Ranger leaves Hilux behind

The Ford Ranger is now the year’s top-selling ute this year – it’s ahead of the Toyota Hilux by 51 units. Ford NZ says that based on figures from lease companies, it also has a stronger residual value.

“We certainly won’t get complacent as the ute market will remain fiercely competitive in 2014,” says Corey Holter, managing director of Ford NZ. He says Rangers are now in stock and Ford can meet demand on most models. Some derivatives, such as the Wildtrak, may still have a wait time as demand outstrips supply.

Holter says the results are a sign of good things to come. “We have the best line-up of vehicles we’ve had yet and it’s only getting better.” The marque recently introduced the Fiesta Sport featuring the 2012 and 2013 International Engine of the Year – the 1.0-litre EcoBoost. “It’s a fantastic and fun car to drive – guilt free too with the fuel efficiency.” Later this month, New Zealand sees the arrival of the all-new Ford EcoSport, a small SUV, and the Transit Cargo with full details and pricing on those models to be released in the next two weeks. Strong sales momentum for the blue ovals continued into the first quarter of 2014 with sales up more than 30 per cent on the same time frame in 2013 – the highest growth of the top five brands in New Zealand. “We’re optimistic about the industry and have increased our overall industry sales call to 120,000 for the year,” says Holter. “New Zealand is in a good place with business confidence high and the economy moving steadily.”