Ford Ranger RAS provides more cabin space
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Meeting customers' specific needs is one way to boost sales as everyone is looking for something different when it comes to cars.
American carmaker PT Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) recently introduced the Ford Ranger rear access system (RAS) four-by-four to its pick-up line, providing a total of 13 variants of the popular pick-up.
The company provides many options with three engine choices; manual or automatic transmission; four-by-four or four-by-two drive train; and single cabin or double cabin. Not to mention lifestyle or commercial use choices.
Lifestyle use is best represented by the Ford Ranger Hurricane 4x4 and Ford Ranger Hi-Ride 4x2, which are targeted at retail customers.
The Ford Ranger RAS 4x4 -- intended mainly for commercial and fleet customers -- provides easy access to storage space behind the front seats representing a good investment for prospective fleet customers, the company claims.
It argues that while the storage space in the extra cab variant rivals that of a double cab, the price is comparable to a single cab variant.
"Ford Ranger RAS 4x4 extra cab reflects our determination to remain number one in the pick-up segment, which has been dominated by Ford Ranger since we first introduced the vehicle nearly three years ago," PT FMI president director Will Angove said in a statement.
"Indonesia is the ideal market for the Ford Ranger lineup given the dominance of mining and agricultural industries in the country," he added.
Ford Ranger RAS is powered by a 2,892 cc diesel engine with mechanical injection unleashing a top power of 102 horsepower (hp) at 4,000 revolution per minute (rpm) and a maximum torque of 200 Newton meter (Nm) at 2,500 rpm.
"Ford Ranger RAS 4x4 extra cab is a tough workhorse for carrying heavy loads on the rough and rugged terrains found in places like Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua," said Angove.
Ford engineers undertook extensive research into the requirements for fleet usage. The vehicle boasts a bigger deck capacity and uses steel wheels for increased resistance on rough terrains and manual windows for easy maintenance.
The rear access system, also known as suicide doors, is a door arrangement whereby the front and rear doors open in opposite directions as the rear doors use rear-hinges. This allows for a clear opening with the absence of B-pillars.
It does not mean compromised safety. The RAS body offers a 30-percent stronger structure compared to conventional cab pick- ups. The crash cage absorbs shock from collisions at 50 kilometers per hour (kph) and protects the integrity of the passenger area.
And when the cab doors are closed, they function as middle support columns in place of the B-pillars.
Ford Ranger RAS comes with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with four sensors for efficient braking. It is also equipped with a load-sensing proportioning valve work for even distribution.
The front tires use disc brakes with 15-inch double calipher while the rear tires use drum brakes.
It also comes with a collapsible steering wheel axle and drive shaft that can be dismantled in the event of a front or rear end collision.
Priced at Rp 184.3 million (US$20,000), customers can choose from black, dusk green, medium blue, red, silver or titanium gray.
Additional safety comes in dual air bags for the driver and passenger.
Though more variants means more needs can be fulfilled, this can also add to prospective customers' confusion in choosing a suitable vehicle. But, as the Latin expression goes, caveat emptor, customers should decide on what they really need from a car before buying one. Or a fleet of them.