A number of Ford Ranger customers have expressed concern on social media that the addition of a new top-end Platinum model could extend their delivery delays, however Ford says that’s not the case as it is ramping up production.
Ford Australia says the waiting times for top-end turbo-diesel V6 Ford Ranger utes will not be extended by the addition of a new flagship Platinum edition.
Waiting times for some Ford Ranger variants – such as the twin-turbo V6 petrol-powered Raptor performance pick-up – stretch up to 12 months.
However, Ford says the addition of the Ford Ranger Platinum will not add to the waiting times of most other variants because the company had already ramped up production to accomodate the new variant – as well as to meet the sudden surge in demand across the line-up.
Ford says it has showroom stock ready for immediate delivery on single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel and twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel Ranger utes, while waiting times for V6 diesel variants were improving on most model grades (XLT, Sport and Wildtrak).
Ford says it has ramped up production in response to the surge in demand for the new Ranger – which was the top-selling vehicle in Australia in December 2022 following an influx of arrivals – and that it has already factored in extra capacity to accomodate the new top-line Platinum edition.
The new Ford Ranger Platinum edition is due to go into production in Thailand in April 2023, with the first Australian showroom deliveries due in May 2023.
A statement from Ford Australia said: “The Ford Ranger Platinum was part of our plan from the beginning, meaning the supply of other Ranger and Everest models will not be impacted because Ranger Platinum production was always managed in addition to the existing supply of V6 diesels.
“Further to this, supply of V6 Ranger variants has strengthened and will continue to strengthen in 2023, along with the volume of vehicles fitted with Premium Packs as supply of these parts continues to increase.”
Ford said some customers waiting for a Ford Ranger Wildtrak turbo-diesel V6 (TDV6) with Premium Pack had asked their dealer to switch their order to a Platinum – which has in turn reduced waiting times for some buyers who had ordered a Ford Ranger Wildtrak TDV6.
A Ford spokesperson said customers should contact their local Ford dealer if they want to discuss the option of switching to a Ford Ranger Platinum, however allocations vary from showroom to showroom.
“Customer wait times do vary depending on dealer, location and specifications, so we encourage customers to talk to their dealer about what’s available,” the Ford spokesperson told Drive.
