It’s been a while since Ford had a victory in the World Rally Championship (the last one was in the Rally Great Britain in 2018) and Sebastien Loeb’s win in the 2022 Monte Carlo Rally was all the more significant as it was the first one in the new hybrid era of rallying.
Loeb won using the new Ford Puma Rally1 with the British M-Sport Ford team run by Malcolm Wilson, a former rally driver as well. Aged 47, Loeb, from France, was also the oldest winner of an FIA World Rally Championship round. Loeb’s win in Monte Carlo makes it 8 for him, putting him alongside Sebastian Ogier as far as wins on the classic event are concerned.
Loeb had beaten his Ogier, who was using a Toyota GAZOO Racing Yaris Rally1, on the final day when Ogier, driving a, was given a 10-second penalty for a jump-start earlier. To make things worse, a puncture on a front tyre slowed him although he made it to the finish but by then, Loeb had ended with a 10.5-second lead. Incidentally, Ogier will only enter selected events this year after stepping away from full-time competition.
Loeb, accompanied by co-driver Isabelle Galmiche (a 50-year-old teacher), had been running behind Ogier initially but then clocked 4 fastest times consecutively to move into the lead. The Toyota driver’s puncture on the penultimate stage of the rally had lost him his lead of 24.6 seconds but he fought hard and, even with the penalty, cut the deficit down to 10.5 seconds.
Another Ford Puma, driven by Craig Breen, finished in third and added to the team’s points to gain an early lead in the Manufacturers’ championship. Fourth was an impressive result for young Kalle Rovanpera and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen, who made huge strides forward in pace and confidence in their new GR Yaris Rally1.
For the Hyundai Motorsport’s Ott Tanak, the opening round of the 2022 World Rally Championship was one to forget. Tanak, champion in 2019, and his team mates experienced troubles during the second last day and had only 2 of the new Hyundai i20 cars to finish the rally.
“We had a tough weekend,” said Thierry Neuville. “There has been a huge amount of work behind the scenes to prepare for this event, from me and Martijn, as well as the team, so to come away without any reward is hard to accept. We won’t give up. There are different areas we are going to work on but most important is the reliability.”
The WRC2 category was also fiercely contested, with Andreas Mikkelsen/Torstein Eriksen working hard to keep their titles again this year. Signs are good that they can, with victory in their Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo ahead of Erik Cais who was in a Ford Fiesta, and Mikkelsen’s team mate in Toksport, Nikolay Gryazin.
Sami Pajari marked the start of the new-look FIA WRC3 category, which is now for Rally3 cars, beating Jan Cerny to the class win with a margin of just 7.6 seconds. Enrico Brazzoli rounded out the top three with all drivers competing in Ford Fiesta Rally3s.
The new era of WRC, which starts its 50th season this year, focusses on hybrid powertrains for the Rally1 cars, with 100 kW electric motors coupled to 1.6-litre turbocharged engines that generate at least 500 bhp. The new regulations are aimed at moving the championship towards a more sustainable future and include use of 100% hydrocarbon fossil-free fuel.
TOP 10 FINISHERS
1. Sebastien Loeb/Isabelle Galmiche | Ford Puma Rally1
2. Sebastien Ogier/Benjamin Veillas | Toyota GR YARIS Rally1
3. Craig Breen/Paul Nagle | Ford Puma Rally1
4. Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen | Toyota GR YARIS Rally1
5. Gus Greensmith/Jonas Andersson | Ford Puma Rally1
6.Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe | Hyundai i20 N Rally1
7. Andreas Mikkelsen/Torstein Eriksen | Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo
8. Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston | Toyota GR YARIS Rally1
9. Erik Cais/Petr Tesínsky | Ford Fiesta Rally2
10. Nikolay Gryazin/Konstantin Aleksandrov | Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo
The Ford Mondeo, an executive-class sedan which has been around for almost 30 years, has been sold in a number of countries (including Malaysia 10 years ago) and it has found a following in China. The popularity of the model has been strong enough that Ford is using a new design language for the new generation to be sold in the world’s largest car market.
Unveiled at its new China Design Centre in Shanghai, the new Mondeo has a sporty coupe-style profile with a design aesthetic that is aimed at tech savvy and sophisticated Chinese buyers. ‘Progressive Energy in Strength’ is the new design philosophy developed by Ford for China and it is incorporates extensive research into Chinese customers’ aesthetic sensibility and preferences. It embodies three fundamental expressional design principles to be achieved for the Mondeo (and future Ford designs for China): commanding, agile and responsive.
Elevating customers’ experience
“To design the next generation of a well-known nameplate such as the Mondeo was a privilege and a challenge for our team,” said Maurizio Tocco, Chief Designer, Ford Motor Company. “We wanted to respect and acknowledge the history which had come before us while elevating the customers’ experience to the next level. The starting point of the design is always the customer and looking for innovative ways to incorporate what they need and want into the design.”
The new sedan demonstrates the three design elements throughout its exterior design. In profile, this starts with the forward-leaning attitude of Mondeo’s front, which immediately expresses agility with confidence. A long, accelerated bonnet line flows through to the rear, where the bold and speedy shoulder line and fast departure of the roofline converge in the gentle up-flick of the subtle integrated rear spoiler. The lower doors are highly sculptured, with flowing concave scallops appearing to change depth and form, depending on the play of light, and have a distinct performance feel.
The only generation of the Mondeo sold in Malaysia ten years ago.
Ford Performance DNA
The agility continues in the sporty front-end treatment. ‘Coast-to-coast’ lighting and defined corners accentuate the increased width and accentuate its sprung stance. The signature lighting elements balance the unique grille of active parametric cells, framed at the sides and below by strong graphics and muscular surface language. Flowing back from the grille and lights, the distinct sculptured graphics on the bonnet give it a subtle power bulge and commanding Ford performance feel.
The salute to Ford heritage continues at the rear, where the unique taillights evoke iconic Ford performance DNA. The lamps are framed by a full-width gloss black element that again accentuates Mondeo’s width. Wider and longer than the previous model, there’s a more generous rear passenger area flanked between the sporty lines and coupe-like roofline.
Design elements driven by Chinese customers
Ford’s deep local research revealed Chinese consumers value vehicles that embrace responsive design elements. These are seen throughout the new Mondeo. The flush-fitting door handles that help give the car its streamlined looks respond by deploying to passenger demand, while the rear Ford badge is touch-sensitive and cleverly activates the rear liftgate opening. Perhaps the most dynamic of these responsive elements is the way the animated full-width lighting and individual parametric cells of the front grille move to acknowledge drivers as they approach the vehicle.
Ford’s new China Design Centre
“These pioneering design details highlight the ‘responsive’ aspect of our new designs, while underlining our Chinese customers’ preference for advanced tech expression and sophisticated and refined craftsmanship,” said Max Wolff, Design Director of Ford China and International Markets Group. “Our goal was to create an aerodynamic, forward-moving form that expresses energy and strength while providing space and comfort. The strong, width-emphasizing form, signature frontal graphics and powerful stance work together to give our vehicles a confident presence. This is the ‘Daqi-ness’ that Chinese customers appreciate.”
The new Mondeo vehicle program was led by the Ford China team collaborating globally and is indicative of the ‘Best of Ford, best of China’ roadmap used. The new model will be built by Changan Ford, and first deliveries start later this year.
The full-scale prototype of Team Fordzilla’s P1 – Ford’s virtual racing car created in collaboration with the gamer community – which was unveiled at gamescom 2021 as the ultimate racing simulator has been further developed with impressive new streaming capabilities.
Showcased at the Gamergy 21 event in Madrid, Spain, this month, it now has three 4k cameras that are aimed at the pedals, steering wheel and face. Also incorporated is a 10×4-metre screen so all the action of simracing streams from the P1 racer to gaming fans in an instant. The car is powered by an HP Z4 workstation with players controlling the game through an integrated gaming steering wheel and pedals. HP Reverb G2 goggles give the player a high-quality virtual reality display as they race the world’s great online racetracks.
Enhanced lighting, both front and rear, softly mimics a sleeping person’s breath as the P1 awaits the next race. They then come to life during race time, as the rear lights synchronize with braking moments during play to connect outside spectators to the action. Aural stimulation is also offered, with a built-in audio system channelling realistic, personalised sound design for the driver to take the racing simulator experience to a whole new level.
Project P1
When Team Fordzilla’s original P1 was unveiled, it was the first virtual racing car designed in collaboration between the gamer community and designers from a carmaker. The team unveiled a full-scale prototype of the vehicle 3 months later.
Following the success of the P1 project, Team Fordzilla is now launching a second series as it again seeks collaboration with gamers and Ford designers to create a new Supervan. Ford has experience creating race-inspired Supervans based on its Transit models, the first being 50 years ago in 1971. The new Supervan Vision Concept will imagine what an extreme performance model of future Transit models will look like in the virtual dimension.
Ford designers are also at work to create a new Supervan. They can draw inspiration from earlier Supervans like the one below which raced round Goodwood in 2013.
Team Fordzilla
Team Fordzilla made its debut at gamescom 2019 and set out to find driver teams in Germany, Spain, France, Italy and the UK, with a team captain selected for each. In addition to competing in regional and European simulation racing championships, Team Fordzilla also hosted its first Fordzilla Cup competition in 2020.
“The P1 racer is an incredible design project and as a racing simulator is a fantastic experience for the player. This latest development with HP means we can stream that excitement to more people and help them to see the future possibilities of simracing,” said Emmanuel Lubrani, Team Fordzilla, Ford of Europe.
Synergies between gaming and mobility
With the distinction between real and virtual worlds blurring, Ford is increasingly intrigued by synergies between gaming and mobility and how they could help shape the way in which we all get about in the future – whether that is as commuters, as passengers in autonomous vehicles or simply enjoying the thrill of performance.
In 2017, it was the first carmaker to have a stand at Gamescom, which it also later used to conduct the first-ever vehicle reveal at the show. This was the Ranger Raptor, the performance version of the popular global pick-up.
At different periods, manufacturers have different strategies which require investments in different parts of the world. In the 1990s, Ford decided that it must ‘control its own destiny’ in the ASEAN region and was attracted by the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). This would be a single trading region and those who made their products in any country in the region could export to another ASEAN country with no import duties imposed. For a mass producer like Ford (and the company was the one that introduced mass production to the auto industry), this was ideal as it meant that a mega-factory could be set up in one country to supply to other countries. Great for cost efficiencies which would also mean more competitive prices in the markets.
So Ford invested US$500 million (RM2.107 billion) to establish a brand new factory in Rayong, on the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand. The factory, called Auto Alliance Thailand (AAT), was a joint-venture with Mazda, which was then an affiliate. Its main product would be the new Ford Ranger truck and Mazda equivalent, the BT-50, with the Everest SUV being added later. Besides supplying the Asian market, the factory also supplied to other global markets which was helpful during the regional downturn when the Asian Financial Crisis hit.
Auto Alliance Thailand, the factory set up in the mid-1990s as a joint-venture between Ford and Mazda. Its first product was the Ranger (below) which was exported around the ASEAN region as well as globally.
17 years after AAT began operations, Ford set up another factory in the same area with an investment of US$450 million (about RM1.9 billion) and it was wholly owned by the carmaker. Known as Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM), it was initially producing passenger car models like the Fiesta and Focus but when Ford decided to change strategies in the Asian region and focus on trucks, the factory switched to making only Rangers.
Ford built the second factory as demand for the Ranger grew. This was necessary as the 270,000-unit output from AAT was strictly fixed at 50:50 for each of the brands. This meant that Ford could get no more than 135,000 vehicles a year, even if Mazda did not use up its full allocation. Mazda too would have experienced the same frustration as the popularity of its models grew and one solution has been that its new BT-50 truck is now being produced at Isuzu’s factory (also in Thailand). In order to raise its output, Ford moved some production of the Ranger to FTM in 2016.
Next year will see the new generation of the Ranger entering the market and Ford expects demand to be even higher. Since its output from AAT remains capped, it is expanding FTM and is spending another US$900 million (about RM3.8 billion) on upgrading its manufacturing facilities and capabilities in Thailand, at both FTM and AAT. Over 44% of the investment is in the supply chain network to provide opportunities for local supply chain partners.
Ford Thailand Manufacturing, located 14 kms from AAT, began operations in 2012. It produced the Fiesta, Focus and EcoSport models but now only does the Ranger, and has been upgraded to produce the new Ranger (below) next year.
This is the largest-ever single investment in Ford’s 25-year history in Thailand and is recognition of the importance of the country as a global export production base for the company. “This is an important milestone to build on our quarter-century of commitment to producing vehicles in Thailand, enabling us to further modernize and upgrade our local operations, and support production for the exciting upcoming launch of the next-gen Ranger, one of Ford’s highest volume and most successful vehicles anywhere in the world, and the next-gen Everest SUV,” said Yukontorn ‘Vickie’ Wisadkosin, President, Ford ASEAN and Asia Pacific Distributors Markets.
Besides adding a second shift at FTM which provides over 1,200 new jobs, the overall investment also brings Ford’s manufacturing facilities in Thailand in line with the latest global efficiency, flexibility, and quality processes through extensive upgrades and new state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.
The company is almost doubling the number of robots at both FTM and AAT, with the addition of 356 robots at the body shop and paint shop. This brings the level of automation at the body shop at FTM and AAT from 34% to 80% and 69%, respectively.
Ford also has increased its production capability for multi-variant truck production in FTM. By increasing model flexibility, the plant can produce multiple cab styles – single cab, open cab and double cab – on the same production line. This allows more flexibility in planning and scheduling so the plant can react more quickly to customer demand and reduce customer waiting time for a new vehicle.
As part of the investment, Ford is the first auto manufacturer to implement ScanBox technology in Southeast Asia. This latest surface scan capability improves the time used to accurately measure the whole vehicle by 5 times during the assembly process, helping Ford to increase efficiency in problem solving for better quality control.
In addition, FTM and AAT are making significant efforts to support environmentally friendly initiatives, including using renewable energy, reducing CO2 emissions, and practicing zero waste to landfill.
Exporting vehicles is a significant part of Ford’s manufacturing business in Thailand, with the Ranger going to over 180 markets around the world. AAT will be the lead production hub for the upcoming next-gen Everest SUV which would almost certainly be based on the new Ranger.
The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is a well-equipped, value-for-money version of the popular pick-up truck sold by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), Now, there’s an even better Wildtrak and only a limited number of units have been imported from the factory in Thailand.
Known as the Ranger WildTrak Sport, this special edition is priced from RM158,388 (excluding insurance, Peninsular Malaysia private registration). Each new unit is backed by Ford’s manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or 160,000 kms (whichever comes first). Customers will also get an 18-month free service package if they purchase the vehicle before December 31, 2021.
Exclusive features inside and outside
As a special edition, the Ranger Wildtrak Sport has exclusive features on the exterior as well as inside the double cab. On the outside, the two available colours of Saber and Absolute Black identify the Wildtrak Sport. The dominant grille area has a new design while the door mirrors are finished in Ebony Black. The door handles and rear lift handle also follow the black theme, and likewise for the alloy wheels which are 18 inches in diameter.
The passenger car-like cabin gets illuminated front scuff plates with a logo and the seats have embossed leather upholstery, along with the steering wheel which has stitching.
Same technical specifications
The technical aspects are the same as the regular Ranger Wildtrak so under the bonnet is the proven 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The output of 213 ps/500 Nm means the vehicle can go anywhere easily, especially with its robust and capable 4×4 system.
Besides its performance, the Ranger WildTrak Sport also has smart safety technologies that make it safer when driving. Active safety systems include Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning and Assist. Airbags are installed on the front and sides of the cabin to provide additional protection during collisions.
Test-drives are also available at the event in 1Utama as well as at showrooms of authorised Ford dealerships nationwide.
“As the country transitions to normalcy, we see the introduction of our New Ford Ranger WildTrak Sport Special Edition timely, being a perfect addition to our already renowned Ranger portfolio where customers use it for work, family or play,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Take part in the challenge
The Ranger Wildtrak Sport Special Edition is being introduced to the public at Ford’s first ‘new normal’ roadshow from today until December 12 at the Ground Floor of the Luxe Wing in the 1Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Activities will be broadcast from the event daily so those who cannot be there can still ‘participate’ and stand a chance to win Ford exclusive merchandise. The broadcast is on Facebook Live on Ford Malaysia’s Facebook page.
The public can also participate in the #FORDeverysecondcount social challenge to win Ford exclusive merchandise. This challenge aims to inspire people by asking them to make a montage of 1-second footages expressing the type of life they want to live from now on as we progress towards normalcy, and to include the #FORDeverysecondcount and #fordmalaysia hashtags.
Special offers
Normally, special offers are only available to those who visit events, but authorised Ford dealerships nationwide will also be giving the same offers as the roadshow during the 5-day period. Customers who buy the Ranger WildTrak Sport during this period stand a chance to win with a local Getaway package.
To know more about the Ranger WildTrak Sport and other versions available, WhatsApp Chat a Ford Ranger Specialist or visit www.sdacford.com.my.
Malaysians are on the roads again, motoring all over the country after having been stuck in their own states for a long time due to cross-border travelling not being permitted. While it was unpleasant and even distressing, it was necessary to try to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
With the end of restrictions, we can now go anywhere we want (unless a specific area is under an Enhanced Movement Control Order) and with the end of the year coming up as well as the festive season starting, many will be on the highways.
Such long-distance travelling means that the vehicle should be in a proper running condition to avoid breakdowns that can really spoil a holiday or balik kampung journey. A breakdown will cause delays and inconvenience, but failure of brakes could result in an accident, which will be serious.
To ensure that the vehicle is in good running condition and for peace of mind, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is having its year-end and Chinese New Year service promotion for Ford owners. The promotion starts from December 1, 2021 and continues until February 15, 2022.
Up to 20% Savings
Ford owners who book a service during the campaign period will enjoy savings of up to 20% on parts and 10% on labour fees for lubricants, brake and timing belt packages in addition to selected parts.
All vehicles brought to the authorised service centre for servicing will go through a 27-point inspection, conducted by Ford-certified technicians. This inspection covers many areas related to safety and will ensure that the vehicles are in tip-top condition for the long journey.
Genuine Ford Parts with warranty
When servicing at any Authorised Ford Service Centre nationwide, vehicle owners can rest assured that only original genuine Ford parts are used. These parts are made to the highest standards of quality, fit and finish and designed specifically for Ford vehicles. In the event of problems with the parts installed, there is a warranty of 12 months or 20,000 kms (whichever occurs first), excluding wear and tear parts.
Free merchandise
Vehicle owners who top up on lubricant packages with an additional RM40 spend on any parts or service will receive a free exclusive Ford-branded face mask. For brake and timing belt packages, those who spend an extra RM500 on parts or service will get an exclusive denim woven bag in addition to a Ford face mask. All merchandise will be available while stocks last.
“With travel restrictions now eased, people are looking forward to travelling back to their hometowns or taking weekend trips this holiday season. Our service promotion is timely for this occasion and Ford customers can take advantage of this service and maintenance promotion to stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
How to make an appointment
Ford owners can easily book a service appointment online via the Ford website at their convenience, anytime and from anywhere. They can specify an authorised dealership or choose one closest to them anywhere in Malaysia. The real-time e-Service appointment booking option available allows owners to immediately know available time slots as well as select and confirm their preferred schedule (up to one month in advance).
The authorised service centres are Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth and Ford Kuching. To make a service appointment booking online, click here.
For more information regarding the promotion or about Ford vehicles and services in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my
The Ranger nameplate has been used by Ford since the late 1950s (for a sedan at that time) although it is only since the 1990s that the name gained prominence globally. This was when Ford used it on a new pick-up truck which it developed as an ‘Asian Car’ – in contrast to the low-priced sedans that Toyota and Honda developed (the Soluna/Vios and City). Ford had developed it as a ‘compact’ (by American standards) truck primarily for the ASEAN and emerging markets.
The Ranger was to be produced at a brand new factory built in Thailand in preparation for the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) which would enable vehicles from one country to be imported into another ASEAN country with no import duties imposed. In other words, AFTA would be a single trading bloc with over 550 million potential customers.
The new model was developed jointly with Mazda, which called its model the BT-50. The vehicles would be built at the Auto Alliance Thailand factory which was also jointly owned by the two companies. Since the late 1990s, three generations have been produced there and today, Ford has revealed the fourth generation that should start going on sale early next year.
Three generations of the Ranger.
New product development partner
Apart from a generation change, this new Ranger is also no longer a joint development by Ford and Mazda. The partnership ended with the third generation and Mazda has been working with Isuzu for its next BT-50 while Ford teamed up with Volkswagen, which will use the new model as the basis for its next Amarok.
From what reports suggest, Ford’s expertise in trucks (its first purpose-built truck was introduced in 1917) has given it a lead role and much of the new Ranger will be used by Volkswagen, although the German carmaker has been quick to also say that its model will have unique ‘Volkswagen DNA’.
Sketch of Volkswagen’s new Amarok which will be adapted from the new Ford Ranger (below)
It won’t be the first time that Volkswagen is working with another company for its trucks. Back in the late 1980s, the carmaker signed a deal with Toyota for the supply of its Hilux model which would be assembled in Germany as part of the VW range. The model was called the Taro and it was produced from 1989 till 1997. With Ford, Volkswagen is probably involved in a more meaningful way than was the case with the Hilux Taro. However, it is Ford that is giving the new truck its global debut first, and VW will probably unveil its new Amarok sometime next year.
Iconic features with F-150 inspiration
To most people, the new Ranger probably looks pretty much like the previous one. After all, with a truck, how different can the design be and it is more of the styling in certain areas that usually receive the radical changes. For this new model, the design team looked at the much larger F-150 truck and also considered the iconic features that have evolved with the Ranger over the years.
“Some of us looked to nature, some to architecture and some others to art for inspiration. We didn’t hold back. We let our designers loose to really go for it,” said Max Tran, the chief designer for the new Ranger who was based in Australia.
The bold looks are maintained and the evolutionary changes can be seen in the surface treatments that are stronger and more muscular. The most obvious change is in the ‘face’ and ‘eyes’, ie the grille and the headlights flanking it. The ‘C-clamp’ daytime running lights at the edges of the headlights provide the truck with its unique signature, a feature which you will also see in the smaller Maverick.
All the pictures released today show a double cab with 4 doors, the most popular bodystyle. It’s not known if Ford will also have a 2-door version which is popular in some markets as a workhorse vehicle. There are pronounced wheelarches and a stronger shoulder line running along the sides.
With the second generation, Ford’s designers began to enlarge the brand logo so it would be more visible from a distance and also appropriate to the size of the vehicle. For this new generation, there is also a large sculpted ‘RANGER’ name stamped on the lower portion of the tailgate. The tailgate, with a hint of an aerodynamic spoiler, is flanked by lighting units designed to harmonize with the headlight style.
Longer wheelbase, wider track
Ford has not released any detailed technical data and while the overall size looks the same, there is mention of a 50 mm increase in track and 50 mm longer wheelbase. The wheelbase extension is achieved by moving the front wheels forward, which gives a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation.
The platform is essentially the same traditional ladder-frame chassis which is tough and good for carrying heavy loads. While some carmakers have begun moving towards a monocoque structure, Ford probably realizes that most of its customers want the ‘Built Ford Tough‘ capability and the ladder frame is better.
A hydro-formed front-end structure creates more space in the engine bay and helps future-proof the Ranger for other propulsion technologies (a hint of a hybrid or even a BEV powertrain?). It also opens up the front of the truck to allow more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep running temperatures low when towing or carrying heavy loads.
More focus on ride and handling
However, with truck usage having changed from off-road workhorse duties to daily transportation and leisure, ride comfort and handling have become more important. To improve this, the engineers shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails while retaining the same layout.
“On the Next-Generation Ranger, we’ve increased the tuning range to give our customers the best of both worlds – think of this as ‘Built Ford Tough Plus’ – so you’ve got the capability, toughness and durability that Ford trucks are known for, plus comfort and a more car-like ride that Ranger is known for,” said Graham Pearson, Ranger vehicle program director.
Three turbodiesel engines
At launch, Ford has three engine choices for most of the new Ranger’s markets outside the USA (which may also want petrol engines). These are all turbodiesels, with a new 3-litre V6 to meet customer requests for more power and torque to tow heavy loads or for serious off-roading. It’s not the first 3-litre that the Ranger is having as it has had this engine size before, but with 4 cylinders. Output numbers are not provided but if it is similar to the engine in the F-150, then it would be in the region of 250 bhp and almost 600 Nm.
2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine is carried over from the current Ranger.
The other two engines are familiar units which power the current generation. These are 4-cylinder commonrail engines with a 2-litre displacement and either a single turbo or a bi-turbo. If not improved, the outputs will be 210 bhp/500 Nm and 178 bhp/420 Nm, respectively.
Transmission choices include an updated 10-speed automatic, with the current 6-speed automatic (depending on variant and market). The e-shifter has a short and stubby design with manual selection done using buttons on the side of the shifter – Ford’s preferred way of doing it. Manual transmission isn’t mentioned but this is likely to also be available for those markets that want it.
There will be 4×4 as well as 4×2 drivetrains with electronic rotary shifters that allow switching between high and low ranges on the move. Some versions will be available with an advanced full-time 4×4 system, giving the same sort of experience as a SUV.
Incidentally, in future, the Ranger will be able to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates for software so that the updates can be done without going to a service centre. These save the customer time and also keep the vehicle running at its best with the most current software.
Leadership in safety
Nothing is said about safety and it could be that the Ranger’s leadership in this area (in its segment) has equipped it with many advanced systems that Ford can just continue with the present provisions. In fact, even from the first Ranger, Ford showed that even truck drivers’ lives were valuable and provided safety features that most other trucks did not have.
Even in the current Wildtrak, there is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as airbags at the front and sides of the cabin. These would surely continue to be included and perhaps with improved performance as well.
Customer-influenced interior design
For the cabin, customer input was key to what was expected and this was drawn from more than 5,000 interviews and dozens of customer workshops around the planet. They wanted a flexible, modern cockpit that would cater to both work and family duties. To provide this, Ford provides smart and connected features with more comfort and storage options than ever before.
“We know our customers are looking for a smart and functional interior space that feels comfortable. So, we set about designing it with a high level of well-integrated technology, clever functional storage and visual cues so the environment feels comfortable and spacious,” Tran said.
The heart of the Ranger’s connectivity experience is the large 10.1-inch or 12-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, a styling feature which is also used in recent Ford models. It complements the fully digital instrument panel and uses Ford’s latest SYNC4 system. This system has voice-activated communications and infotainment, allowing the driver to keep hands on the steering wheel as much as possible.
Many of the traditional driving mode controls have been moved from the dashboard and centre console to their own dedicated display on the SYNC screen. With one button press, drivers can go to Ranger’s dedicated screen for all off-road and drive modes where they can monitor the driveline, steering angle, vehicle pitch and roll angles and other controls.
The screen also is linked to a 360-degree camera to make parking easy or even to assist when driving over particularly tricky terrain. In addition, customers can control Ranger’s new exterior zone lighting system via the touchscreen, which means they don’t have to work, camp or do anything in the dark.
Functional and practical
The design team also created clever storage and useful features for owners. There are not only places to store a phone or charge it wirelessly but also a large centre console bin. In addition, the door pockets are designed to carry more, the wide dash conceals an upper glovebox and there are storage bins under and behind the rear seats.
Watching how owner use their trucks gave the designers ideas on how to improve some areas. For example, people were observed stepping on the tyres or pulling themselves up to get onto the open tailgate. This led to an integrated side-step behind the rear wheels, giving a more stable way for them to get into the cargo bed.
In addition, the Ranger team worked on making a wider variety of cargo fit and stay secure in the load box. “Widening the truck by 50 mm may not seem like a lot, but it makes a huge difference, especially in the cargo box. It means that customers will be able to load flat some pretty fundamental items, such as a sheet of building plywood or a full-size pallet,” said Anthony Hall, Ranger vehicle engineering manager.
Cargo bed as a workplace
Additional thoughtful, customer-focused touches include a new, tough plastic-moulded bedliner that helps protect both the truck bed from scratches and owner’s knees from kneeling on a steel truck bed. Extra cargo tie-down points – on strong steel tube rails – provide convenient points to secure loads. Durable, flexible load box caps around the sides of the box and across the tailgate conceal structural attachment points for canopies and other aftermarket accessories.
There’s a new cargo management system designed with dividers to hold various sized items – like timber or toolboxes. Owners also can create smaller compartments to store objects, which would otherwise have to go in the cab, using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded cleats that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo box. The tailgate can also double as a mobile work bench with clamp pockets to measure, grip and cut building materials.
On some versions, zone lighting can give owners better visibility around the vehicle. Load box lighting is provided under the left and right rails and provides plenty of light for finishing up jobs in low light or finding things in the cargo box at night.
The Ranger will be built at Ford’s global production hubs in Thailand and South Africa and exported to some 180 countries. Production will begin in 2022 which is just around the corner so we can probably expect to see the new Ranger in Malaysia during the second or third quarter as the model is imported in CBU form from Thailand.
It will still be a while before the new Ranger arrives in Malaysia but you can inform an authorised Ford dealership of your interest and be updated. Or if you prefer the current Ranger, visit www.sdacford.com.my to locate a showroom where you can test-drive one.
Back in earlier years, car companies had only to worry about professional spy photographers capturing images of their next model. The occasions when ordinary members of the public happened to spot and know what they were seeing were few and usually, they saw but could not record anything. The cameraphone changed all that and with it also came social media which had an image up within seconds and seen around the world within minutes.
Furthermore, with sophisticated editing software, it was also possible to ‘strip away’ simple camouflage like the black tape that was commonly used. Even in earlier days, some of the pros would try to remove camouflage and then sell their pictures to magazines as ‘scoop pictures’.
More sophisticated camouflage created
So for the carmakers, especially those in the R&D department which had to conduct tests in public areas, camouflaging prototypes required even more sophisticated approaches. Working with the design studio, they have come up with wraps with mind-bending patterns, squiggles, and swirls which cover almost every part of the vehicle except things like the front and rear lights which must be visible to other road-users for safety reasons.
The aim of these patterns is to confuse the eye and prevent industry spies from being able to focus on the vehicle’s features. While a general idea of the shape may be discernible even with the camouflage, some key elements like the design of the grille or the actual shape of side windows are still hidden.
Ford’s latest camouflage, inspired by the block pattern on the Bronco R Baja racer as well as mountain ranges, uses hundreds of blue, black, and white blocks in a pixelated pattern to break up the appearance of the underlying shape of the vehicle while it’s still under development.
Optical illusion
The camouflage is being used on the next generation of the Ford Ranger at the moment. Designed by a team at Ford’s Design Centre in Melbourne, Australia, this camouflage pattern creates an optical illusion that makes it difficult to pick out exterior features in sunlight, while a reflective element helps hide the vehicle’s shape at night.
“We were asked to develop a camouflage that allowed you to clearly see that this is the new Ranger but not see it at the same time,” said Leigh Cosentino, Design Manager at Ford Australia. “The inspiration originally came from the Baja livery Ford has been using; as I’m a huge fan of motorsport it’s hard for me not to be obsessed with machinery like that,” added Lee Imrie, the Ford Australia designer who developed the successful pattern.
Not usual type of camouflage
According to Cosentino, the project was about more than just disguising key features in the sheet metal. “We wanted the design to be dynamic and exciting and build anticipation towards the reveal of next Ranger without looking like a derivative of military camouflage,” he said.
The design is dense at the bottom and then the pattern becomes scattered towards the roof. It ends up being a good camouflage, is visually exciting but also gives the pattern a sense of movement. It’s not the usual static type of camouflage.
“There’s no linework on this camo that aligns with anything on the exterior and that means you can’t see volume or shape or lines in the vehicle,” added Imrie. “My intention with this design was to scatter your eye so that you can’t focus on a specific line; and the colour patching adds to that effect.”
But there’s more to the pattern than just scattering your eye. While Imrie said he based the pattern on the Bronco R racer, he also took inspiration from the Next-Generation Ranger itself. “I started with squares rotated at 45 degrees, and scattered them throughout the page, attempting to make a reoccurring silhouette of a mountain top landscape which echoed the lifestyle orientation of the Next-Generation Ranger. When you stand back, it has a clear connection to a digitised military camouflage but with a connection to nature,” Imrie said.
The digitised pattern took the team 2 months to develop and test. It’s printed onto vinyl and applied in 2 stages taking up to two days to apply. The full-vehicle base layer contains the blue, black, and white blocks and is applied in the same way a regular wrap is. The second, reflective ‘layer’ consists of up to one hundred individual reflective elements hand placed on the vehicle.
If you’re wondering when the new Ranger will be seen without all the camouflage, Ford has confirmed that it will be this coming November 24.
In the early 1990s, various manufacturers considered what the ‘Asian Car’ should be. With the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) created, there was a need to choose a product which would be suitable for the different markets in the region. While Toyota and Honda decided on a low-cost sedan, Ford chose a pick-up truck which it felt would be a suitable alternative to sedans. And with its long history and experience in making pick-ups, it could certainly come up with a very good world-class product.
The new model was called the Ranger and it was built in Thailand at a brand new US$500 million factory Ford set up to be a production hub. Apart from attractive investment incentives offered by the government, the choice of Thailand was also because it was the second largest pick-up truck market in the world after the USA.
The Ranger would be sold mainly around the region (but also exported worldwide), imported tax-freewith the privileges offered by the AFTA Agreement. Ford had gone further with the development of the new model, making it more like a passenger car in comfort and convenience as well as safety.
When it appeared in the late 1990s, the Ranger built and shaped the pick-up truck market, introducing Malaysians to a more active lifestyle outdoors and also encouraging them to be more adventurous.
Leading and shaping the market
In countries like Malaysia, where the regulations were changed to allow private use of trucks, the introduction of the Ranger was timely. In its launch year, the Ranger was only on sale in the last quarter of the year and yet achieved a 21% share. The following year, sales crept up quickly as it became the pick-up that everyone wanted. By the early 2000s, it was the market leader with a share of around 50% of the pick-up segment. The Ranger certainly helped to develop pick-up popularity and started a new segment of ‘lifestyle machines’.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has now adopted a new brand positioning – Live the Ranger Life – which celebrates the Ranger’s evolution into the modern lifestyle truck that it is today. The new brand essence encapsulates the values and persona of the Ranger, which has transformed over the years beyond being just a truck for work to one that can be used as an alternative to the car, supporting the lifestyle choices of a diverse range of customers.
“’Live the Ranger Life’ is spot-on in personifying how the Ranger is more than a purely utilitarian workhorse. It is now leading the pack as a versatile and premium truck that is increasingly purchased for lifestyle reasons that people aspire to own. Customers are choosing to purchase a Ranger not just for work, but also for play and family, thanks to its renowned strength, engineering capabilities, smart technologies, luxurious cabin and passenger vehicle features,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Bringing the brand essence to life
Five core tenets fuel the guiding principles for fully expressing the ‘Live the Ranger Life’ spirit and way of life which was gathered through a global customer survey which was conducted by Ford across its markets: “We Make Our Own Fun” (fun in driving and in living), “Up and Over” (tackling challenges), “Bring Others Along the Journey” (family and friends), “Can’t Help but Help” (assistance to others), and “Carve Our Own Path” (being bold and fearless in life).
“These five values reflect the way that Ranger owners and those aspiring to own one go about their lives. They are always open to new experiences. They are fearless in tackling challenges not just on or off road but also in life. They form kinships with each other and enjoy having their own fun adventures. They are also always finding ways to give back the community and support others in need. And in everything they do, they make a point to go over and above,” said Encik Zuhair.
More lifestyle options
To enhance the lifestyle focus, SDAC will soon have a Lifestyle Ford Merchandise store on its e-commerce enabled website. Here, customers can browse for the available merchandise and make their purchases which can be delivered to an address they specify.
Encik Zuhair added that other exciting programmes targeted at the pick-up segment will also announced in the coming months.
If you want to ‘Live the Ranger Life’, visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about the wide range of Ranger models available and where to experience them.
Police forces on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean are showing interest in using the all-electric version of the Ford Mustang – known as the Mustang Mach-E – for patrol and other duties. In response to the interest, Ford specially built a concept unit that it is loaning for evaluations. Some seven police departments in the UK have either tested the new e-SUV, or will soon be doing so.
The Metropolitan Police Force has already assessed the standard Mustang Mach-E and has now requested a full evaluation of the marked concept. A full ‘blue light’ livery test car was built following enquiries from UK police forces looking for greener solutions to the vehicles currently available to them.
RWD and AWD available
The initial concept is a demonstrator Mustang Mach-E Standard Range with all-wheel drive (AWD). Subject to testing of this model, Ford is planning to offer Extended Range version of its rear-wheel drive and AWD versions. The extended battery types would give the police even greater range, and therefore versatility and capability, for police operations.
The new Mach-E, with an output equivalent to 480 ps, is claimed to be capable of 0 – 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (GT version) and can reach a top speed of almost 180 km/h. Its instant and super-quick acceleration – and quietness – will be useful in a pursuit situation while it is also economical and environmentally-friendly in operation.
The all-electric Mustang Mach-E which has been on sale since the end of 2020.
Lowest energy consumption
The Mustang Mach-E is already a Guinness World Record holder after having achieved the lowest energy consumption on a journey in an electric car. It’s capable of travelling up to 610 kms between charges.
The issue of where the power to operate the concept car’s blue lights, sirens and other high-tech equipment would come from, has been addressed by Ford technicians. “The vehicle range is uncompromised as the blue light equipment is being drawn from the vehicle’s 12V battery and not the drive battery,” said Terry Adams, Blue Light Direct Sales Manager, Ford of Britain and Ireland. “In future developments, we will look to increase this battery capacity to allow for additional equipment to be fitted.”
Some of the items in the equipment fitted to the concept car are bespoke mounting pods and brackets to ensure suitable locations are found for operational use, with minimal damage to the vehicle. All lighting is LED with very low power consumption to reduce current draw from the vehicle’s 12V power system. The 999 livery is a first-off design which utilises high specification material to maximise day and night visibility requirements.
Tested by American police too
Over in the USA, Ford has been helping to pave the way for electric police fleets with all-electric, purpose-built law enforcement vehicles. To demonstrate that a vehicle with an electric powertrain can deliver strong performance and stand up to demanding police duty cycles, the company is submitting an all-electric police pilot vehicle (pictured above and below), based on the latest Mustang Mach-E for testing by police in the company’s home state of Michigan.
