December 20^th, 1999                                           

AU Falcon ute is proving a versatile performer

The AU Falcon ute has taken Australia's light commercial market by storm since being launched in June.

Following a string of record-setting sales months, the potential versatility of the cab-chassis design is now being realised by a host of aftermarket vehicle body-builders and fleet customers.

With almost 6000 utes sold since launch, November sales set a new record with 1426 utes sold during the month.

"In addition to the practical aluminium tray and style-side body offered by Ford, many of our customers are adding their own trays and bodies to the Falcon ute as well," says Ford’s light commercial brand manager, Kevin Lillie.

"The design of the Falcon ute means you’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to applications, with everyone from suburban couriers and glaziers to the police and ambulance services showing a great deal of interest."

Since the June introduction of the new ute a wide range of aftermarket custom built trays and bodies have become available. The range includes jarrah-floored steel trays, workshop bodies, canopies, livestock crates and even a hard tonneau cover that lifts to reveal a two-man tent.

Various state Police and Ambulance organisations are also in the process of equipping Falcon utes for a range of field applications.

Ford has also built a gas-powered ‘Barby Ute’ to promote its factory-fitted dedicated LPG fuel option. The show car has a large gas-cylinder shaped body with gull-wing doors that open to reveal a huge gas bar-b-que.

As part of the launch of the ute a ‘body builders’ guide was also produced containing key measurements and information to assist in designing and fitting aftermarket trays and bodies.