We don’t really understand why this is happening, but most automakers are making a pickup offensive onto the European market. There’s only one really major player missing, but the Ford Ranger that was originally developed in the US in the early 80s will soon become an almost global product.
According to Auto News Europe, the Blue Oval will export the Ranger from South Africa to a number of Global markets, including Europe.
"You know how important trucks are to Ford throughout the world," said Joe Hinrichs, head of Ford in Asia and Africa. "And, really, with the exception of North America, (the Ranger) is the truck for Ford around the world. It's critically important to us from Asia to Africa to South America and Australia, too."
The Ranger should hit the European market by the end of November, offering three cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two ride heights and four series choices. The vehicle is powered be two new common-rail Ford Duratorq TDCI diesels, a 2.2 liter four-cylinder unit that delivers 150 hp and 375 Nm of torque and a 3.2-liter five-cylinder powerplant, which produces 200 hp and 470 Nm of torque.
"The new Ranger is an exciting and dynamic vehicle that will undoubtedly raise the bar in the pickup market. The scope of its capability and technology are further evidence of how powerful the One Ford initiative is in helping us globally to develop a whole range of all-new class-leading vehicles. We look forward to bringing new Ranger to European customers by 2012 and I am confident it will exceed their expectations," stated Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.
"You know how important trucks are to Ford throughout the world," said Joe Hinrichs, head of Ford in Asia and Africa. "And, really, with the exception of North America, (the Ranger) is the truck for Ford around the world. It's critically important to us from Asia to Africa to South America and Australia, too."
The Ranger should hit the European market by the end of November, offering three cab body styles, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two ride heights and four series choices. The vehicle is powered be two new common-rail Ford Duratorq TDCI diesels, a 2.2 liter four-cylinder unit that delivers 150 hp and 375 Nm of torque and a 3.2-liter five-cylinder powerplant, which produces 200 hp and 470 Nm of torque.
"The new Ranger is an exciting and dynamic vehicle that will undoubtedly raise the bar in the pickup market. The scope of its capability and technology are further evidence of how powerful the One Ford initiative is in helping us globally to develop a whole range of all-new class-leading vehicles. We look forward to bringing new Ranger to European customers by 2012 and I am confident it will exceed their expectations," stated Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.
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