Ford US Mulling Uni-Body US Ranger Replacement - Lifeline for Falcon Ute?

aquahead2001 · 20-02-2013, 09:29 AM

Spotted this on Autoblog this morning, it doesn't mention the falcon but it talks about a significantly smaller package than the World Ranger:

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/18/f...r-replacement/

And this from pickuptrucks.com:

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2013/02...yers-gone.html

Shows that although Ford are partially right in that some people have deserted the small pickup market for alternative low cost transport, the rest of them have migrated over to Toyota....

grey_esp · 20-02-2013, 10:59 AM

send them over some FGs with ecoboost fitted. That should sort them out.

FPV GTHO · 20-02-2013, 11:39 AM

I started reading that and a big red flag came up when they mentioned price.

You also have to consider some form of naturally aspirated 4 cylinder if you want entry level.

There had been some rumours floating around of a D3 based pickup but it was more often then not also related to a new Explorer Sport Trac etc.

Road_Warrior · 20-02-2013, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

There had been some rumours floating around of a D3 based pickup but it was more often then not also related to a new Explorer Sport Trac etc.

Yes I seem to recall that. AWD would be a requirement as well (or at least the availability of it)

aquahead2001 · 20-02-2013, 01:12 PM

I think they get a vehicle more along the lines of a FWD/AWD Transit Connect Ute. But I bet Ford AU will once again try to flog the concept of a Falcon Ute to teh US to no avail...

FPV GTHO · 20-02-2013, 01:18 PM

Something like a new Bantam based on the Transit Connect might work.

I don't think Falcon ute really makes sense without Falcon. They will want to be selling 50K+ units a year as well or at least have that capacity.

Road_Warrior · 20-02-2013, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquahead2001

But I bet Ford AU will once again try to flog the concept of a Falcon Ute to teh US to no avail...

But did this even happen? Such a vehicle would need to have a very flexible platform architecture to support AWD, as well as 1 tonne payload, 2 tonne towing and probably a dual cab option as well

IMO a Territory based ute would probably make more sense, for the US market anyway because it can support all those things and there is no vehicle already in the range to clash with it. But they have the D3 based Explorer that can support all these variations anyway...

EgoFG · 20-02-2013, 06:42 PM

I reckon that they should manufacture the Falc Ute there (and here)

jpd80 · 20-02-2013, 06:54 PM

The vehicle Ford NA was after was a Ford Courier/Bantam, basically the Fiesta based Ute that was produced in South Africa until late 2011.
They're after something that's smaller than Ranger and can be sold for around $15,000 to $20,000.

FalconXV · 20-02-2013, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

The vehicle Ford NA was after was a Ford Courier/Bantam, basically the Fiesta based Ute that was produced in South Africa until late 2011.
They're after something that's smaller than Ranger and can be sold for around $15,000 to $20,000.

image

I like the simplicity of that (Bantam/Courier)
They still have it on Ford's Brazillian website, can anybody confirm if it is still being manufactured there?
Either way, we should be tasked with development seeing as a)we invented the ute b) we did such a great job with T6

jpd80 · 20-02-2013, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FalconXV

I like the simplicity of that (Bantam/Courier)
They still have it on Ford's Brazillian website, can anybody confirm if it is still being manufactured there?
Either way, we should be tasked with development seeing as a)we invented the ute b) we did such a great job with T6

Yep, base it on Ecosport FWD and AWD in single and double Cab...

**Elks** · 20-02-2013, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Yes I seem to recall that. AWD would be a requirement as well (or at least the availability of it)

Whereas that makes me think Territory ute.

Ecoboost 4 & 6' + v6 Deisel. RWD & AWD its to big really, but would be cool.

xr6turbo270kw · 20-02-2013, 10:17 PM

I hear falcon ute may be in trouble with no 5 star rating with no side airbags. Which 5 star will be mandatory 2015. So maybe no fu ute.

My poor XF · 20-02-2013, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xr6turbo270kw

I hear falcon ute may be in trouble with no 5 star rating with no side airbags. Which 5 star will be mandatory 2015. So maybe no fu ute.

Fairly sure FG ute is now 5 stars.

Bossxr8 · 20-02-2013, 10:48 PM

Its already 5 stars

**Peuty** · 20-02-2013, 10:57 PM

Yep, side airbags as standard.

Road_Warrior · 20-02-2013, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elks

Whereas that makes me think Territory ute.

Ecoboost 4 & 6' + v6 Deisel. RWD & AWD its to big really, but would be cool.

I guess I'm thinking from Dearborn's perspective, using D3/Explorer as a base would mean it already uses corporate engines, is LHD etc.

But yes a dual cab "lifestyle" ute built off the Territory's platform would be kinda cool.

Moby Vic · 22-02-2013, 03:44 PM

A hack job on a Transit Connect seems more likely. They've already said the US Ranger was replaced by the Transit Connect and the F-150.

jpd80 · 23-02-2013, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

A hack job on a Transit Connect seems more likely. They've already said the US Ranger was replaced by the Transit Connect and the F-150.

The huge reduction in Mid Sized Truck sales away From Ranger certainly didn't go to competitors,
most buyers now own mid sized Utilities (For Aussies, that's SUVs and Crossovers) or other vehicles.

At the start of T6 design, Ford NA wanted Ranger to be a much smaller vehicle for their US needs
but tht vehicle wouldn't fit under the product envelope. I suspect that Ford NA wanted a small Courier..

**Raptor** · 23-02-2013, 01:46 PM

Chevrolet South America have the Montana

Volkswagen South America have the Saveiro

Something similar from Ford would be great.

Nikked · 23-02-2013, 02:41 PM

Whats the go with them having vents in the tray sides?

**Raptor** · 23-02-2013, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

Whats the go with them having vents in the tray sides?

lol

They're not vents they are steps. Somewhere to stick your foot to reach onto the roof or into the tray.

Buntz · 26-02-2013, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FalconXV

I like the simplicity of that (Bantam/Courier)
They still have it on Ford's Brazillian website, can anybody confirm if it is still being manufactured there?
Either way, we should be tasked with development seeing as a)we invented the ute b) we did such a great job with T6

My thoughts exactly.

Buntz · 26-02-2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor

Chevrolet South America have the Montana

image

Volkswagen South America have the Saveiro

image image

Something similar from Ford would be great.

I remember something similar being built in Australia.

Oh yeah... the RTV.

Mr Brooksy · 26-02-2013, 04:46 PM

Interesting article to throw into the discussion...

http://jalopnik.com/ford-might-creat...ment-296497003

jpd80 · 26-02-2013, 06:42 PM

Ford bantam Ute, used to be sold in South Africa - based on last Fiesta.