Ford reported that they will spend $209 million for new Ranger in South Africa.

But we have to still use Ranger from '93?

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/31/f...ranger-pickup/

 

not so unbelievable, really.

that's how the japs got such a good stronghold here in the U.S.

they only shipped here what was tried and true, so they new they had a winner when they hit the shore.

 

It will be engineered here too...

If you understood the South African pickup market (and tax structure for Auto manufacturers) you would understand this move

 

Is South African pickup market bigger than American pickup market?

 

Nope... but its one heck of a lot more profitable.

 

I probably should explain more ->

The Ranger (due to be released late 2010) is going to be a consitent global platform (North America has not confirmed that it will be supporting it yet however)

It will be engineered by Ford of Australia, with Ford of Europe engines (Transit diesels and 2 gas engines), with Mazda doing the drivetrain.

Will be assembled in South America, South Africa and Auto-Alliance Thailand (and potentially the US) and sold globally (potentially including US and Canada if it is manufactured there).


Problem in the US and Canadian markets is that the small truck market just isn't lucrative enough - we pay over 20k for the base model 4cyl gas engine Ranger, Crew Cab diesels are pushing 50k... I don't think I could EVER imagine the North American pickup market wanting that when an F250 diesel can be had for that.

 

That makes sense.

I still don't think Ford should let US Ranger die, which is pretty much what they're doing.

 

No, agreed...

I heartily recommend that anyone who agree's petitions thier dealers, Ford and thier local federal representative (joking, but you never know) to take up the new platform.

It will be a darn good truck too