End Of An Era For Ford

[Ghiadude]

A sad day indeed for ford australia....

David Flint to Retire From FPV

David Flint has confirmed that he will retire from his position as Managing Director of Ford Performance Vehicles effective March 31, 2006.

Flint established the joint venture manufacturing operation between Tickford and Ford Motor Company of Australia in 1991 and has held the position of Managing Director for almost 15 years.
During this period, he has guided FPV, and its former namesake Tickford, in the development, production and marketing of more than 42 high-performance Ford models, ranging from the original Ford Falcon XR6 through to today’s iconic FPV GT and award-winning F6 Typhoon.
“Ford Performance Vehicles has firmly established itself as Australia’s powerhouse of performance,” Flint says.
“There has never been a stronger performance car family wearing the blue oval badge than there is right now. The F6 Typhoon recently scored the coveted prize of MOTOR Magazine’s Australian Performance Car of the Year. We have had a record start to the year in sales. And, critically for our customers, industry analysts have calculated that our vehicles hold up to 13 per cent greater value than those of our competitors.
“These are all outstanding achievements, and I know that with the solid foundations that are in place today FPV will continue to generate greater successes in the future.
“Not only is our family of vehicles the strongest it has ever been, FPV also has an enthusiastic and dedicated management team in place. This has allowed me to comfortably and confidently make the decision to retire from my position as Managing Director.”
Tom Gorman, President of Ford Motor Company of Australia, praised Flint for his passion for performance cars and the strength of his leadership in building Ford Performance Vehicles in to the success it is today.
“I'd be hard pressed to find another person in this industry who has the same passion and drive for producing world class performance cars as David,” Gorman says.
“The pride David has taken in the development of Ford Performance Vehicles, and Tickford Vehicle Engineering before that, is obvious to anyone who meets him. As FPV now produces Australia's best performance vehicles, his pride is more than justified.
“His energy, enthusiasm and, at times, pure obstinacy about ensuring FPV's success will be sorely missed.”
Prodrive’s Chief Operating Officer, Clive Scrivener, added: “David’s contribution to the Australian motoring industry can not be underestimated.
“Ford Performance Vehicles, through David’s vision and leadership, has established itself as a prominent force in the Australian high-performance vehicle market, and also plays a key role in the global development of Prodrive’s business.”
Ford Performance Vehicles will continue to conduct an extensive search to find a suitable candidate to replace Flint as Managing Director. Scrivener will oversee the strategic management of Ford Performance Vehicles until a new Managing Director is appointed. An announcement on this will be made in due course.