Ford to Show China What ‘Built Ford Tough’ Means

Ready or not, China’s getting the Ford Ranger in 2018.

America may be in love with pickup trucks, especially full-size ones, but the rest of the world is warming up to the versatile machines. China, which is one of the largest automaker markets in the world, is starting to see the benefits of the iconic pickup truck and Ford doesn’t want to miss out on the opportunity. To get ahead of the competition, the American automaker recently announced plans to offer the Ranger in China by 2018.

Ford’s most potent pickup truck, the F-150 Raptor, is already available in the country, but the addition of the Ranger to its Chinese lineup will surely help drivers see the benefits of the versatile body style. Ford President and CEO Mark Fields described the automaker’s strategy at a special event in Shanghai last Saturday and announced the Raptor’s price in the country, as well.

“We see an opportunity to satisfy unmet need in China – for world-class, stylish and refined pickups – and also to be a pioneer in this emerging segment,” said Dave Schoch, president of Ford Asia Pacific and CEO Ford China.

According to Ford, the pickup truck segment is relatively small with sales comprising only two percent of the market overall. China, though, is the fourth largest truck market in the world and saw 14 percent growth last year, said Ford. When keeping that astonishing figure in mind, selling its midsize pickup truck in the country seems like a great idea.