Ford Ranger chief engineer Andrew Sparks: The way Chinese users use pickup trucks is changing rapidly
As a legendary mid-size pickup truck that fulfills Ford's Built Ford Tough brand promise, Ford Ranger has been sold in more than 180 countries/regions around the world, with cumulative global sales exceeding 8 million units.
Today, the fifth-generation Ford Ranger, based on Ford's world's most advanced third-generation mid-size pickup platform, has been introduced to the Chinese market in a localized form for the first time and has been officially unveiled at the two major international auto shows in Shanghai and Chengdu.
At the Chengdu Auto Show, which is currently in full swing, Jiangling Ford Technology officially launched a new channel brand - Ford Beyond, or "Ford Beyond", committed to creating an industry-leading off-road ecosystem and becoming a top outdoor off-road lifestyle leader.
At the same time, the first version of Ford Ranger 1st Edition has officially started pre-sale. The manufacturer's pre-sale guide price is 269,800 yuan, with a limited edition of 800 units. The price range of the new generation Ford Ranger has been exposed for the first time in China. The manufacturer's guide price for the entry-level version will not be higher than 16 Ten thousand yuan.
From a product perspective, the new-generation Ford Ranger, which is presented to consumers in a localized form, is both a global version and better than the global version: the design and functional features remain consistent, while the comfort and passenger-oriented levels are more distinctive.
For example, the Ford Ranger used a multi-link rear suspension for the first time in China, paired with a Watt link; the interior of the car has been subversively car-like in design and configuration in response to the preferences of domestic consumers and the diverse needs of passenger use. Upgrade; the entire series is equipped with the 8155 chip as standard, which popularizes the most advanced in-car technological intelligent functions. There are more than 30 sensors in the whole car, which can realize L2.9 level intelligent driving assistance functions that are outstanding among its peers, etc.
The luxurious and exclusive interior is specially tailored for the Chinese consumer market, repeatedly improving the comfort and quality of the car; the configuration has been repeatedly adjusted to match the most stable and powerful functions that are most suitable for off-roading. In addition, the 1st Edition launch version is available for pre-sale, which is enough to see Under the new brand channel of Ford Zongheng, the new generation of Ford Ranger has made great efforts to show sincerity and strength.
What are the special features of the domestically produced Ford Ranger and what makes its design concept unique? Ford Ranger chief engineer Mr. Andrew Sparks and Jiangling Motors Vice President of Product R&D Mr. Eric Hermann explained in detail:
Differences about domestically produced Ford Ranger
“In the process of introducing the Ford Ranger to China, we have the opportunity to carry out a series of optimizations on the overseas version of the Ranger to make it more distinctive and more suitable for the needs of Chinese users.” Mr. Sparks said, “In terms of interior design and In terms of space, the rear space of the Ranger produced in China has become more spacious, and interior soft bags have been added to make the driver and passengers feel softer. In terms of power, we selected Ford powertrain products from the library that are more suitable for China. The user's powertrain achieves a balance between power performance, off-road performance and fuel economy. In terms of modification accessories, we have registered all modification plans, and users no longer need to worry about annual inspections. In terms of chassis, we provide China The Ranger is equipped with a multi-link plus watt-link rear suspension that is unique to the overseas Ranger Raptor, so as to provide Chinese users with a more comfortable driving experience and stronger off-road performance.”
About Ford's world's most advanced third-generation platform
The new-generation Ford Ranger overseas version returns to local production in the United States, shouldering the mission of alleviating the strong market pressure brought about by changes in user demand for full-size pickup trucks. Therefore, this generation of products that has gone through five iterations has important strategic significance in the new era. The third-generation Ford mid-size pickup platform, which is the most advanced in the world, is destined to be outstanding.
Domestic pickup truck users and car enthusiasts are very concerned about the platform used by the new generation of Ford Ranger, and the technical highlights are always a hot topic.
In response to this, Mr. Sparks responded positively for the first time and emphasized that Ford’s world’s most advanced third-generation mid-size pickup truck platform is unique to the new-generation Ford Ranger. “Ford’s mid-size pickup truck platform has gone through three generations of development, and the third-generation platform has been around for more than 10 years. history. During each product design and development of Ford pickup trucks, the platform will be upgraded accordingly. When developing the new generation of Ford Ranger, we shortened the front overhang and increased the approach angle to improve passability; at the same time, we expanded the The wheelbase optimizes handling performance and driving stability; in addition, we also optimize the shock absorber structure, enhance off-road performance and increase the volumetric ratio of the rear bucket. As long as the platform continues and new products are introduced, this platform will continue to evolve. , the products will get better and better.”
Mr. Sparks emphasized, “One unique thing about Ford pickup trucks is that all products must meet stringent durability requirements. The same goes for Ford’s third-generation mid-size pickup platform products, the world’s most advanced, we require it to meet the same requirements as the Ford F -150 Raptor-like durability performance. The new-generation Ford Ranger produced in China also needs to undergo rigorous durability testing at the Australian YYPG test site and be issued. At the same time, we will also do a lot of testing in China to meet the needs of the Chinese market. "
About the four-wheel drive system of the domestic Ranger
For pickup trucks, especially those with outstanding off-road performance, the stability of the four-wheel drive system is crucial. The domestically produced new-generation Ford Ranger is equipped with the EMOD intelligent full-time four-wheel drive system. Regarding the stability of the system, Mr. Hermann said, "The EMOD four-wheel drive system of the Ford Ranger uses the latest technology to ensure that torque is smoothly transmitted to the clutch. At the same time, it will not cause problems due to clutch overload. In bad road conditions, the clutch can be directly locked to achieve a 50:50 distribution of torque between the front and rear axles.”
Mr. Hermann also said: "The Ford Ranger produced in China will undergo rigorous testing at the Australian YYPG test site and the Chinese test site to ensure that there will be no clutch slippage or overheating. We will conduct more verifications before going into production. , to ensure that there will be no problems in extremely harsh conditions such as deserts and rock climbing.”
Mr. Sparks also said, "EMOD is easier to operate for users. It makes it easier to control the vehicle when it slips, which is very helpful in improving the safety of vehicle driving."
About the modification advantages of domestic Ranger
Modification is the fun part of a pickup truck, and it is also the only way to maximize its performance and show its ultimate life.
However, modification involves rationality, legality, and quality. In this regard, Mr. Sparks said, “Currently we can provide more than 20 kinds of modifications that are most frequently used by off-road players, including winches, front and rear steel bumpers, wading hoses, etc. These modifications can be directly front-loaded on the car, and during the annual inspection There is no need to disassemble it. This has three advantages: first, it is easier for users to choose; second, the quality is guaranteed; third, the price is more reasonable. We are also continuing to pay attention to users' feedback on using these modifications, as well as new modifications. parts requirements and make adjustments to the modified parts based on this.”
About the first edition of 1st Edition
After the new generation of Ford Ranger was unveiled, many users will call it the "little Raptor". First, they recognize its appearance design, and second, the Ford F-150 Raptor is indeed a classic. Will the subsequent Ford Ranger Raptor be introduced to the Chinese market? What are the features of the current Ford Ranger 1st Edition?
First of all, Mr. Sparks said, "In terms of styling, the Ford Ranger and the Ford F-150 Raptor do have similarities. They both inherit the DNA of Ford pickup trucks. Regarding the Ford Ranger Raptor, we will continue to track the needs of users to see if they Vision to purchase high-performance products in addition to existing versions to further consider whether to introduce them.”
Later, Mr. Sparks introduced the Ford Ranger 1st Edition in detail. "The Ford Ranger 1st Edition based on Wildtrak has been equipped with many off-road kits to improve off-road performance. For example, there are steel bumpers on the front and rear. There is a winch in the front bumper to facilitate towing and towing in extreme environments. The right side of the body The side wading hose allows users to fear streams and shoals. The all-terrain tires can provide excellent grip on non-paved roads. If you want to ride calmly in the desert, anti-falling rims are essential equipment. The 1st Edition has steel access steps on both sides of the body, a tow hook at the rear, and a lower guard plate under the front to protect important chassis components from scratches during off-roading. "
About the quality of domestic Ranger
China's automobile market is not what it used to be, with fierce competition and professional users, especially in the field of off-road and off-road pickup trucks. Ford Zongheng is "born for the wild", so you can imagine the great pressure it faces and the critical discernment it faces.
Mr. Hermann said, "China has a vast territory and abundant resources, and users have many different needs. There are many excellent car brands and many good car products. The characteristic of Ford is that it has a very long history. Especially in the field of pickup trucks, Ford has its own very strict Standards. We will ensure that the products sold in China have passed testing in China and overseas to ensure that they meet Ford's global standards. This is a very big advantage of our products and we can provide customers with very good durability. , a pickup truck product that performs outstandingly in all aspects.
"Cars are produced in domestic factories, and it is impossible for every car to be tested abroad. In this case, how can users be assured of product quality?" This must be the voice of every user who pays attention to the new generation of domestically produced Ranger.
In this regard, Mr. Hermann said confidently, “During the factory production process, we will work in depth with suppliers and partners to ensure that the products and all parts we produce have the same quality as the test prototypes, and ultimately ensure that The quality of our products.”
Summarize:
"Ford is in the wild, born for the wild...", the new-generation Ford Ranger made in China not only achieves the highest level of cost-effectiveness of American pickup trucks for the first time, but also combines "Chinese culture" with American pickup products and American car-making concepts for the first time in the industry. It has deeply integrated with foreign car culture. This is also a sign that Ford pickup trucks are serious about paying attention to the domestic pickup truck market and users.
Mr. Andrew Sparks is an Australian and Mr. Eric Hermann is an American. Their countries are the best countries to showcase the charm of pickup trucks and enjoy the pickup life.
However, in China, the current situation, environment and characteristics of the pickup truck market are hugely different and have strong national characteristics compared with Australia or the United States. Therefore, I am very interested in how well two foreign friends understand and understand my country's pickup truck market. This can greatly reflect the market thinking of the localization of the new generation of Ford Ranger.
As a representative, Mr. Sparks shared with Australians from the perspective of Australian living habits and understanding: Australians use pickup trucks not only for work, but also spend a lot of time on leisure and entertainment. They work hard and have fun when they play. Now, the way Chinese users use pickup trucks is also rapidly changing to the lifestyle of Australian users. After a week of work, users want to spend more time exploring the outdoors and escaping from the city on weekends. As many places across the country gradually relax restrictions on pickup trucks entering cities, more and more Chinese users are discovering new uses for pickup trucks outside of work. They are willing to discover the joy of life by driving pickup trucks and live a different life than they do now. lifestyle.
In my opinion, he is right!
Suddenly: I feel that after the new generation of Ford Ranger is made in China, it will be like those international friends who speak proficient Chinese who often appear around you and me. They are friendly and enthusiastic, can have in-depth communication with you, can understand you, can listen to you, and can bring you joy. You have a broader perspective, and more fresh thoughts and happiness.
