Is This the Next-Gen Ranger?
Strange but true: did you know that outside of the United States, the world's largest pickup truck market belongs to the small Asian country, Thailand? Of course, the word truck is taken into a different context there.
It's not the full-size diesel-powered dually crew cabs offered by Ford, Chevy, GMC and Dodge that we in North America tend to think of, but rather, compact, light-duty single and double cab pickups with small displacement engines.
Currently, Thailand is the home to no less than five compact trucks, most of which wear Japanese brands. They include the new Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Hi-Lux, Isuzu D-Max/Rodeo, Mazda B-Series, and most relevantly, the Ford Ranger. With the exception of the North American market, the majority of the world's Rangers are built in Ford's
Thailand assembly plant, and then distributed to Europe, Australia, Africa, and beyond. Given these circumstances, it's no wonder Ford has chosen this year's Thailand International Motor Expo to debut their 4-Trac pickup concept.
Prior to the 4-Trac seeing prototype production, Ford's research team investigated the buying audience to find out exactly what they wanted in a truck. Aside from durability and reliability, owners and would-be buyers alike needed a product that not only was up to various work and play related hauling tasks, but also one that looked cool - the latter not exactly part of the docile-looking Ranger package. Adding flare would also help Ford to target a younger audience group.
Strange but true: did you know that outside of the United States, the world's largest pickup truck market belongs to the small Asian country, Thailand? Of course, the word truck is taken into a different context there.
 |
| Ford has chosen this year's Thailand International Motor Expo to debut their 4-Trac pickup concept. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Currently, Thailand is the home to no less than five compact trucks, most of which wear Japanese brands. They include the new Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Hi-Lux, Isuzu D-Max/Rodeo, Mazda B-Series, and most relevantly, the Ford Ranger. With the exception of the North American market, the majority of the world's Rangers are built in Ford's
 |
| The truck is far more aggressive than any previous compact truck, yet also family friendly with a proper crew cab and four doors. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Prior to the 4-Trac seeing prototype production, Ford's research team investigated the buying audience to find out exactly what they wanted in a truck. Aside from durability and reliability, owners and would-be buyers alike needed a product that not only was up to various work and play related hauling tasks, but also one that looked cool - the latter not exactly part of the docile-looking Ranger package. Adding flare would also help Ford to target a younger audience group.