You’ve probably heard whispers, but let’s make it official. The Australian-designed and engineered Ford Ranger has not just made waves but created a tsunami in the 2023 sales charts. For the first time since 1995, a Ford has claimed the throne as Australia’s #1 selling new car. Not just best selling ute. Best selling new vehicle. That’s a big deal, considering just how much local knowledge and hard work went into creating the Ranger platform.
Now, the Ranger isn’t just another ute. Over the current generation or two of utes they’ve redefined what the segment actually is, and the Ranger has been the largest driving force taking them from tradie toys to true blue do-it-all 4X4s. It’s not just a workhorse. It’s a family car. An adventurer’s companion. And a tradie’s best mate all rolled into one. With its tailgate doubling as a workbench and the genius ‘box step’ making it a breeze to hop in and out of the tub, it’s the Swiss Army knife of vehicles. And let’s not forget the app-controlled ‘zone lighting’ – a godsend for those late-night camp setups or when you’re burning the midnight oil on the job.
The heart and soul of this beast are the people behind it. Andrew Birkic, the President and CEO of Ford Australia, hit the nail on the head when he credited the success of the Ranger to the passion of the Ford team, the dealers, and, most importantly, the customers. It’s this shared passion that’s driven the Ranger to the top spot. And let’s face it, passion is something we’re not short of in the 4X4 community.
“That’s not just innovation; that’s revolutionizing the way we think about utes.”
Here’s where it gets even better. Ford’s not just resting on its laurels. In a move that’s as exciting as it is forward-thinking, they’ve announced the upcoming Ranger Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). A 4X4 that for the overwhelming majority of Aussie 4X4ers will mean a fuel bill of absolutely zero on their daily commute to work and the school drop off, and still being able to top up a tank of Diesel and cross the French Line. Plus, the Pro Power Onboard function is a game-changer for tradies and campers. Imagine powering your house during a blackout or lighting up your campsite straight from your Ranger. That’s not just innovation; that’s revolutionizing the way we think about utes.
This Australian champion has been a global superstar for a while now, topping charts in New Zealand, Europe, the UK, and Vietnam, and bagging awards left, right, and centre. It’s a testament to the Aussie design and engineering prowess that’s at the heart of the Ranger.
For those interested in the numbers, Ranger pipped the prime position, selling an eye watering 63,356 for 2023 versus 61,111 for the HiLux. Take out the 2WD figures and it’s even more obvious how much Aussie’s love the Ranger. Ford sold 58,261 4X4 Rangers, the HiLux 4X4 models topping out at 48,995. There’s no doubt all the other manufacturers will be looking to step things up with their next models, but can they take the fight to the new king?
