One of the hottest global trends in the auto industry is the growing popularity of pickup trucks as lifestyle vehicles. In the United States several pickups are now the top-selling vehicles in the country’s luxury market, according to EJ Francisco, AVP Communications of Ford Philippines.
He said the tool of choice for people whose business required heavy towing, payload and off-roading, pickups trucks like the Ford Ranger have evolved into modern lifestyle vehicles that offer the same comfort and technologies as cars, but with the versatility and toughness to function as workforce, business partner, family vehicle and anything in between. Work or play, the modern pickup truck is the ultimate expression of independence and local enterprise, he said.
EJ Francisco and Davao branch executives accompanied local writers and bloggers in what was called Ford Davao media drive from the city proper to Eden Nature Park and Malagos Garden to have first-hand experience of the Ford Ranger pickup truck. The media persons either drove the pickup trucks themselves or just rode on them as passengers.
Ford Philippines launched the new model of the Ford Ranger last year equipped with enhanced power, performance and smart and safe features. The newly-built Ford Ranger expands on its capabilities and off-road credentials to best complement and enable the wide-ranging diversity of its customers’ work and lifestyle.
Ryan Lorenzo, marketing director of Ford Philippines, said that with its new generation powertrain and advanced features, the new Ranger will continue to build on its already strong and widening appearance among Filipino customers, setting a new benchmark in the country’s growing pickup truck segment.
EJ Francisco added that the new Ranger offers a choice of three diesel powertrain to deliver greater versatility and meet consumer demands for a wider variety of requirements. These include the new generation 2.0L Bi-Turbo engines and the Rangers drive 2.2LcTDCi engine. Available exclusively on the Wildtrak 4×4 variant, the new generation 2.0L Bi Turbo diesel is paired with an advanced 10 speed automatic transmission to bring greater torque, improved flexibility and a quieter, more comfortable drive. The 2.0L Bi Turbo takes advantage of sequential turbocharging to deliver greater responsiveness, drivability and maximum efficiency.
With 500Nm from a low 1750rpm, the Bi Turbo delivers a greater torque spread with a 10 speed’s close ratios reducing gaps in power and acceleration to make steep, slippery hill climbs much easier.
The Wildtrak variant optioned with the new engine maintains Rangers equal class leading payload and 3500kg towing capability.
The 2.0L Turbo diesel engine available on the Wildtrak 4×2 is also mated to Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver 180PS and an impressive 420Nm of torque.
The XLT and XLS variants which now include a Ranger 2.2L XLS 4X2 AT variant in the portfolio are equipped with Rangers proven 2.2L TDCi engine which offers 160PS/385Nm and comes with a six speed automatic or manual transmission.
The new Ranger also boasts of advanced smart and safe features for a more comfortable and convenient drive. The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) feature helps mitigate risk by detecting pedestrian and vehicles, alerting drivers with an audible and visual warning.
Ms Divina Gracia “Jam” Quimboy, branch head of Ford Davao, said customers in Davao City can get the Ford Rangers at zero downpayment for Ranger XLS 4×2 MT and XLT variants via Eastwest Bank financing. Other Ford Ranger variants are available with an all in downpayment for as low as Php58, 000.
The eleven variants of the new Rangers are available at the following price points, Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi Turbo 4×4 AT at Php2, 058,000 for Ranger 2.0L Turbo Wildtrak 4×4 AT at Php1, 755,000, Ranger Tubo Wildtrak 4×2 AT – Php1, 515,000, Ranger 2.0L Turbo Wildtrak 4×2 MT-p1, 450,000 all other variants of new Ranger are available in Ford Davao located at Km7, Lanang, Davao City. For more details about Ford Ranger, interested parties are advised to visit Ford Davao or check their website at www.ford.com.ph/trucks/ranger.(PIA/ETI)
