thank our Government partners for their foresight and willingness to support the future of Ford in Australia."

The Centre is part of a previously announced broader strategic direction for Ford Australia and, when completed in 2007, will house more than 350 product development engineers. It will also incorporate new test and equipment areas, including engine development laboratories and prototype facilities.

It will complement the company's Design Studio and Engineering & Technology Centre in Campbellfield, and the Proving Ground in Lara. These facilities are also being upgraded in support of Ford Australia's design and engineering capability.

"Our new Research & Development Centre will underpin our future engineering projects," said Ford Australia President Mr Tom Gorman.

"It will play an integral role in our ability to successfully deliver on the design and engineering leadership role we have secured for a new global light commercial vehicle architecture that will eventually be sold in more than 80 countries worldwide.