When was the pick-up truck invented?

Pick-up trucks are versatile and becoming increasingly popular. Few people know that this type of vehicle has been around since the early days of car production.

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The first pick-up trucks were based on the Model T Ford platform. Ford introduced this innovative car design in 1925, with over 30,000 units hitting the market. It featured a cargo bed at the back and foldable tailgate, just like modern pick-up trucks. Shortly after, Chevrolet released its own pick-up truck to compete with Ford in this promising segment.

First Ford Model T pick-up truck

After World War II, the automotive culture in America flourished with vehicles developed on war-based platforms like the Jeep. Pick-up trucks were designed based on the Jeep and were only slightly less capable than the legendary off-roader.

Unlike the Jeep, pick-up trucks used a leaf spring rear suspension instead of conventional coil springs. This slightly reduced the stability of the vehicle but compensated by being able to bear a payload similar to that of a subcompact truck, ranging from 850 to 1,100 kg.

To meet the transportation needs of the public, these models were civilianized. In 1948, Ford began manufacturing the F-series pick-up truck, which has since become a legendary model as Ford continues to produce the F-series. Additionally, Chevrolet introduced the Advance design series in 1947, and Dodge developed the Power Wagon based directly on the design of a military truck in 1945.

Dodge Power Wagon

Throughout the mid-20th century, pick-up trucks continued to evolve alongside other vehicle types in America, with design and technological innovations throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. In the 1980s, fuel injection systems were introduced to trucks, and as a result, the Ford F-Series surpassed its competitors Chevrolet and Dodge to become the best-selling pick-up truck.

Today, almost every car manufacturer has a foothold in the pick-up truck market. Ford has the Ford Ranger and the traditional F-Series, while Chevrolet has the Silverado. Even Korean and Japanese car manufacturers have significant market share with their own pick-up trucks in recent years.

Ford Ranger 2012 in Vietnam

Thao Anh (TTTD)