New Ford Ranger debuts at Australia show

Ford's new Ranger pickup made its world debut today at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

The compact pickup truck will be sold in 180 countries. Sales begin next summer, but the new Ranger will not be sold in North America.

The pickup was developed by Ford Motor Co. and Mazda Motor Corp. on a new global compact platform. The product development team was headquartered at Ford's facilities in Melbourne, Australia. Mazda's version, the BT-50, will be introduced tomorrow at the show.

“We know pickups, so we leveraged our best expertise from around the globe to create the all-new Ford Ranger,” Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of global product development, said in a news release.

The Ranger offers such features as a rearview camera system, trailer sway control and adaptive load control. One gasoline and two diesel engines will be available.

Reflecting the diverse uses of compact pickups around the world, Ford said the Ranger model line will offer everything from a basic work vehicle, with interiors that can be hosed out, to models such as the yet-to-be-revealed Ranger Limited and Ranger Wildtrak. Four body styles will be offered.

The Ranger will be assembled in Argentina, South Africa and Thailand.

By Rick Kranz- Automotive News