Ford unveils new Ranger – More power at lower price

One of the benefits free trade brings is now here.

Ford Group Philippines is introducing a new line of Ranger pickup that is not only more mean-looking, not only more powerful, but is also cheaper.

Made in the worldclass Auto Alliance Thailand plant, the new Ford Ranger will be sold at a price tag P20,000 lower than the previous model.

"We said it before and we are saying it again: The complementation and product specialization that Ford has initiated in Southeast Asia under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement will benefit consumers in the long run," said Henry Co, president of Ford Group Philippines in last Monday night’s launch at Dusit Hotel.

The complementation and product specialization scheme of Ford junks the building of the same product in multiple plants in the region. Instead, one product is assigned to one plant to allow it to specialize.

"Indeed, that is Ford’s strategy in ASEAN and we believe it is a winning strategy," Co said.

Co added that the scheme implemented by Ford in the region will not only benefit consumers but also car companies, parts suppliers and the government where its manufacturing facilities operate.

"Its a win for consumers because it involves meaningful transfer of technology and more jobs. It’s a win for car companies because it allows us to fully utilize our plants and a win for parts suppliers because it opens up export markets for them," he explained.

The new Ranger is available in three variants, namely the spartan 4x2 XL with a 2.9-liter naturally-aspirated diesel engine (P620,000), the dressed-up 4x2 Trekker with a turbocharged 2.5-liter diesel engine (P780,000) and the top-of-the-line 4x4 XLT (P960,000).

The XLT is the first pickup in its class equipped with an anti-lock braking system and dual SRS airbags. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged powerplant delivers 117 horsepower, making it the most powerful pickup in the market.

"The new Ranger has been developed to cope easily with the exceptional demands of pickup drivers," said Dave Macasadia, Ford Group Philippines vice president for sales and marketing. "We believe there is now a Ranger model to suit every need – from the rugged, dependable workhorse to the versatile, dual-purpose vehicle that can be used with confidence and pride for both work and leisure"