jpd80 Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 As part of the 10-year, billion-dollar investment, and in conjunction with the work on future Falcon and Territory models (codenamed E8), the company will also engineer a new global small truck platform, codenamed T6. T6 is a likely successor to the Ford Courier/Mazda B Series, which currently rack up more than 400,000 sales globally annually off several variants, including 4x2 and 4x4. Although the resulting T6 vehicles will not be built in Australia, it is expected to generate more than $700 million in research and development revenues for Ford Australia. To cope with the extra workload, Ford Australia will add 273 mostly engineering jobs to its product development team, bringing to about 880 the number of engineering staff at Ford’s Broadmeadows and Geelong facilities. Of the government money, $12.5 million will be used to revamp the design and engineering centre at Broadmeadows. The Federal Government also kicked in $52.5 million financial assistance package for the company’s Australian operations to help ensure ongoing manufacturing. Of that money, $12.5 million will be used to develop a new research and development facility for the T6 project. The Ford grants are in addition of any additional money the company may get under the $4.2 billion Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme, which is expected to announce a new round of packages next week. Ford's vice-president and president of Asia Pacific and Africa, Peter Daniels, said the announcement "positioned Ford Australia to expand its sphere of influence and importantly its integration into the global Ford world. Above Quotes From This Article Ford North America has entrusted Ford Australia to develop the engineering for the T6 Light truck platform, the likely successor to the Courrier/Ranger. So don't fret, help is on the way. And no, Australia is not building it, we're just doing the engineering workFORD AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW PROJECTS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 (edited) I find this very interesting. Incidentally, doesn't Ford of Australia have a new Ranger coming out in January? How will this come into play? And furthermore, how about that Ford Territory SUV? It looks a whole lot like the Freestyle? Look: Ford Territory, from Ford.com.au ___ Edited November 20, 2006 by Roadrunner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted November 20, 2006 Author Share Posted November 20, 2006 (edited) I find this very interesting. Incidentally, doesn't Ford of Australia have a new Ranger coming out in January? How will this come into play? And furthermore, how about that Ford Territory SUV? It looks a whole lot like the Freestyle? Look: Ford Territory, from Ford.com.au ___ That T6 program is going to take a while, no timeframe from Ford but could be a year or so away. The Territory is a close relative of the Falcon sharing quite a few parts but just as many are different. Now available with the 245 Kw turbo I6. Good articlereferenced from webwombat.com.au Porsche Cayenne S vs. Ford Territory Turbo Porsche Cayenne S Engine: 4.5L V8 Transmission: 6-Speed Auto Weight: 4950 lb Maximum speed: 150MPH Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.2 Sec Maximum power hp 340HP @ 6000 rpm Maximum power kW 250KW @ 6000 rpm Maximum torque ft-lb: 310 @ 2500 Maximum torque Nm: 420 @ 2500 PRICE: $129,000 AUD Ford Territory Turbo Engine: 4L I6 Turbocharged, intercooled Transmission: 6-Speed ZF Auto Weight: 4685 lb Maximum speed: ~140MPH Acceleration 0-100 km/h: ~7.3 Sec Maximum power hp 333HP @ 5250 rpm Maximum power kW 245KW @ 5250 rpm Maximum torque ft-lb: 354 @ 2000 Maximum torque Nm: 480 @ 2000 PRICE: $54,000 AUD http://www.fast-autos.net/forum/printthread.php?t=2835 Edited November 20, 2006 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-150 Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 I find this very interesting. Incidentally, doesn't Ford of Australia have a new Ranger coming out in January? How will this come into play? and how does this mesh with the new Thai made Ranger? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 This is the successor to the Thai Ranger, which is a 'mid cycle' update of the old Ranger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTAUS Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 I was more interested in how Ford AU might bring something to the table in conjunction with the US for a possible replacement for the aging Crown Vic. If anything, that stood out more to me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZanatWork Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 I'd say utilizing the AUS stuff is showing a strong possibility of giving Ford's US rwd programs a real shot in the arm. Though this was already happening, the new CEO will hopefully light a fire under it and the fruits will be seen earlier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted November 20, 2006 Author Share Posted November 20, 2006 (edited) I'd say utilizing the AUS stuff is showing a strong possibility of giving Ford's US rwd programs a real shot in the arm. Though this was already happening, the new CEO will hopefully light a fire under it and the fruits will be seen earlier. On the subject of whether a long-wheelbase Ford Australia vehicle could viably be a contender to replace Ford’s ageing rear-drive Crown Victoria, Mr Gorman said an impediment to that was that "somebody else is supplying that market today. "So as a company we’re not going to compete with each other – that doesn’t make any sense," he said. "We’re not going to launch a product and try to take out another part of our company. "What we have to do corporately is come up with the right strategy that mixes and marries with the opportunities that we have." He admitted that "technically" an E8-based vehicle could replace the Crown Victoria, however, his immediate focus was on growing Ford business in Australia. From what we can gleen in AUS, the Orion Falcon whil continue the 111.375" wheelbase but probably wider with reduced overhang. The current cabin is very close to Crown Victoria (Fairlane kills it on leg room) so extra width will give big car feel. GM has jumped off a cliff with their Zeta RWD, with 50/50 weight distribution, I think they're hoping to win back some of the FWD crowd. The previous Commodore also had AWD variations in V6 and V8 so it's not hard to imagine the engineering sitting on the shelf until needed. No body really knows if NA will embrace or reject this resurection of RWD but, if they also offer AWD the could be on a winner. One things for sure, Ford at 12 months behind GM has time to put its house in order before either following or rejecting the GM strategy. On the Ranger, it's very confusing talking about NA Ranger when our "Thai Ranger" , a badge negineered Mazda is a pretty nice littlle truck. Can someone advise what the difference is, NA Ranger to Mazda? Edited November 20, 2006 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swenson88 Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 On the Ranger, it's very confusing talking about NA Ranger when our "Thai Ranger" , a badge negineered Mazda is a pretty nice littlle truck. Can someone advise what the difference is, NA Ranger to Mazda? In NA the Ranger is it's own truck and the Mazda is a badge-engineered example of the Ranger. The Ranger platform dates back to at least 1993 (at least the latest true redesign) and has received several updates over the past 14 years but the sheetmetal hasn't changed much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JW Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 In the US, at least, the current Mazda pickup is the same as the Ranger, and has been since MY1994. There have really only been two significant Ranger platforms since its introduction for MY1983 - one from 1983 through 1997, and 1998 and up. Body style hasn't changed significantly since the 1993 model (and no, grilles and bumpers don't count as major changes), and interior hasn't changed much since the 1995 model. All of these vary quite a bit from Rangers sold in other parts of the world. I have seen Ranger models similar to those in the US in Mexico and a couple of South American countries, but most of the rest of the world has the Thai/Euro version. At least they're not (re)abandoning the segment. Some artist renderings would go a long way towards shutting up the militant Ranger owners (myself included). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackinaw Posted November 20, 2006 Share Posted November 20, 2006 The Ranger platform dates back to at least 1993 (at least the latest true redesign) and has received several updates over the past 14 years but the sheetmetal hasn't changed much. As JW pointed out, the last major re-engineering for the Ranger was back in 1997. Prior to this, all Rangers used a downsized version of the old-generation F150's Twin-I beam front suspension (coil springs) and used a conventional recirculating-ball steering. In 1997 the Ranger 4 X 2 front suspension went to conventional upper and lower "A" arms, with coil springs, while the 4 X 4 utilized a torsion bar set-up. Steering for both models was rack and pinion. The frame on the 97 Ranger was also revised with the front section being boxed. Actually a fair redesign that the automotive press totally ignores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted November 21, 2006 Author Share Posted November 21, 2006 Gotta say my new company Hilux is a lot bigger than the old Courier and the turbo diesel goes good. Dual cab Courier/Rangers always feel cramped in the back seat, too little legroom. I'd have DVTs after an hour for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JW Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 1997 1998 :D (remember - militant Ranger owner :happy feet: ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swenson88 Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 1998 :D (remember - militant Ranger owner :happy feet: ) Well, technically model year 1998, calendar year 1997, but who's counting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surgen Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 At least they're not (re)abandoning the segment. Some artist renderings would go a long way towards shutting up the militant Ranger owners (myself included). Nowhere in the article did it claim T6 was coming to the US. We didn't get the Thai Ranger either (or the C1 either.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLPRacing Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 Nowhere in the article did it claim T6 was coming to the US. We didn't get the Thai Ranger either (or the C1 either.) True, but we are supposed to get C2, EUCD2, etc. And, FoA is already working on a "global" RWD/AWD architecture, so it's assumed that this T6 light truck will underpin every Ranger/Courier in the world, including FoNA. I think we will see how successful Ford will be in their global platform sharing about 4 years from now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted November 21, 2006 Author Share Posted November 21, 2006 Nowhere in the article did it claim T6 was coming to the US. We didn't get the Thai Ranger either (or the C1 either.) Is it possible that only one Ranger platform survives under "The Way Forward" vision? Mulally has already stated he wants to get rid of duplication and streamline the business. Although he won't come out and say so immediately, if one platform gets all the money you can guess what happens to the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgey Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 I doubt the Thai Ranger can be designed to work for the NA market, the truck environments are wildly different from here to there. I would be shocked if this is Ranger successor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLPRacing Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 I doubt the Thai Ranger can be designed to work for the NA market, the truck environments are wildly different from here to there. I would be shocked if this is Ranger successor. If Nissan & Toyota can design and sell a "global" truck, why can't Ford? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted November 21, 2006 Author Share Posted November 21, 2006 I doubt the Thai Ranger can be designed to work for the NA market, the truck environments are wildly different from here to there. I would be shocked if this is Ranger successor. T6 is a likely successor to the Ford Courier/Mazda B Series, which currently rack up more than 400,000 sales globally annually off several variants, including 4x2 and 4x4. Although the resulting T6 vehicles will not be built in Australia, it is expected to generate more than $700 million in research and development revenues for Ford Australia. The T6 project is not a mid-life refresh of the Thai Ranger, it's an entirely different platform. Ford Australia is employing 273 enginers on the development and they will be working with Mazda. If you think Ford USA is into duplicating a platform just for you, good luck. To save money Ford is looking to cut programs and platforms at every turn, Mulally is looking to reduce the number of global platforms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 I would say that the world market's needs and desires in a small truck is much closer across the board than the market for a large truck. A F-150 can be as much for utility as it is a personal thing; a Ranger, meanwhile, is a handy utility truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edgey Posted November 21, 2006 Share Posted November 21, 2006 The T6 project is not a mid-life refresh of the Thai Ranger, it's an entirely different platform.Ford Australia is employing 273 enginers on the development and they will be working with Mazda. If you think Ford USA is into duplicating a platform just for you, good luck. To save money Ford is looking to cut programs and platforms at every turn, Mulally is looking to reduce the number of global platforms. Mullally also realizes that there is a difference between consolidating for consolidation's sake and making products tailored to a certain market. Ford has a wealth of Truck resources in NA, not to mention platforms, engines, drivetrains, etc... The Asia/Pacific Ranger is a VERY different product. Toyota, Nissan, all make trucks unique to those markets btw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biker16 Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 You do know that the Courier is FWD/AWD and smaller than the Ranger? right????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JW Posted November 22, 2006 Share Posted November 22, 2006 I would say that the world market's needs and desires in a small truck is much closer across the board than the market for a large truck. A F-150 can be as much for utility as it is a personal thing; a Ranger, meanwhile, is a handy utility truck. Are you implying that the Ranger is only a work truck? I know a couple hundred thousand people that would disagree... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted November 22, 2006 Author Share Posted November 22, 2006 (edited) You do know that the Courier is FWD/AWD and smaller than the Ranger? right????? They're RWD/AWD. Our 4cylinder petrol/diesels come from Thailland, V6 models from South Africa. The track is about 2" narrower than USA Ranger. Biker16, they all definitely have Rear axles driving, still have to lock in the front hubs for 4WD Have a look at the Frod Australia Website, I'll start you at this page Mullally also realizes that there is a difference between consolidating for consolidation's sake and making products tailored to a certain market. Ford has a wealth of Truck resources in NA, not to mention platforms, engines, drivetrains, etc... Not implying to change the whole North American fleet, just one little truck.Your trucks are tailor made to North America's needs but not necessarily to the rest of the world. The Asia/Pacific Ranger is a VERY different product. Toyota, Nissan, all make trucks unique to those markets btw. Ford is talking about using the T6 as a global platform and that is completely different to the Thai Ranger. Ford AUS is just doing the engineering, not building them. Edited November 22, 2006 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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