Endura Culled.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

Its funny you mention the skin flints buying Tritons, I think of all the Ranger and Toyota skin flints buying unsuitable tow vehicles for their overweight trailer, 5th wheel and caravan's

At least RHD RAM's, Chevy's and converted F150 are better suited to this ever increasing towing mass, market.
Ford needs to build some real trucks again. Big balloon tyres and a sticker pack don't cut it in the medium weight range.

Originally Posted by Polyal

When things get tough personal sports car sales are not a high priority to the consumer either.

Utes are useful and there as business incentive, dont hate the player hate the game.

They are not junk or bad cars, at the end of the day they are tools (very useful) and serve a purpose.

Funny, from what I see, most Rangers and Hiluxs don’t tow much of anything, maybe a builders trailer or jet skis but could be different in your location of course.

I would love to see RHD F150 but I think that won’t be happening in my lifetime.

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by jpd80

I would love to see RHD F150 but I think that won’t be happening in my lifetime.

What was the Back story on the RHD F Trucks sold here in the early 2000's??

[naddis01]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Funny, from what I see, most Rangers and Hiluxs don’t tow much of anything, maybe a builders trailer or jet skis but could be different in your location of course.

I would love to see RHD F150 but I think that won’t be happening in my lifetime.

Go to any caravan park in Australia and see what Rangers and Hiluxes etc are towing.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

It looks awesome

Will move the game forward just like the 2011 one did.

Sounds like this new model will be on my shopping list then.

I hope they make a single cab with the expected V6 engine.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by naddis01

Go to any caravan park in Australia and see what Rangers and Hiluxes etc are towing.

Just go to your nearest hill and look at them all crawl up at 40km/h in 2nd gear

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by simon varley

exactly. One of the major design hurdles on translating a LHD to a RHD is the stackup in crash of all those parts on the RHS of the car that are okay on the passenger side, but would drive the pedals up through the drivers leg bones in a RHD car.

There are also engine bay package issues driven by steering column routing and brake booster position. Arguably with electric boosters that isn't so important, but you still have to route the steering column. No cars are steer by wire yet and in fact I think that's actually not allowed by the Regs. There has to be a mechanical connection.

I actually would be curious to know what the differences are in the engine bay between LHD and RHD. Yes, things would be swapped around but that just the way it is - not a costly exercise if designed right.

Considering there are dozens of cars built for both markets you would think that from a manufacturing point of view they would include driver side adaptability into the design and manufacturing process from the start.

I personally think that much of the stuff you refer to in the engine bay is easy to swap over.

If you designed it right swapping driver sides would be only a change of dash and some other minor adjustments (side mirror strength, headlight height, possible swapping over of springs from left to right, etc).

Manufacturers still take short cuts for non important changes (indicator stalks, gear stick position in center console, certain dash / radio buttons etc).

It's funny how the Veloster here has a proper body for our RHD market (3rd back passenger door opens to the gutter) where there was another car sold here with a similar design (Mini??) and their body was carried over from LHD markets where the 3rd smaller passenger door opened to the street.

Other manufacturers can design a shell for easy LHD / RHD use - no reason why Ford can't.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Well - this is an interesting idea:

Has this Volvo patent solved the LHD v RHD dilemma?
Imagine if your car's steering wheel slid from side-to-side. Volvo's recent patent filing does exactly that, opening the door for easier right-hand drive production.

How many times have us Australians been denied cars because their makers didn’t invest in right-hand drive (RHD) production? Heck, it’s a main reason there’s no more Holden.

Without putting the cart before the horse, a widely reported-patent application in the United States submitted by Volvo Car proposes a neat sliding steering wheel as a solution.

The proposed system might make the process of producing cars in left- and right-hand drive in the same factory much cheaper and easier, allowing the dreaded business case for right-hook vehicles to make more sense for markets like ours.

Australia all-too-often has the taste for vehicles popular in markets like the (LHD) USA, but with insufficient volume potential to justify tooling in an assembly plant. Examples include the Mazda 3 Turbo, or Ford Bronco, or Dodge Charger Hellcat – to name just a few.

It’s also why, for instance, Ram 1500s or Chevrolet Silverados sold locally are re-engineered by Walkinshaw in Melbourne to be driven on local roads.

The proposed steering system and associated technical drawings show a steering column and wheel that slides along a track assembly running perpendicular to the road. The wheel can be moved and along the rails and locked into a market-suitable position.

To make the system as modular as possible, the patent filing describes a driver’s instrument screen readout that sits atop the steering column and moves right along with it, plus the potential for a gear shifter mounted to the steering column à la Mercedes-Benz.

Brake and throttle pedals in this system can be fitted in a moveable pad designed to fit either wheel well. Or, as the filing says, “an acceleration activator device and a deceleration activator device… comprising a pressure sensitive pad that is adapted to be disposed in or on one of a floor mat and a floor component of the vehicle in a location adjacent to a steering wheel assembly”.

The steering wheel might also be fixed centrally like a McLaren F1, though this feature is designed for vehicles with Level 4 or 5 autonomous capability that might mean you want to shuffle the wheel over to give yourself more sitting room.

“Another advantage is that when the vehicle is operated in a mode that is primarily automated, the controls can be moved away from human passengers to improve the comfort of the passengers, although the controls can still be accessed from any suitable position when they are needed,” says the filing.

The technical feasibility of such a system as this has been made greater thanks to drive- and steer-by-wire (pioneered by the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport) setups with fewer fixed mechanical components linking the steering to the wheels physically. These clunky mechanical linkages can be replaced by electrical wires or even wireless communication.

“For example, the control systems… may be configured as ‘drive-by-wire’ systems, wherein [they] include manual activation elements, but these elements may not necessarily be directly connected to mechanical components for controlling the vehicle,” the filing says.

“Instead of a direct connection to mechanical actuators, the manual activation elements may provide electrical output signals that can be communicated through a dedicated system of electrical conductors or via a wireless communication protocol.”

The invention of the system is credited to Jonas Gothlin and Niklas Palm. More here.

https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-new...-v-rhd-dilemma

As I said - if designed right from the drawing board there is no reason why we can't have RHD models here for similar prices to their LHD alternatives.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Yeah but its not a 10 year manufacturer warranty its the 'you need to get your car only serviced by us or no warranty' warranty

Originally Posted by hayseed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_YNK3bo2B0

At least Mitsubishi is doing something to get people through the door.

A 10 year warranty is an amazingly good deal and many would take that up. I know I would.

Lets crunch some numbers....

I looked up their regular servicing for the Outlander. If I was to get a basic service it would be $399. When more work is done it's naturally more expensive.

Take that $399 service. Say I was to get that done at my own independent for between $200 and $250. That would not include roadside assistance. What's that worth these days? $90 or $100?

Yes, I know - not needed on a new car! (I never used it with both my new Mitsubishi's). But then again people also use that for flat tyres and running out of fuel.

So in essence, you are only saving perhaps $50 or $100 by not using Mitsubishi.

If a similar discount is factored in to more expensive servicing you perhaps will save $100 or $150 a pop once you factor in the included roadside assistance.

So, in the end you are paying a premium of perhaps $600 to $1000 at the most for dealership servicing over the 10 years of ownership but then as a trade off you are getting a 10 year factory backed warranty.

Not a bad deal considering all that can go wrong with these cars with their fancy electronics, transmissions and engines.

Plus - at trade in or private sale time you should be able to get a little more if you can show dealership servicing and able to pass on the balance of the warranty.

So, in effect, you are really not losing anything by taking up their offer?

As an aside, what does an extended full factory backed warranty cost with other manufacturers? I think if anyone else offered a full 10 years for the premium I suggested above they would jump at it.

Can you even get 10 years? I know Ford offered a 2 or 3 year extension at some stage, as did Mitsubishi for my car but I can't recall what $$ they asked for the extension.

Even if you don't like Mitsubishi - this will make other manufacturers raise the bar so it's a win either way for the consumer.

We all applauded when Hyundai went to 5 years warranty when the standard was 3, much the same as when Kia went to 7 when the standard became 5 years.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

At least Mitsubishi is doing something to get people through the door.

A 10 year warranty is an amazingly good deal and many would take that up. I know I would.

Lets crunch some numbers....

I looked up their regular servicing for the Outlander. If I was to get a basic service it would be $399. When more work is done it's naturally more expensive.

Take that $399 service. Say I was to get that done at my own independent for between $200 and $250. That would not include roadside assistance. What's that worth these days? $90 or $100?

Yes, I know - not needed on a new car! (I never used it with both my new Mitsubishi's). But then again people also use that for flat tyres and running out of fuel.

So in essence, you are only saving perhaps $50 or $100 by not using Mitsubishi.

If a similar discount is factored in to more expensive servicing you perhaps will save $100 or $150 a pop once you factor in the included roadside assistance.

So, in the end you are paying a premium of perhaps $600 to $1000 at the most for dealership servicing over the 10 years of ownership but then as a trade off you are getting a 10 year factory backed warranty.

Not a bad deal considering all that can go wrong with these cars with their fancy electronics, transmissions and engines.

Plus - at trade in or private sale time you should be able to get a little more if you can show dealership servicing and able to pass on the balance of the warranty.

So, in effect, you are really not losing anything by taking up their offer?

As an aside, what does an extended full factory backed warranty cost with other manufacturers? I think if anyone else offered a full 10 years for the premium I suggested above they would jump at it.

Can you even get 10 years? I know Ford offered a 2 or 3 year extension at some stage, as did Mitsubishi for my car but I can't recall what $$ they asked for the extension.

Even if you don't like Mitsubishi - this will make other manufacturers raise the bar so it's a win either way for the consumer.

We all applauded when Hyundai went to 5 years warranty when the standard was 3, much the same as when Kia went to 7 when the standard became 5 years.

What's the limitations on the 'extra' part of the warranty given it's not the usual manufacturers warranty? Is it the same as those 'warranty' packages they sell with used cars that has an exception list and terms and conditions a mile long?

All for manufacturers offering incentives, just not dressing up misleading half cooked ones.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

What's the limitations on the 'extra' part of the warranty given it's not the usual manufacturers warranty? Is it the same as those 'warranty' packages they sell with used cars that has an exception list and terms and conditions a mile long?

All for manufacturers offering incentives, just not dressing up misleading half cooked ones.

I was under the impression it's a full 10 year bumper to bumper warranty much the same as the shorter ones.

Same with the service pricing - will stay at advertised cost at the time you buy your car for the duration of the warranty.

If that is the case that is am amazing deal.

Well worth the extra you would pay for dealership servicing.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by naddis01

Go to any caravan park in Australia and see what Rangers and Hiluxes etc are towing.

But that's not the bulk of Rangers and Hiluxes, you're talking about a certain group of people
and their vehicle choices that yes, may be skewed by manufacturer advertising but in saying that,
maybe these folks are quite content to own a compromised vehicle.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Just go to your nearest hill and look at them all crawl up at 40km/h in 2nd gear

I think it says more about the stress monkey following them, literally boiling mad that these people are in his way.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

At least Mitsubishi is doing something to get people through the door.

A 10 year warranty is an amazingly good deal and many would take that up. I know I would.

Lets crunch some numbers....

I looked up their regular servicing for the Outlander. If I was to get a basic service it would be $399. When more work is done it's naturally more expensive.

Take that $399 service. Say I was to get that done at my own independent for between $200 and $250. That would not include roadside assistance. What's that worth these days? $90 or $100?

Yes, I know - not needed on a new car! (I never used it with both my new Mitsubishi's). But then again people also use that for flat tyres and running out of fuel.

So in essence, you are only saving perhaps $50 or $100 by not using Mitsubishi.

If a similar discount is factored in to more expensive servicing you perhaps will save $100 or $150 a pop once you factor in the included roadside assistance.

So, in the end you are paying a premium of perhaps $600 to $1000 at the most for dealership servicing over the 10 years of ownership but then as a trade off you are getting a 10 year factory backed warranty.

Not a bad deal considering all that can go wrong with these cars with their fancy electronics, transmissions and engines.

Plus - at trade in or private sale time you should be able to get a little more if you can show dealership servicing and able to pass on the balance of the warranty.

So, in effect, you are really not losing anything by taking up their offer?

As an aside, what does an extended full factory backed warranty cost with other manufacturers? I think if anyone else offered a full 10 years for the premium I suggested above they would jump at it.

Can you even get 10 years? I know Ford offered a 2 or 3 year extension at some stage, as did Mitsubishi for my car but I can't recall what $$ they asked for the extension.

Even if you don't like Mitsubishi - this will make other manufacturers raise the bar so it's a win either way for the consumer.

We all applauded when Hyundai went to 5 years warranty when the standard was 3, much the same as when Kia went to 7 when the standard became 5 years.

The other option is to change your model earlier and not have to sorry about lasting ten years,
especially if it means you get better newer vehicles when you upgrade.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by jpd80

But that's not the bulk of Rangers and Hiluxes, you're talking about a certain group of people
and their vehicle choices that yes, may be skewed by manufacturer advertising but in saying that,
maybe these folks are quite content to own a compromised vehicle.

I thought the whole point behind the demise of the sedan and emergence of the dualcab ute market was their flexibility to be both, a tradie's vehicle through the week and for recreational purpose on the weekend, i mean thats what they use to justify them.
So one would assume that Hilux or Ranger you see on building sites mid week may very well get a quickk tub before the van is hooked on and it heads for the van park for a weekend or lap of the block.
Problem is, vans are outgrowing the tow tugs as people desire more and more of their home comforts so the list of actually capable vehicles deminishes.
A 90k F truck can still pull the tradie trailer but can the 80k Ranger really pull the 24ft home on wheels safely?

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Just go to your nearest hill and look at them all crawl up at 40km/h in 2nd gear

Funny to see this point made Franco for we know your love of thailand dual cab but lets go back pre Thailand dual cabs.
Having been an avid traveller for family holidays going back from XSeries 6cyc Falcons incl wagons to their demise and to date.
How many hols driving either north south east west we bitched about being caught up behind caravans up grades/hills and how many were 6cyc Falcon/Holdens/Commodores.
All thats changed is the type of vehicle but they all hold you up when they need to climb hills.
Nowadays its alot better due to dual carriage ways apart from the donkeys hogging RH lanes.
Your compramising anytme imo when your a van/trailer devotee.
Obviously a V8 does it best but not many options here and damn big dollars those that people buy.

@ jpd, go visit a coastal caravan park one day, there is variety but alot of Hilux/Ranger/LC's/MUX's etc - then you'll see what consumers use forgetting the Fleet buyers.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I thought the whole point behind the demise of the sedan and emergence of the dualcab ute market was their flexibility to be both, a tradie's vehicle through the week and for recreational purpose on the weekend, i mean thats what they use to justify them.
So one would assume that Hilux or Ranger you see on building sites mid week may very well get a quickk tub before the van is hooked on and it heads for the van park for a weekend or lap of the block.
Problem is, vans are outgrowing the tow tugs as people desire more and more of their home comforts so the list of actually capable vehicles deminishes.
A 90k F truck can still pull the tradie trailer but can the 80k Ranger really pull the 24ft home on wheels safely?

But what I’m saying is that the numbers of people that actually tow those really heavy trailers with Hilux and Rangers is comparatively low. Most people have enough room in the rear tub to carry stuff on the weekend and then smaller trailers for stuff like jet skis or small trailers.

You’ll always get idiots trying to tow too much, it’s easy to run out of capacity but fortunately, the people that engage in max towing efforts are thankfully relatively low in number.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

And now Europe releases the Hybrid Kuga/Escape and Ford Australia plays funny buggers...a real Rav4 Hybrid competitor and they pretend they're an American Warship Captain neither able to conform or deny they are nuclear armed and yet "Warning Nuclear Radiation Hazard" warning signs are plastered on the side of the bulkhead...

https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-new...stralian-plans

Many just cannot fit chargers or run cables to their cars when parked on the street, want hybrids and this Escape has a claimed range near 1000km..diesel type economy and a proven sales success for this type of powertrain in Australia. After Ranger THIS should be Ford Aust's most important seller.

It's an odd decision. Might be because they won't be able to get the price anywhere near the 2k extra Toyota charge for RAV4 Hybrid option?

Originally Posted by hayseed

What was the Back story on the RHD F Trucks sold here in the early 2000's??

They were built in Brazil.

Originally Posted by naddis01

Go to any caravan park in Australia and see what Rangers and Hiluxes etc are towing.

Yeah but what % of new Hilux's and Ranger's tow big vans? Might only be 5% max.

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

At least Mitsubishi is doing something to get people through the door.

A 10 year warranty is an amazingly good deal and many would take that up. I know I would.

Lets crunch some numbers....

I looked up their regular servicing for the Outlander. If I was to get a basic service it would be $399. When more work is done it's naturally more expensive.

Take that $399 service. Say I was to get that done at my own independent for between $200 and $250. That would not include roadside assistance. What's that worth these days? $90 or $100?

Yes, I know - not needed on a new car! (I never used it with both my new Mitsubishi's). But then again people also use that for flat tyres and running out of fuel.

So in essence, you are only saving perhaps $50 or $100 by not using Mitsubishi.

If a similar discount is factored in to more expensive servicing you perhaps will save $100 or $150 a pop once you factor in the included roadside assistance.

So, in the end you are paying a premium of perhaps $600 to $1000 at the most for dealership servicing over the 10 years of ownership but then as a trade off you are getting a 10 year factory backed warranty.

Not a bad deal considering all that can go wrong with these cars with their fancy electronics, transmissions and engines.

Plus - at trade in or private sale time you should be able to get a little more if you can show dealership servicing and able to pass on the balance of the warranty.

So, in effect, you are really not losing anything by taking up their offer?

As an aside, what does an extended full factory backed warranty cost with other manufacturers? I think if anyone else offered a full 10 years for the premium I suggested above they would jump at it.

Can you even get 10 years? I know Ford offered a 2 or 3 year extension at some stage, as did Mitsubishi for my car but I can't recall what $$ they asked for the extension.

Even if you don't like Mitsubishi - this will make other manufacturers raise the bar so it's a win either way for the consumer.

We all applauded when Hyundai went to 5 years warranty when the standard was 3, much the same as when Kia went to 7 when the standard became 5 years.

It's a bit of a con, as it doesn't cover wear and tear. So if the suspension bush for example starts to fall apart in year 7 and 150,000 kms, they won't cover it. No different to clutches or brakes. After year 5 they probably won't cover much at all. Just things that should be expected to never break in the life of the vehicle. Which probably isn't much.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by jpd80

the people that engage in max towing efforts are thankfully relatively low in number.

Unfortunately, not from what I see everyday on the Hume.
Australians need the option for a larger, longer, factory base vehicle for said purpose.
Personally I would prefer to tow the 4x4 behind the caravan (bus conversion) but this has nothing to do with Endura's.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by jpd80

But what I’m saying is that the numbers of people that actually tow those really heavy trailers with Hilux and Rangers is comparatively low. Most people have enough room in the rear tub to carry stuff on the weekend and then smaller trailers for stuff like jet skis or small trailers.

You’ll always get idiots trying to tow too much, it’s easy to run out of capacity but fortunately, the people that engage in max towing efforts are thankfully relatively low in number.

Or, thats just the convenient narrative of someone whos objective is to defend Fords stance on refusing to accommodate, or allow others to accommodate, those 'idiots' that need something more substatial like a heavier duty vehicle because those 'comparatively' few who need such a vehicle will have a negative effect on Fords high end Thai special cashcow.
The thing is, if there are so few using Ranger to tow heavy loads as you suggest, there would also be few needing to buy F truck at a competetive price so it shouldn't have much of an impact on Ranger anyway.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

It's a bit of a con, as it doesn't cover wear and tear. So if the suspension bush for example starts to fall apart in year 7 and 150,000 kms, they won't cover it. No different to clutches or brakes. After year 5 they probably won't cover much at all. Just things that should be expected to never break in the life of the vehicle. Which probably isn't much.

Rubbish!

Perishables like brakes, clutches, shocks, bushes have always had a life expectancy and been a grey area with any warranty, infact its written into the warranty information.

If a clutch was to let go in the first 6 months it could be argued it was faulty or not fit for purpose but at 7yrs there is room to argue consumer misuse or general wear and would come down to how the vehicle has been maintained as to wether it would be covered or not same as any of those perishables.
If the transmission were to grenade itself in 7 yrs and it had a perfect service history it would be covered...unless it were a Ford powershift of course, coz they all do that.

[Yellow_Festiva]

Originally Posted by jpd80

The other option is to change your model earlier and not have to sorry about lasting ten years,
especially if it means you get better newer vehicles when you upgrade.

True - which poses an interesting situation to the new and used market.

Someone could buy a used Mitsubishi at 5 years old for half the price and still have 5 years warranty left...

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

It's an odd decision. Might be because they won't be able to get the price anywhere near the 2k extra Toyota charge for RAV4 Hybrid option?

When I get home I'll try and see if there is a UK Rav4 hybrid pricing and what Ford UK will charge for their version.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

When I get home I'll try and see if there is a UK Rav4 hybrid pricing and what Ford UK will charge for their version.

That would be an interesting comparison.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Or, thats just the convenient narrative of someone whos objective is to defend Fords stance on refusing to accommodate, or allow others to accommodate, those 'idiots' that need something more substatial like a heavier duty vehicle because those 'comparatively' few who need such a vehicle will have a negative effect on Fords high end Thai special cashcow.
The thing is, if there are so few using Ranger to tow heavy loads as you suggest, there would also be few needing to buy F truck at a competetive price so it shouldn't have much of an impact on Ranger anyway.

Your proposition was that vans are growing larger, I get that but it doesn't mean that
more than a small percentage of Rangers and Hiluxes on our roads are towing those
over sized vans, it could be regional or town specific that you guys see a bigger proportion
of them towing these vans as they pass through your areas.

As to the other about a defensive narrative, most can attest I tend to be all over the map,
I like what Ford is doing and planning for Ranger, would love a factory RHD F150 but also
realise why Ford would resist agreeing to the business case......

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

That would be an interesting comparison.

UK RAV4 Hybrid is priced from £31,000, the PHEV is not priced yet

UK Kuga PHEV is priced from £35,185.

From memory the PHEV Escape starts at ~$52,000

RAV4 GX 2WD hybrid starts at $36,346

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Your proposition was that vans are growing larger, I get that but it doesn't mean that
more than a small percentage of Rangers and Hiluxes on our roads are towing those
over sized vans, it could be regional or town specific that you guys see a bigger proportion
of them towing these vans as they pass through your areas.

Or it could just be that you dont frequent these places to gain an informed decision, i've personally spent 4 out of the past 8 weekends in 1 park and seen heaps of it, but i guess thats not indicative of every park, they all just hang out in this one and have skewed my observations.
If you want to believe the figures are small then go ahead, but dont attempt to push that narrative on others and suggest their experience is an exception based on geography when the 3 within this thread who have suggested otherwise come from different parts of the country.

[bathurst77]

Ford Oz created the brilliant Territory just as the SUV wave started, and it sold well, and opened new market segments to Ford Oz.
But rather than ride that wave and develop Territory,, more versions, more engine choices, improvements and Big updates, they just ignored it, with a few half baked updates, and let it wither on the vine, til it was past its sell by date and the competitors had caught up and passed it by.
Then oh dear nobody buys aussie cars, we have to close down"
something about roots, brothels and $100 notes

[naddis01]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Your proposition was that vans are growing larger, I get that but it doesn't mean that
more than a small percentage of Rangers and Hiluxes on our roads are towing those
over sized vans, it could be regional or town specific that you guys see a bigger proportion
of them towing these vans as they pass through your areas.

As to the other about a defensive narrative, most can attest I tend to be all over the map,
I like what Ford is doing and planning for Ranger, would love a factory RHD F150 but also
realise why Ford would resist agreeing to the business case......

In my opinion, the only brand that is even remotely considering a large factory RHD ute would be Toyota with the next gen Tundra. I just don't see any of the others possibly becoming factory RHD.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by jpd80

UK RAV4 Hybrid is priced from £31,000, the PHEV is not priced yet

UK Kuga PHEV is priced from £35,185.

From memory the PHEV Escape starts at ~$52,000

RAV4 GX 2WD hybrid starts at $36,346

Europe just announced the Kuga hybrid as well, no pricing yet but this is the direct competitor to Rav4 (self-charging hybrid)

I sat in a new Escape Vignale yesterday, I have to say it looks even better in the flesh, similar colour to the old Ego with 20" rims, the interior is a noticeable step up on the current Escape and the top self model is cheaper than what was quoted for the PHEV version. I'll take the 180+kW thanks.

I sent photo's to my wife, her reply was " Is that the new Escape?", my reply "no that's YOUR new Escape" and surprisingly I didn't get a "No, wait " but rather a "Really..."...so the trade-in valuations start next week.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Your proposition was that vans are growing larger, I get that but it doesn't mean that
more than a small percentage of Rangers and Hiluxes on our roads are towing those
over sized vans, it could be regional or town specific that you guys see a bigger proportion
of them towing these vans as they pass through your areas.

.

Don't take our word for it, go and have a look at the local caravan / boat / horsefloat dealer to see what customers are wanting to buy. And they would if they could find an equally well priced larger tow vehicle.

There is a new breed of people wanting to work and live on the road in large do everything houses.

PS. naddi01 the Toyota Tundra looks good on paper for this very application.