Ford Laser Ghia Hatchback (KA - 1981)
Relationship to Mazda 323:
The Ford Laser was a restyled version of the Familia/323 models produced by Mazda in Japan from 1980 onwards. Ford had acquired a 25% stake in Mazda in 1979.
In Australia, New Zealand and Europe where Ford was seen as a 'local' brand, the Laser outsold its Mazda twin, but in neighbouring Asian countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, as well as Japan itself, the reverse was the case. However, pooling resources with Mazda allowed Ford to maintain a foothold in the region. This was also the case in South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, where the Laser was also sold, in many cases being locally assembled.
KA/KB (1981–1985)
The KA Laser, built under license from Mazda, was introduced in March 1981. In January 1983 it underwent a facelift to become the KB.[8] Light changes were made to the rear, while the front was redesigned in a more modern style, aligning it with Ford's corporate look of the era. Originally sold only with the 1.3 liter engine, the smaller 1.1 liter engine was never available in Australia. Later, 1.5 liter versions were added, eventually even a turbocharged version.
Aside from being built in Australia and Japan, some Lasers were also assembled in New Zealand. New Zealand-built Laser hatchbacks were available with the 1.1 liter (Ritz), 1.3 liter (GL), and 1.5 liter (Sports) engines, while the Laser sedan (L, Ghia) was not available with the 1.1 liter engine. In some countries, such as Australia, the four-door saloon bodystyle was marketed as the "Ford Meteor".
[Text taken from Wikipedia]
The Laser marked the first public vehicle change in the transition from Ford of Europe products to Ford Asia-Pacific (for now focused on Mazda, but later to include KIA from Korea).
The Laser was also the first front-wheel-drive Ford available in Australia. Curiously, the original remit for the Fiesta program was to have manufacture and assembly in Australia, beginning in 1976. Also, the Escort MkIII transitioned to a front-wheel-drive architecture in 1980. Perhaps the coinciding launch of the 1979 Ford Falcon XD was seen to be of greater financial focus, and Ford wished to maximise the return on their Mazda investment in the region.
The Laser nameplate went on to be a top seller in early years, and continued in Australian manufacture and assembly, in Sydney's Homebush Plant, until 1994.
This Lego miniland-scale Ford KA Laser Ghia Hatchback has been created for Flickr LUGNuts 85th Build Challenge, - "Like, Totally 80's", - for vehicles produced in the decade of the 1980s.
Ford Laser Ghia Hatchback (KA - 1981)
Relationship to Mazda 323:
The Ford Laser was a restyled version of the Familia/323 models produced by Mazda in Japan from 1980 onwards. Ford had acquired a 25% stake in Mazda in 1979.
In Australia, New Zealand and Europe where Ford was seen as a 'local' brand, the Laser outsold its Mazda twin, but in neighbouring Asian countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, as well as Japan itself, the reverse was the case. However, pooling resources with Mazda allowed Ford to maintain a foothold in the region. This was also the case in South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, where the Laser was also sold, in many cases being locally assembled.
KA/KB (1981–1985)
The KA Laser, built under license from Mazda, was introduced in March 1981. In January 1983 it underwent a facelift to become the KB.[8] Light changes were made to the rear, while the front was redesigned in a more modern style, aligning it with Ford's corporate look of the era. Originally sold only with the 1.3 liter engine, the smaller 1.1 liter engine was never available in Australia. Later, 1.5 liter versions were added, eventually even a turbocharged version.
Aside from being built in Australia and Japan, some Lasers were also assembled in New Zealand. New Zealand-built Laser hatchbacks were available with the 1.1 liter (Ritz), 1.3 liter (GL), and 1.5 liter (Sports) engines, while the Laser sedan (L, Ghia) was not available with the 1.1 liter engine. In some countries, such as Australia, the four-door saloon bodystyle was marketed as the "Ford Meteor".
[Text taken from Wikipedia]
The Laser marked the first public vehicle change in the transition from Ford of Europe products to Ford Asia-Pacific (for now focused on Mazda, but later to include KIA from Korea).
The Laser was also the first front-wheel-drive Ford available in Australia. Curiously, the original remit for the Fiesta program was to have manufacture and assembly in Australia, beginning in 1976. Also, the Escort MkIII transitioned to a front-wheel-drive architecture in 1980. Perhaps the coinciding launch of the 1979 Ford Falcon XD was seen to be of greater financial focus, and Ford wished to maximise the return on their Mazda investment in the region.
The Laser nameplate went on to be a top seller in early years, and continued in Australian manufacture and assembly, in Sydney's Homebush Plant, until 1994.
This Lego miniland-scale Ford KA Laser Ghia Hatchback has been created for Flickr LUGNuts 85th Build Challenge, - "Like, Totally 80's", - for vehicles produced in the decade of the 1980s.