Is Ford readying itself to enter the lifestyle UV segment in India ?
Nobody used to bat an eye on lifestyle vehicles in India till recent times. But the current scenario has lifestyle vehicles gain immense popularity. In a market where the Tata Xenon couldn’t manage to drive even moderate traction among private buyers at the time of its launch, the Isuzu D Max V Cross, a later entrant is still selling like hot cake. Such has been the change in the customer perspectives here.
The V-cross really attracted a lot of buyers and brought in the trend of lifestyle UVs. The latest entrant to the segment, Mahindra Thar is also doing outstandingly well in sales. Ford seems to be readying to make this an opportunity to introduce the Ranger Pickup truck in India.
The Ford Ranger was recently spotted testing again, bearing temporary Haryana number plates. The carmaker might even start manufacturing the lifestyle truck in India which hints at an India launch potentially happening sooner or later.
The Mahindra-Ford JV is up for the bigger games. Both the manufacturers will be sharing the manufacturing resources which indeed would boost their future growth. Although there is no official word on this, we suspect the Ranger pickup truck to be one of the cars to be made under this JV. Also, who knows if it would have a Mahindra counterpart as well!
Internationally the Ranger is available with a surfeit of engine and transmission options. The petrol and diesel engine options vary from 2.0L to 3.2L and transmission options include 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6speed automatic and 10-speed automatic units.
The Ranger pickup truck is basically the Endeavour we have here, but with a bay in place of the third row. It comes with a robust built body on frame structure, and for India, will most likely be offered in the 2.0L turbo-diesel guise. The potential rivals of the truck are Isuzu D-max V-cross and the upcoming Toyota Hilux.
BImage Source: Gaadiwaadi
