Maria Vamvakinou MP

Maria Vamvakinou the Federal Member for Calwell today welcomed the announcement of a $103 million grant  to help boost fuel efficiency and emissions performance in the Ford Falcon and Territory.The announcement was made after a meeting in Detroit between the Minister for Manufacturing, Senator Kim Carr, Ford Asia Pacific-Africa President Joe Hinrichs and Ford Australia President and CEO Bob Graziano. “The many people in my electorate who either work in or rely upon the automotive industry will be delighted at this decision, which will ensure that the iconic Ford Falcon is produced until at least the end of 2016,” Ms Vamvakinou said.  Senator Carr said in Detroit that the investment by Ford, the Federal and Victorian Governments will help the manufacturer boost fuel efficiency and emissions performance of the Falcon by more than 5 per cent with the use of new improved aerodynamics and transmission technology.”Ms Vamvakinou said the total investment by Ford to upgrade the Falcon and Territory at Broadmeadows in Melbourne is in excess of $103 million, with the Federal Government contributing $34 million.“Ford plays an integral part in the economy of Geelong and provides economic benefits in the region and right across the state,” Ms Vamvakinou said. “It’s important that we continue to support our important manufacturing sector which is a major contributor to the Victorian and Australian economies.”