Ford Ranger 2022 Revealed: Maintaining Supremacy on the Throne

In the pickup truck segment in Vietnam, Ford Ranger alone holds over 60% market share, outperforming all other competitors from Japan. When we consider within the Ford family, Ranger accounts for 50% of the brand’s sales volume in Vietnam. Just by looking at these numbers, it’s clear to see the position of Ford Ranger in the S-shaped land.

With the advantage of a large customer base, Ford began the New Generation Ranger project by conducting over 5,000 interviews and dozens of workshops with Ranger owners to understand their preferences and listen to their desires and expectations for the new generation Ranger. These valuable insights have helped shape the New Generation Ford Ranger into a versatile pickup truck, suitable for all types of work, family activities, or entertainment.

The New Generation Ranger breaks boundaries

In terms of overall appearance, The New Generation Ranger confidently presents itself with an expanded wheelbase of 50mm in both length and width. The main design highlight is the new grille, combined with the distinctive C-shaped headlights of famous high-ground-clearance vehicle models such as the Ford F-150 or the new Everest.

The raised design lines running along the car body, combined with the large wheel arches, give the Ranger a solid overall look. Particularly, for the first time in the segment and even ahead of many expensive SUV models in Vietnam, the Ford Ranger is equipped with LED matrix headlights in the highest premium Wildtrak version. This intelligent lighting system automatically balances the lighting angle and adjusts the intensity of the headlight beam. The rear of the car is equipped with a convenient step ladder near the rear fender – a very useful feature that no other competitor in the segment has.

The new T6 2nd-generation frame platform on the new Ford Ranger has been lengthened and widened, promising a better driving experience.

Inside the cabin, Ford equips the Ranger with a premium and convenient “sky”, highlighted by a large vertical touchscreen measuring 12 inches (on the Wildtrak version) or 10 inches (standard for other versions), accompanied by SYNC 4 connectivity standard, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Around the seats, there are plenty of smart storage spaces, which are useful for users. The cup holders are also cleverly arranged near the air vents with a sleek design to cool or warm drinks conveniently for passengers.

The chassis has been expanded in both length and width compared to the previous generation. Pushing the wheels further forward improves the approach angle, while the more flexible suspension system and wheel axle also improve off-road capabilities. This, combined with the 4WD drivetrain and new driving modes appearing for the first time on the Ranger, helps the car perform better on both normal roads and challenging terrains.

The engine and transmission have been refined to deliver better performance. The top-of-the-line Ranger Wildtrak version is equipped with a Bi-Turbo (dual-turbo) diesel engine with a capacity of 2.0L, combined with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission for excellent performance. On the other versions, the car is equipped with a 2.0L single turbocharged engine and a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, providing fuel efficiency and more reasonable prices.

Pritika Maharaj, Global Program Director for Ranger and Everest, said: “We have carried out rigorous tests on the Ranger’s drivetrain before delivering it to customers. The 2.0L Bi-turbo engine has undergone over 5.5 million kilometers of durability tests, equivalent to the distance of 7 rounds from Earth to the Moon and back.”

“And this New Generation Ranger also inherits an all-new 6-speed manual transmission developed for the global platform and is also used for other famous Ford products such as Bronco. You will feel the difference when test driving the Ranger with this 6-speed manual transmission,” added Pritika Maharaj.

The Modern Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features of the New Generation Ranger elevate customer safety, as well as the safety of all road users. In the Wildtrak version, the Ford Ranger is equipped with Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control combined with Lane Keeping System, Rear Collision Braking System, Reverse Brake Support, Collision Warning and Emergency Braking, 360-degree Camera, and many other technologies.

The Rear Collision Braking System automatically applies the right braking force to prevent the car from continuing to move unintentionally after a collision, thereby reducing the risk of secondary collision.

Meanwhile, the Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go feature allows the driver to maintain the established speed and distance with the vehicle in front and even fully stop the vehicle.

The cargo space becomes more spacious and useful thanks to the increased width of the car by 50mm and the extension of the rear shock absorber. The cargo space can accommodate standard-size wooden planks or pallets. Inside the cargo space, there are power outlets and power chargers, allowing users to directly plug in devices such as drills or outdoor equipment easily. Especially, the extremely lightweight cargo cover can be opened and closed with just one hand.

Customer Bonding Experience

With the philosophy that the purchase of a car is not the end but rather the beginning of a long journey of close association between the carmaker and the users, Ford Vietnam has implemented a series of useful nationwide services, including pick-up and delivery service, fast service support vehicles and mobile services, corresponding loan vehicles, quick response team for technical support, and more.

In preparation for the successful launch of the “king of pickups” Ford Ranger, the American automaker has also introduced new applications such as Expert Product Advisors for the new generation and FordPass, a convenient application that allows customers to stay connected to their Ranger 24/7 through their smartphones.

Dianne Craig added: “Through the exceptional customer experiences built on expertise and attentiveness, we aim to build long-lasting relationships with our customers. For us, selling a car to a customer is just the beginning of a journey together, not the end! Ford is a family company, and we want our customers to feel like family.”

Over 20 years of successful development and long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market

The Ranger is more than just a means of transportation. It has changed the driving habits of the Vietnamese people, becoming a versatile vehicle and a lifestyle choice. For 9 consecutive years, the Ranger has held the leading position in the pickup truck segment, capturing over 60% market share and accounting for more than 50% of the brand’s total annual sales in Vietnam. With over 105,000 units sold in the domestic market, the Ranger has firmly established itself in the hearts of Vietnamese consumers.

Ford’s expanded investment package two years ago has helped upgrade infrastructure, hire over 600 employees, and the Hai Duong factory is now ready to increase production to 2 shifts from the 3rd quarter, with a maximum capacity of up to 40,000 vehicles per year.

Attending the launch program of the New Generation Ranger, Melissa Bishop, Deputy Ambassador of the United States to Hanoi, said: “From many perspectives, the story of the Ford Manufacturing Plant in Hai Duong replicates the economic relationship between the United States and Vietnam. Ford Vietnam became a joint venture right after the normalization of U.S.-Vietnam relations in 1995. From the very humble beginnings, the company has developed into a long-lasting partnership where Vietnamese and American workers have invested their efforts and intellect in developing new technology products with top quality in Vietnam.”

“Bilateral trade between the United States and Vietnam has grown impressively, benefiting manufacturers, farmers, big farm owners, and U.S. consumers. The U.S. investment and trade relationship has also benefited Vietnamese workers and their families. This relationship has brought the highest quality products to Vietnamese consumers, in a rapidly developing market. I am proud that U.S. companies like Ford have invested in local business operations and people, developing local supply chains, acting responsibly and ethically, and making significant contributions to the community,” Melissa Bishop added.

Living the Ranger lifestyle

The Ranger has become a symbol that honors the “classy” lifestyle of the Ranger owner community. These individuals understand the value of the product, pursue the lifestyle they desire, and always take the lead in spreading the meaning of that lifestyle to the community.

“Living the Ranger lifestyle” has become a global philosophy of Ford, with 5 core values that reflect the unique personality and enduring strengths of the Ranger, including: Paving Your Own Way, Resilience to Overcome Challenges, Shouldering Together, Sharing the Journey, and Fulfilling Passion. The journey with the pickup truck community spreads these values, bringing tangible contributions to society and reaffirming the role of the Ranger as an indispensable companion in life, promoting the intrinsic power, personality, and lifestyle of each owner.

With the spirit of mutual support, the Ranger owner community and the Ford team actively organize and participate in social responsibility (CSR) and charity activities in areas affected by natural disasters and epidemics. In 2021, Ford Vietnam pioneered community activities through a tripartite alliance model between Ford Vietnam, pickup truck clubs in three regions, and non-profit organizations. This collaboration maximizes the strengths of each party and brings about sustainable changes in society.

On this occasion, senior leaders of Ford in the region and Ford Vietnam expressed their appreciation to representatives of Pickup Truck Clubs in Vietnam and key project customers.

“Ford Vietnam and the Ranger could not have come this far today without the contribution and support of relevant agencies, the dealership system, customers, the media network, and especially Ford vehicle owners,” said Ruchik Shah, CEO of Ford Vietnam. “In particular, the efforts of every employee of Ford Vietnam and its dealers demonstrate determination, commitment, and the aim to provide customers with increasingly convenient and excellent experiences.”

• RANGER XL 2.0L 4X4 MT:            659,000,000 VND
• RANGER XLS 2.0L 4X2 MT:       665,000,000 VND
• RANGER XLS 2.0L 4X2 AT:          688,000,000 VND
• RANGER XLS 2.0L 4X4 AT:          756,000,000 VND
• RANGER XLT 2.0L 4X4 AT:          830,000,000 VND
• RANGER WILDTRAK 2.0L AT 4X4:  965,000,000 VND

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)