Of all the new car launches scheduled for the South African market in 2022, is there a more significant introduction than the all-new Ford Ranger? With production already well under way at the brand’s Pretoria-based production facility, we take a closer look at the evolution of this popular bakkie.
“We know trucks!” was the statement made by group vice president of global product development Ford Motor Company at the 2011 reveal of the then all-new Ford Ranger. The culmination of many months’ worth of development and testing at centres around globe, the final product was, indeed, only signed-off for production after having passed a gruelling scrutineering process by fellow bakkie obsessed colleagues at Ford Australia. Significantly, this green light set the wheels of production in motion at the brand’s South African manufacturing facility, at Silverton in Pretoria.
Surpassing 500 000 units in 2018, it became apparent early in the lifecycle of the T6-generation Ranger that the brand had made the most of valuable lessons learnt through the evolution of its bakkie offerings, a journey that in South Africa can be traced as far back as the popular Cortina pick-up package, introduced in 1971.
Of course, Ford’s first foray into the massively lucrative world of the pick-up began not long after it began rolling out its first motor car, the Model T. In 1917, with the obvious need for small businesses to be able to transport more than simply a driver and front passenger, the Model T Runabout “pick-up” would evolve into the Model AA by 1928. The rest, they say, is history. In 2021, the brand’s F-Series portfolio of pick-ups became the best-selling vehicle range in the US for the 40th straight year. In terms of the pick-up segment, the F-Series has dominated US sales for the past 45-years.
The path to success in markets outside of the US hasn’t been as fluid as in Ford’s home market, however. This is mainly for the fact that prior to the launch of the company’s “One Ford” campaign in 2006, the complexities around developing a “compact” version of the F-Series for markets somewhat more size- and fuel efficiency dependent than the US, dulled the appetite. As a compromise, Ford’s then close working relationship with Mazda allowed for vehicles like the nevertheless relatively popular Courier bakkie and first-generation Ranger double-cab to reach the South African market as remodelled versions of the Mazda B-Series offerings of the time. Significantly, this agreement with the Japanese brand also brought Ford South Africa’s Silverton production plant into play, with production of the Blue Oval product starting here in 2001.
Exported to 148 markets, while spawning a new bakkie-based Everest SUV, the leisure-focused Wildtrak edition and first-ever Ranger Raptor derivative, the current Ranger package – through any number of cosmetic and under-the-skin updates – was the best-selling vehicle in South Africa in 2017. Indeed, by introducing an element of F-Series-inspired brawn, a broad portfolio of derivative options and class-leading levels of both passive and active safety system technologies, the Ranger has established itself as a genuine thorn in the side to the dominance of the legendary Toyota Hilux when it comes to monthly double-cab sales in our market. As you’d expect, the Ford also remains hugely popular on the pre-owned market – as well as a regular feature on auction house floors around the country.
While the alliance with Mazda is no longer, an announcement in 2020 confirmed Volkswagen has been working closely with Ford for the development of its all-new Amarok bakkie, set to be unveiled in 2022.
And what to expect for the new Ranger? Shown for the first time at the end of 2021, the all-new bakkie boasts styling cues that draw the Ranger even closer to its big-brother US-based F-Series in terms of stance and presence on the road. With a squared-off nose dominated by C-Shaped, LED-infused headlamps, the next-generation Ranger is both longer and wider on the road compared with the outgoing model. Together with cleverly designed load bay that even incorporates a handyman workbench within the lowered tailgate, Ford has said to offer more than 600 fully factory-backed work, urban and adventure-focussed accessories for the new car.
Of the most significant enhancements, the new Ranger will introduce a host of interior innovations, including a massive, portrait-oriented infotainment display.
“With Ranger, we’ve had a big extended family for decades,” said Jim Farley, the Ford Motor Company’s president and CEO. “This truck has always been a trusted partner to small business owners, farmers, families, adventurers, commercial fleets – and so many more – in more than 180 markets around the world. And with the new Ranger, this is our moment to deliver… not just a product our customers will love, but an always-on experience that will help us build strong and lasting relationships with them. This is the mid-sized truck people will want to own and experience.”
A motoring journalist with more than 20 years’ experience, Ian McLaren will be compiling a series are articles documenting his learning curve when it comes to all things auction. Find him on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok at @IanMcLaren76.
These articles aim to offer insights only and in no way encourage reckless or hit-and-miss purchasing decisions.