Ford announces off road Ranger variant

New Zealand’s best-selling car will be produced in an off-road performance variant for the first time. The Ford Motor Company today announced that the Ford Ranger ute, carrying the name ‘Ford Ranger Raptor’, will arrive in New Zealand in 2018. The purpose-built, desert-racing inspired pickup truck joins the Ford Performance family. Ford says the Raptor is designed and engineered to deliver an adrenaline pumping experience. “We are very excited to bring Asia Pacific’s toughest and smartest pickup truck to a whole new level,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president, product development, Ford Asia Pacific. “Ford Ranger Raptor will offer Ranger fans a fantastic opportunity to own an authentic off-road performance version of their favourite truck for the first time.” The Ford Ranger Raptor joins F-150 Raptor as part of the Ford Performance brand, joining the on-road high performance GT, Ford Mustang Shelby, Focus RS and Focus ST. Though the Toyota Hilux managed to knock the Ford Ranger off the top spot for the best-selling commercial model last August, it remains the top model overall in New Zealand with 6,320 registrations year to date.