Ford just announced that the plant that makes the Ranger for North America, in Minnesota, will close.

Ranger USA will be replaced by the Asian import Ranger 4TRAC

(Not to be sold in the United States)

The 4TRAC concept provides a glimpse at the next-generation version.

Ford Australia has unveiled an American-style pick-up truck that industry analysts across the Tasman say 4TRAC could become the company's marquee model in this part of the world.
The concept, dubbed 4TRAC, was designed to "bring together Ford's 'tough truck' DNA with ideas that explore practical functionality, lifestyle and sporty uses," says marketing manager Rebecca Martin.

"Our consumer research told us customers need and want pick-ups that are rugged for the workplace and stylish for the family. We used that information to inspire the look for the 4TRAC."

The 4TRAC was designed by Ford Asia/Pacific chief designer Paul Gibson.

The 4TRAC mark is owned by Bruce Burggraf

The 4TRAC is a response to the needs and aspirations of a new generation of consumers," Gibson says.

"It clearly shows Ford will continue to produce trucks that make a statement for a younger, bolder generation of consumers who want a vehicle that provides more possibilities for them to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle."

Ford officially unveiled the 2012 Ranger for the Thai market. The truck in an entirely new model, unrelated to the vehicle currently on sale in the United States. Last week, we cited a report that indicated the new Ranger would not come to North America. Rumors have suggested Ford will discontinue the Ranger line all together in North America. The Thai Ranger is based heavily on the 4-Trac Concept shown

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2012 Ford Ranger 4Trac Truck (Not to be sold in the United States)

    * Stunning concept truck is Ford’s first global debut in Thailand
    * A versatile and practical vehicle in a tough, stylish package

 Ford Motor Company  forcefully drove home the importance of Asia, particularly Thailand, to its international plans by staging the world premiere of a stunning concept truck at the Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok.

Ford Asia Pacific Chief Designer Paul Gibson said the concept, dubbed 4TRAC, is a dynamic package that brings together Ford’s “tough truck” DNA with ideas that explore practical functionality, lifestyle and sporty uses for Ford trucks of the future.

“We have taken the typical pick-up truck and given it a lot more sophistication, style and purpose. It’s a workhorse that delivers on the ‘Built Ford Tough’ promise by offering true off-road capability, rugged features and durable aluminum surfaces. At the same time, owners will be proud to use it as stylish transport for their active families on weekends and holidays,” Mr Gibson said.

He said Ford chose Thailand for the debut for several reasons: Thailand is the largest market for pick-ups outside the USA; its ultra-competitive pick-up market has become a trend-setter in truck design and innovation; and Thailand is the regional production hub for Ford’s one-tonne pickup trucks with exports to Europe, South America, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and ASEAN.

“Thai truck owners are passionate and highly discerning. Our consumer insight research has told us Thai customers need and want pick-ups that are rugged for the workplace and stylish for the family. We have used that information to inspire the look for the 4TRAC concept.”

Mr. Gibson is in charge of interior and exterior design for all Ford vehicles in the Asia-Pacific region. His team works closely with Ford regional and national marketing specialists in twelve countries throughout the region.

The 4TRAC concept is the team’s latest project following a Focus Concept sedan shown at Auto China 2004, followed by the region-wide launch of all-new Ford Focus and the unveiling of the Equator concept SUV at last month’s Tokyo Motor Show.

“The  4TRAC is a response to the needs and aspirations of a new generation of consumers in Asia and other parts of the world.

“It clearly shows Ford will continue to produce trucks that make a statement for a younger, bolder generation of consumers who want a vehicle that provides more possibilities for them to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle,” Mr Gibson said.

An attention-grabbing four-door crew-cab, the 4TRAC stands out from the crowd with its rugged aluminum surfaces and innovative design features.

In keeping with Ford “Tough Truck” heritage, the 4TRAC has a large vertical face and prominent Ford oval in the middle of the signature three-bar grille. This dominant feature forms a power bulge that runs from the hood through to the undercarriage. It is flanked by high-tech headlamps and integrated fold-out rope hooks.

Contributing to its powerful on-road stance are a boldly embossed 4TRAC brand; large, clean surfaces down the body side; pronounced wheel arches with integrated side repeater lamps; and 17-inch six-spoke “turbine” alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

The 4Trac’s Tough Truck exterior, combined with its powerful engine, superior 4x4 ability and dynamic stability control provide a vehicle designed to get consumers safely to their destination – and back.

Reflecting these attributes, the 4TRAC has a strong “rescue” theme with its lustrous red paint, heavy-duty power winches front and rear, integrated rope hooks and tie-downs points. It can carry five rescue workers with access through four large doors.

State-of-the-art LEDs – 172 in total – are used for high-intensity warning and rescue lamps on the roof, which are mounted on an integrated sports bar, as well as for the vehicle’s headlamps, tail-lights and door mirrors.

At the rear, 4TRAC features a unique double-folding, power assisted rear tray with three-step access. This “tailgate within a tailgate” offers inner and outer sections operating together or independently: the outer body-color section folds down to the ground, acting as a ramp; the inner aluminum section, with unashamedly large 4TRAC branding, folds 90 degrees for ease of loading and unloading. It can also act as a seat.

The tailgate can be folded flat to carry longer objects; it also assists airflow when traveling at high speed.

The rear cargo area features six portable containers – inspired by offshore rescue boats – for carrying a variety of gear, including rescue equipment.

Another innovative feature adding to 4TRAC versatility is a rear hatch that enables access from the cargo area directly into the cabin.

The style and innovation in the rugged 4TRAC concept help explain why Ford today is the world’s largest producer of trucks with a proud history of more than 88 years in truck production.

The Model T chassis produced in July 1917 – the first specifically built for trucks and ready to serve as fire truck, delivery truck, ambulance, hauler and more – started Ford on its way to becoming a major manufacturer of the world’s toughest trucks.

Today, Ford is Ok

2012 Ranger ford pickup now on sale here

2012 Ranger ford pickup now on sale here