Ford Australia President Tom Gorman yesterday announced at the Melbourne International Motor Show the award-winning Territory SUV would be exported to South Africa.

"This is a very exciting day for everyone at Ford Australia," Gorman said.

"We were confident we had an excellent product in the Ford Territory and the decision by Ford South Africa to add the vehicle to their line-up is testament to the strength of the Territory concept and design and the quality of the product we are building here in Australia."

Ford South Africa will have three models in their line-up – the TX RWD, Ghia RWD and range-topping Ghia AWD.

"The SUV market in South Africa is replicating what we are seeing here in Australia, and has grown more than 60 per cent since 2002.

"Ford South Africa was very interested in the development of Territory and made an official approach to us early in 2004".

"We sent over a prototype vehicle midway through 2004, and the Ford South Africa team was very impressed by the combination of SUV versatility and car-like dynamics," Gorman said.

"Following the success of the Ford Territory in Australia, we expect this exciting new SUV to do well in South Africa," says Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa President and CEO Robert Graziano.

"Considering the revitalisation Ford is currently experiencing in South Africa, the Territory arrives at an opportune time to assist in our efforts to take the brand to greater heights".

"South Africa has unique driving conditions involving high altitudes and high speeds, but the excellent work of the development team involved with Territory meant there was little change required." Gorman said the programme to fine tune the car to meet South African requirements began in July 2004.

"South Africa has unique driving conditions involving high altitudes and high speeds, but the excellent work of the Australian development team involved with Territory meant little change was required".

The complete range of Territory accessories will be offered to South African customers as well, with the exception of DVD satellite navigation as South Africa has no global positioning satellite network.

Gorman said the first South African Territory would roll off the Broadmeadows assembly line within a month.

"We anticipate selling up to 2000 Territorys in South Africa annually, adding to the profitability of Ford Australia and adding to the incremental sales of this fantastic, award-winning product."

Territory is already exported to New Zealand, where it clocked up more than 1400 sales last year and has been the market leading SUV since launch.

Territory has been the best selling SUV in Australia since July 2004, achieving more than 15,000 sales in its first nine months.