Ford Australia is looking at an export program to help turnaround its current loss-making operations and secure the small Aussie outcrop’s future within the Blue Oval Empire. Ford is the third largest carmaker in Australia, ranking behind GM Holden and Toyota in the one million vehicle market.

Demand for its core Falcon sedan and the Territory SUV spin-off has dropped so low that production numbers are now well short of full capacity. Profits have dropped from A$148.2 million in 2005 to a loss of A$40.3 million last year and this year is shaping up to be even worse.

A spokesperson for Ford Sinead McAlary has told Reuters that several alternatives are being considered, including local production of a new smaller model as well as expanding the current export program. Roughly 7,000 cars are exported annually, less than 10% of production.