Ford has downplayed reports of a BYD-owned car carrier delivering 5,000 vehicles to Australia, stating that the move was little different from its own leased ships transporting Rangers and Everests, reports Australia's Drive.com.

Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson remarked that headlines regarding BYD's vessel were 'part PR' and 'part sensationalisation.' He noted that Ford had leased two ships three years ago to secure logistics, with each capable of carrying thousands of vehicles between Thailand and Australia.

BYD owns eight roll-on, roll-off carriers, which were acquired in 2022 for CNY5 billion (US$739 million). The Zhengzhou ship is bringing nearly 5,000 cars to Australia as part of a plan to deliver 30,000 vehicles in May and June. Ford argued that its own arrangements already ensured a steady supply.

Mr. Henderson stated that Ford moves more than 5,000 vehicles monthly and dismissed BYD's move as not new. He added that Ford had long adapted to market changes, citing its century-long presence in Australia through wars, crises, and competition.

Almost 90 percent of Ford's Australian sales come from the Ranger ute and Everest SUV. However, stricter emissions rules threaten its reliance on diesel models, which face rising penalties. Mr. Henderson emphasized that Ford would continue to pivot to customer needs as new competitors enter the market.