Ford Performance Vehicles has confirmed the appointment of Mr Sak Ryopponen to the position of Managing Director effective, 6th June, 2006.

Mr Ryopponen joins FPV with significant business credentials and a wealth of experience in the automotive industry. He previously held the position of Managing Director of Saab Australia and Regional Director of Saab (Asia Pacific and Middle East), as well as serving a role in the Executive Leadership Team of Saab in Sweden.

Most recently, Mr Ryopponen was Chairman of Vital Software, an innovative supplier of Customer Relationship Management systems for the automotive industry.

“I am very excited to take up the leadership of Ford Performance Vehicles,” Ryopponen says.

“FPV has established itself as Australia's premier high-performance vehicle company with excellent credentials for developing, manufacturing and marketing a range of outstanding vehicles.

“I am looking forward to working with an enthusiastic team to build even further on the success that FPV has generated so far.”

Mr Ryopponen, who immigrated to Australia from Finland as a child, studied at Melbourne University before he commenced his automotive career with Ford Australia in 1975 within the Ford Truck marketing operation. He has held senior positions with Nissan and BMW in Australia.

Prodrive, the majority stakeholder in the Ford Performance Vehicles joint venture operation, is delighted to have Mr Ryopponen join FPV.

“Sak will be an excellent addition to our team and brings a wealth of experience and skills to complement our business,” said Prodrive Chief Operating Officer, Clive Scrivener.

“I am positive he will play an integral role in our future success.”

Tom Gorman, President of Ford Motor Company of Australia, also welcomed the appointment of Mr Ryopponen as Managing Director of FPV.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Sak Ryopponen to the position of Managing Director of Ford Performance Vehicles,” Mr Gorman said.

“FPV has certainly laid some very strong foundations in Australia, and I look forward to working with Sak to continue the success of our premium performance brand.”

FPV GT-P (BF series)

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