FEATURE
gear about on weekends. At its core, the message at the time was tough-not-rough – with an exceptionally strong ladder-frame chassis design complimented by engine and cabin mounts designed to isolate the occupants from typical vibrations and noise associated with vehicles in the segment. Refinement was key: light commercial vehicle users appreciated the quieter cabin and smoother ride that came from Ford’s attention to detail in addressing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) design. Further refinements to the truck followed during a mid-cycle refresh – sound deadening under the bonnet helped to reduce powertrain, wind and road noise, making for a quieter cabin; updates to the engine management system helped to improve diesel performance and efficiency; and smart aerodynamic design also helped to further cut wind noise. New hydraulically damped engine mounts were also used to combat engine vibrations low frequency vibrations created by diesel engines Other features also helped propel the Ford Ranger to the forefront at the time. It was fitted with a battery charge system that made the most of deceleration, engaging the alternator on over-run to charge the battery rather than charging when the engine is under load. It was the first pickup to be awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP for adult occupant protection and child occupant protection. Today, Ford says the Ranger gives buyers a smarter truck that is packed with advanced technologies that help drivers work smarter, safer and achieve more. Powerful and efficient engines help business owners to carry more while saving on fuel bills; impressive four wheel-drive performance and water-wading capabilities help them to go further off-grid when required; and class-leading towing capability (up to 3.5 tons, depending on model) and cargo box capacity (up to 1425kg) means they can take more equipment and goods when they do. High-end models like the XLT and Wildtrak even come equipped with technology packages like Ford’s SYNC 3 system – which helps drivers to remain productive on the go, and assisted parking features. The truck’s toughness should resonate well with fleet operators in the region – just as it has elsewhere. With a shift towards diversified economies, nations within the GCC are undergoing enormous meconstructionnews.com
BUSINESS AND PLEASURE The Ranger is suitable for both work and play and comes in a variety of chassis options, including a low-rider.
growth in many sectors. Saudi Arabia’s arid, mostly desert terrain and great temperature extremes calls for a tough, dependable truck designed to cope with the harshest conditions, year after year. Ford markets the Ranger as truck for both work and play and splits those into five trim levels the Base, XL and XLS for more commercial applications – and the XLT and WIldtrak which up the comfort and technology levels considerably. The Ranger comes with a choice of two turbodiesel engines (2.2-
1982
First year that Ford introduced the Ranger nameplate for the 1983 model
and 3.2-litre) and one petrol (2.5-litre inline four), two- and four-wheel drive, and high- and low-riding chassis designs. All share the Ranger’s blend of reliability, durability, and dependability which have been proven on the most rugged terrain and in the toughest weather conditions in the Middle East, Thailand, South Africa, Australia, Europe and the USA. Not surprisingly, the Ford Ranger is well established as one of South Africa’s top sellers locally and dominates the extremely popular double cab segment. It is also proudly one of the country’s top vehicle exports, and is comfortably the leading light commercial vehicle (LCV) export. It remains the best-selling pickup in Europe too. The Ford Ranger is built in three locations around the world: Rayong, Thailand; Silverton, South Africa and Wayne, Michigan. Ranger in South Africa
Ford has two manufacturing plants in South Africa – one based in Silverton, Pretoria, which assembles the Ranger, and an engine manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth, which produces turbodiesel engines for local supply and export. Over the past decade, the Ford Motor Company has poured invested ZAR11billion (USD740million) in its South African operations, culminating in its
A TRUCK WITH SMARTS? Ford says the Ranger gives buyers a smarter truck that is packed with advanced technologies that help drivers work smarter.
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