Federal Minister for Trade the Hon Mark Vaile yesterday visited the Ford plant at Broadmeadows in Victoria to press the button on a South African export programme expected to deliver $80 million this year.

Mr Vaile was joined by Ford Australia President Tom Gorman to pilot the first South African-bound Ford Territory SUV off the assembly line.

"This represents a wonderful achievement by everyone at Ford Australia and is a further example of the expanding trade relationship between Australia and South Africa. Last year passenger vehicles represented our third largest export to that region," Mr Vaile said.

"Australian motoring expertise is being recognised around the world and I am confident the export of the Ford Territory to South Africa will result in even more glowing endorsements."

Mr Gorman described the first shipment of South African vehicles as a red letter day for the company.

"We have always been confident that the Ford Territory is a world-class vehicle.

"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," Mr Gorman said.

"Following the Territory's success 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.

Mr 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.

Mr Gorman said Ford expected to sell about 2000 Territorys in South Africa each year, adding to the profitability of Ford Australia and adding to the incremental sales of Territory.

Territory is already exported to New Zealand, where it clocked up more than 1,400 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 19,000 sales in its first ten months.