" Debut In Bangkok For New Ford Concept Truck

Ford Motor Company
11/24/2005 9:42:09 AM
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* Stunning concept truck is Ford’s first global debut in Thailand

* A versatile and practical vehicle in a tough, stylish package

BANGKOK, Thailand, November 24, 2005 – Ford Motor Company today forcefully drove home the importance of Asia, particularly Thailand, to its international plans by staging the world premiere of a stunning concept truck at the Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok.

Ford Asia Pacific Chief Designer Paul Gibson said the concept, dubbed 4-Trac, is a dynamic package that brings together Ford’s “tough truck” DNA with ideas that explore practical functionality, lifestyle and sporty uses for Ford trucks of the future.

“We have taken the typical pick-up truck and given it a lot more sophistication, style and purpose. It’s a workhorse that delivers on the ‘Built Ford Tough’ promise by offering true off-road capability, rugged features and durable aluminum surfaces. At the same time, owners will be proud to use it as stylish transport for their active families on weekends and holidays,” Mr Gibson said."

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index....=post&id=39536

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=39541

 

I, personally, am disgusted with the styling on this concept. Does anybody else see any resemblance to the Honda Ridgeline 'work of art'? I really need more information on this...but purely from a design standpoint...the similarities are too close for me.

 

Yeah, too much Ridgeline.

 

I see everything but Ford in there. Initial impression was that they HHR'd the Ridgeline. Wide mouth at the bottom of the grille looks Audi-like. Horizontal chrome bars in the grille remind me of the newer look Tundras.

 

looks like an explorer sport trac to me.

 

I guess this is Ford's entry into the "Truck Lite" segment of the market along with the Baja and Ridgeline.

 

Ouch.

If Ford is trying to "GM" themselves, this is the way to do it.

If I want glitzy, sophisticated type stuff, I'd get a Lincoln. Or that's what Lincoln should be for.

I know, it's a concept, but I wonder what the Aztek concept looked like.

 

Well, everyone was griping and moaning when the ridgeline came out, saying that it wasn't a real truck and the only people that would buy it would be soccer moms. Well, kudos to ford for not rolling over and giving Honda that market. If someones gonna buy a "half truck" by God let 'em buy a Ford. It's called keeping your finger on the pulse of the market.

 

Problem is nobody is buying those Ridgelines. Honda's already cut production twice.

 

Yeah, that is a problem isn't it? I was not aware of that.

 

Well, it could be because it's a Honda and they just aren't known for trucks...may they be they "half" trucks or otherwise.

 

Okay, call me crazy, but I like this little truck! I wouldn't mind seing something like this on our shores. It sure would give me the option of a real mid-size 4 door pickup from Ford instead of the Explorer Sportrac. As it stands right now, I would rather get a Tacoma double cab or a Colorado crew-cab than the Sportrac.

 

with a vw jetta /passat grill. yak

 

I don't really mind the grill.. it looks like a combination of the new explorer front end and fusion front end. Maybe if the chrome didn't go alllll the way down the front it would look better.

 

I would have to think that is going to be a Asia/Europe/Auzzie only thing if it comes out.