Ford planning sub-Ranger pick-up: report

FORD Motor Company has confirmed it has plans to expand its pick-up range to include a smaller models to sit under the Ranger, which according to US publication Automotive News could be based on the Ford Focus platform.

 

The sub-Ranger pick-up could be built on a long-wheelbase version of the new-generation Focus’ C2 platform – meaning the pick-up would be unibody and not ladder-frame – and would make the point of entry into Ford’s pick-up range significantly lower.

 

According to Ford Motor Company president of global markets Jim Farley, the company has concrete plans to expand its truck line-up with smaller offerings, however it has not yet offered a timeframe for such vehicles.

 

Automotive News said that during the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry Conference in Detroit, Mr Farley told attendees that Ford is “investing in more affordable versions of our truck business”, and that “you can expect new nameplates below where we compete today”.

 

According to rumours, the small pick-up would be powered by either 1.5- or 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol engines, the smaller of which develops 134kW at 6000rpm and 240Nm at 1600rpm in the new Focus.

 

Local models such as the Mondeo sedan use a 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine developing 149kW/345Nm, while under the bonnet of the Escape SUV power is upped to 178kW.

 

Front-wheel drive would come as standard, however all-wheel drive would be available as an option.

 

According reports, the pick-up could be built at a plant in Mexico, at least for US-market versions.

 

There is no word yet on whether the pick-up will share its underpinnings with the announced but as-yet-unrevealed ‘Baby Bronco’ off-road SUV that will sit underneath the Everest and upcoming Bronco, and has been rumoured to be named either Puma or Maverick.

 

Reports also suggest the pick-up could assume the Courier nameplate, after the small Fiesta-based pick-up sold in the Brazilian market until 2013.

 

In 2018, Ford applied to trademark the name in the US.

 

For Australia, the Courier nameplate has been trademarked since 1972, and was used for the pick-up that preceded the Ranger and shared a platform with the Mazda B-Series truck.

 

Ford Australia has declined to comment on whether a smaller pick-up would potentially be offered locally.

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