The Malaysia Tipper Lorry Operators’ Association has voiced concerns about the prevalent practice of blaming lorry drivers whenever accidents occur. Datuk Michael Loo Leep Chye, the association’s chairman, emphasised that numerous issues in the lorry industry stem from unclear guidelines and laws regarding loaded weight (BDM) and unladen weight (BTM). These ambiguities often lead to operational challenges and potentially unsafe practices.
According to NST, Loo highlighted that the knee-jerk reaction of enforcement agencies to make arrests after accidents doesn’t effectively address the root problems. He argued against laying the blame solely on lorry drivers, asserting that they should not be unfairly targeted as if they were criminals. He did, however, acknowledge that if drivers or operators are found to be negligent or excessively overloading their lorries, appropriate actions should be taken.
A new generation of the Ford Ranger will be launched in Malaysia soon, and given what we know about the new model from the global debut, it’s destined to continue the success story of its predecessors. But it’s not just the Ranger that is a successful truck model for Ford; in fact, Ford trucks have been dominant in the company’s sales for decades – and the bestselling vehicle in the USA.
Over 100 years of truck experience
Ford knows how to build great trucks because it has a history of making them for more than 100 years. Throughout its history, Ford has continuously improved its trucks with new innovations that improve their ability to get the job done. The cumulative experience means that today’s trucks like the Ranger have superior performance and are more durable and reliable than ever.
1917 Model TT – the first Ford truck.
The first Ford truck was created just 9 years after the first Model T began putting the world on wheels. Henry Ford received requests from customers asking for a vehicle that could carry heavier loads and provide greater utility for the work and deliveries which had been done by horse-carriages.
On July 27, 1917, Ford introduced the Model TT and it was able to bring out this new model so fast because it retained the Model T cab and engine. It was an approach that would be used till today where platforms, including powertrains, are shared among models, with the bodywork being different. The Model TT came with a heavier-duty frame capable of carrying one ton of payload.
First F-Series introduced in 1948
The formula for success
Similar to the Fordson tractor introduced in the same year, Ford envisioned a chassis that could accommodate beds and cargo areas that were made by other parties (like today’s commercial vehicle body-builders). By enabling such flexibility to customise the basic design, there would be increased functionality to get work done.
It was a formula for success. By 1928, Ford had sold 1.3 million Model TTs before replacing the truck with the more capable Model AA with a 1.5-ton chassis. Ford marketed its early trucks largely in rural areas, according to Bob Kreipke, a Ford historian. “Model AA trucks in particular had a certain class to them,” he said. “Customers could use them on the farm, yet still take them to church on Sunday.”
1935 Model 50 with Ford flathead V8.
Like the Model TT, the Model AA was available exclusively as a chassis cab offered in two lengths, with new powertrain and axle options for greater capacity. To stay ahead in what had become a hotly competitive business, Ford replaced the Model AA with the even more capable Model BB in 1933. Many were outfitted as mail and freight vehicles, as well as ambulances and other types of commercial vehicles. Two years later, Ford introduced the 1935 Model 50 pick-up truck , powered exclusively by its famous Ford Flathead V8 engine.
1953 Ford F-100
Making trucks more innovative
By 1941, Ford had sold more than 4 million trucks. Changing over to war production resulted in the loss of consumer sales but a gain in experience building heavy-duty military truck chassis and 4-wheel-drive personnel carriers. A year after consumer production resumed in 1947, Ford drew on that knowledge to provide even more innovations for its customers.
“After the war, a lot of rural Americans moved to urban and suburban centres looking for work, and many took their Ford pick-ups with them,” said Kreipke. “Ford saw this as an opportunity, and began work on the next generation of trucks for 1948 – which came to be known as F-Series Bonus Built trucks.”
Ford truck advertisement in 1965
After a successful run with the first generation F-Series, the second generation arrived in 1953 with increased engine power and capacity. The model line was also rebranded, with the F-1 becoming the F-100, while F-2 and F-3 trucks were integrated into the new F-250 line. Meanwhile, the F-4 became F-350 and the larger Class 8 trucks were spun off into a new C-Series commercial truck unit.
Ford trucks became dual-purpose vehicles – for work on weekdays and for family getaways on weekends.
Changing the truck role
Throughout this period, Ford trucks started looking less utilitarian, sporting features like 2-tone paint, automatic transmissions, and improved heater and radio offerings. New standard features debuted with the 1953 F-100, including armrests, dome lights and sun visors. Lower and with a wider cab, the new truck featured integrated front fenders and a more aerodynamic design.
45 years later, in the ASEAN region, the same thing would happen as Ford introduced the Ranger as its idea of the ‘Asian Car’. It came with a stylish look that was rugged, and had the features and convenience of a passenger car. In Malaysia, the timing was just right as local regulations had changed to permit use of trucks as private vehicles rather than only for commercial use.
First generation of the Ranger built and introduced in ASEAN in the 1990s.
Built Ford Tough
In 1961 – 44 years after the Model TT – Ford introduced its fourth-generation F-Series. It continued to have innovations that kept it a market leader, eg the revolutionary twin I-beam front suspension which debuted in 1965. An upscale Ranger package appeared in 1967 and advertisements emphasized improved comfort, value and durability, as Ford trucks now offered power steering and brakes, and a lower chassis profile.
Built Ford Tough
By 1977, the F-Series trucks were clear market leaders and sometime that year, a copywriter for a Ford truck magazine is said to have written three simple words that would come to define the brand: Built Ford Tough. It is more than a slogan – it’s a brand promise to owners and the mantra for Ford’s entire truck team.
Developing truck culture
In the years that followed, truck culture became very much part of American life. Trucks had become universal family vehicles; in addition to being only work trucks during the week, people also used them for weekend getaways. Ford trucks thus made American lifestyle more active and in 2022, the same thing is happening in Malaysia with Sime Darby Auto ConneXion’s ‘Ford Ranger Getaways’.
While the F-Series has been dominant in North America, Ford has also used its truck expertise with the Ranger in other parts of the world. Versatile and efficient, the Ranger has built a reputation for being tough and capable, leading it to thrive in diverse markets around the world.
Raptor – the performance truck
And while performance for a truck usually refers to the loads it can carry, Ford also added a new dimension to truck performance in the way that enthusiasts understand it. With the assistance of Ford Performance, the company’s high-performance division, the Raptor was created to enter the specialty truck segment. Inspired by desert racing and designed specifically to meet the needs of off-road truck enthusiasts, the Raptor was the first off-road trophy truck from a major manufacturer.
Developed by Ford Performance, the F-150 Raptor set the bar high for off-road performance. The same formula was applied to the Ranger to also create a Raptor variant that has become the ultimate truck, with no rivals.
To know more about Ford trucks available in Malaysia, especially the next-generation Ranger coming soon, visit www.sdacford.com.my. If you sign up here, you can get an exclusive invitation to a debut event at a city near you as well as receive regular updates to keep you informed.
MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn. Bhd. is doing its part to help keep prevent climate change by providing cleaner engines with its New MAN Truck Generation. MAN Malaysia is the first heavy-duty truck manufacturer in the country to upgrade its powerplants across the range.
The new engines meet the Euro V emission standard which means significantly lower emissions of toxic nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases. This is achieved through the use of low sulphur Euro V diesel and AdBlue exhaust treatment. Euro V diesel, available in B7 and B10 grades, has been available in the Malaysian market since 2014, with BHPetrol having been the first company to offer it.
Newly developed consumption-reducing driveline and software components also ensure a new level of efficiency to deliver improved fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The improved aerodynamics of the new vehicle design also play their part in this reduction.
Completely new range
The new MAN Truck Generation is a completely new range of heavy-duty trucks for the Malaysian market that is oriented towards the changing requirements of the transport industry. It is said to set new standards in key areas such as driver orientation, assistance systems, digital connectivity and reducing the environmental impact.
The new range consists of 5 variants of the TGS model which can be used for three main applications: 4×2 and 6×2 for haulage/container; 6×4 for construction and heavy-duty use; and 4×2 and 6×2 with ADR (Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) specifications. Prices for the vehicles start from RM340,000 for the standard specifications, excluding sales and service tax.
Customers can choose from 2 engine options. The 4×2 and 6×2 variants for haulage and transport of dangerous goods are powered by the proven and reliable MAN D20, 10.5-litre, 6-cylinder inline Euro V diesel engine. The heavy duty-oriented 6×4 variant has the bigger but equally efficient 12.4-litre D26 engine. Both engines are coupled to a smooth and quiet 12-speed MAN TipMatic intelligent gearbox with advanced software and selectable driving programmes for different applications.
Excellent driver fit and ergonomics
Developed with extensive input from drivers, the New MAN Truck Generation sets new standards in terms of user-friendliness, optimum ergonomics, more intuitive operation, reliable networking with digital devices and applications, optimum space and comfort. After all, the driver is the person who spends much of his life in the vehicle, so making it as comfortable and safe as possible is of great importance.
The redesigned smart-looking multi-function steering wheel is smaller than that of the previous generation of MAN Trucks. Equipped with airbag as standard for Malaysia, the new steering wheel can now be adjusted from 20° to an almost passenger car-like 55°, offering an ideal steering position for drivers of all shapes and sizes. Also new is the ability to adjust the steering wheel forward to 0° park position. This creates maximum space for easy getting in and out of the cab and for rest periods.
The cockpit is split into two levels. The bottom level instrument panel is now even more angled towards the driver for optimum reachability while the displays on the top level are placed further away for optimum visibility. This makes it easy for even the most seasoned drivers to switch to and from reading information on the display to the traffic on the road ahead.
Safety is just as vital to a truck driver as it is to a passenger car driver and the new MAN TGS is equipped with a host of innovative safety and driver assistance systems to ensure the driver and vehicle complete every journey safely. Like many of the latest passenger cars and SUVs, there are active safety systems such as Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Electronic Stability Program, and Advanced Emergency Brake Assist.
Optimised uptime
The hallmark of a ‘good’ truck is its reliability and independent TUV reports, confirm that the New MAN Truck Generation offers a new level of reliability and product quality. Newly developed, simplified, powerful and future-proof electronics architecture will significantly improve and expand its functionalities well into its service life.
Additionally, MAN Telematics, a comprehensively developed, cloud-based, factory-fitted digitalised maintenance and fleet management system, reduces operating inefficiencies and costs whilst delivering maximum up-time of the new MAN TGS. The good news is that MAN Malaysia is offering a free 2-year subscription with every purchase of the new trucks.
A transformational product
According to MAN Malaysia Managing Director, Andrew O’Brooks, the New MAN Truck Generation was a transformational product that marked the evolution of MAN Truck & Bus from a vehicle manufacturer to provider of intelligent and sustainable transport solutions.
“The New MAN Truck Generation is the most ambitious project by MAN Truck & Bus in 20 years. It is the answer that our customers expect us to provide in face of increasingly diverse and complex challenges confronting the transportation industry all over the world, including here in Malaysia,” he said.
“The New MAN Truck Generation, which was crowned the International Truck of the Year 2021, winner of two awards at iF Design Award 2021 and just named “Sustainable” Truck of the Year 2022; offers everything that customers and drivers expect and more. It combines the attributes that are synonymous with MAN Trucks — toughness, durability and reliability – with future-oriented innovations aimed at simplifying the lives of both business owners and the people behind the wheel,” he added.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although and you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Isuzu Malaysia continued to be the dominant player in the commercial vehicle market in 2020. From the official data issued by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the total volumes for Isuzu place it as No. 1 truck for the 7th consecutive year and light-duty truck for the 11th consecutive year.
In 2020, Isuzu Malaysia delivered a total of 4,747 vehicles in all segments, and its record success as the most preferred light-duty truck brand in Malaysia for the 11th consecutive year was achieved by the flagship ELF truck with total sales of 4,551 units.
Highest market share
“Isuzu Malaysia is extremely delighted to have wrapped up the year 2020 with great achievements and to welcome this new year with double celebrations after having secured the top position for both truck and light-duty truck brand categories once again,” said Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia.
“The total number of trucks we have sold last year is the highest market share that we have recorded since Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd was established. Last year was also our company’s 40th year anniversary in Malaysia, so this success is definitely a notable milestone for us,” he said. “It is also a reflection of our teams’ unrelenting commitment in making strong progress on our business execution. Our focus is to constantly strengthen the quality of our products and efficiency of our services to serve our customers better.”
“The pandemic situation in the past year had posed many extraordinary challenges for many people and companies across all industries. Despite the uphill market environment, I am pleased that we have managed to stay on course and effectively maximized our resources to help our customers move forward with their business operations,” Mr. Nakamura added.
Continued strategic initiatives
Despite the challenging market situation during the past year, Isuzu Malaysia took continued dealership network expansion, product innovation and ensured timely delivery of new trucks to customers. These strategic initiatives sustained sales growth, complemented by enhancements to service quality for increased customer satisfaction.
Latest engines in ELF models have B20 biodiesel compatibility.
Enhanced ELF launched
During 2020. the enhanced Isuzu ELF was launched which offers the Isuzu Safety Plus platform. Besides the combination of safety system upgrades, the enhanced ELF also has B20 biodiesel compatibility and greater warranty benefits. The enhancements are available in 19 variants of the model which offers the widest range in light-duty truck market.
“Isuzu Malaysia’s strategy has always been built around having satisfied and productive customers and I am glad that our achievements had demonstrated a well-performed year for us. I would also like to commend and thank all our employees and skilled dealership teams for always making extra efforts for our customers. Their dedication has contributed hugely to Isuzu Malaysia’s uninterrupted leading position,” said Mr. Nakamura.
An Isuzu 3S dealership in Taiping, Perak
“Looking ahead in this new year, I believe that Malaysia’s economy will slowly but steadily improve, and many industries will further recover too. Although Isuzu is now well-known for offering a wide range of trucks that have become the preferred choice for quality, durability and cost-efficiency, we will continue to remain focused on providing more excellence and value to all our customers. Importantly, Isuzu Malaysia’s aim this year is to continue rendering assistance in essential services, ensuring smooth delivery of products and making contribution for people’s daily life and business,” he promised.
To know more about Isuzu’s range of vehicles and locations of dealerships in Malaysia, visit www.isuzu.net.my.
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd recently had an official opening of its very first medium and heavy-duty (MHD) truck dealership in East Malaysia. Located in Kuching, Sarawak, this new MHD truck dealership is operated by Dai Max Automobile Sdn Bhd.
The dealership has 3S status, meaning it offers customers sales, service and spare parts. As its location is near industrial areas, it is readily accessible to many truck drivers whenever they require attention for their vehicles.
“We are very excited with the opening of Isuzu Malaysia’s first MHD truck dealership in Kuching which underscores our commitment to expanding our customer reach in this part of Malaysia, as well as strengthening our aftermarket services and maximising our customers’ satisfaction and trust in us,” said Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, during the official opening ceremony.
“This dealership is designed to deliver exceptional sales and service experience to meet the needs of our customers throughout the region. With a large facility combined with a convenient location, it will definitely enable us to serve our East Malaysian customers better, thus contributing to their business productivity,” added Mr. Nakamura.
The premises of the new dealership cover roughly 3,000 square metres, with the service centre area taking up about 650 square metres. Dai Max Automobile took about 5 years to complete the new dealership which is built according to the latest service centre design. Its facilities allow easy manoeuvring of trucks for service or repair.
In addition, there are three extra bays for light commercial vehicles and light-duty vehicles, plus two extra bays for MHD trucks. The dealership also has ample parking spaces and efficient workshop layout for trucks that are waiting to be inspected.
The team of well-trained and skilled technicians use Isuzu’s latest diagnostic tools for all maintenance work. They always aim to minimise truck downtime so as to increase business efficiency for vehicle owners.
Amenities such as family-friendly customer lounge, prayer room and complimentary snacks and beverages are available for truck drivers to enjoy before they hit the road again once the truck is ready.
One of the latest Isuzu trucks available in Malaysia.
“With this new MHD truck dealership, our aim is to focus on potential customers, strengthening our team’s product knowledge and technical skills to support Isuzu Malaysia in achieving growth in this region. Through product innovation, quality service and people, we will be able to create new capabilities to provide the best support for our customers,” Mr. Nakamura promised.
“We will do this by providing competitive pricing for parts and technical services to exceed our customers’ expectations. This will eventually connect to fleet and parts sales, attract new fleet customers and create strong product and brand awareness,” he said.
The new dealership brings the total number of Isuzu MHD dealerships to 11, with 10 strategically located around Peninsular Malaysia.
Beginnings are sometimes difficult and where the truck is concerned, its earliest years saw a great deal of resistance. In fact, it did not attract even a single buyer in Germany. Whereas the high society had welcomed the car with open arms as an enrichment of their personal freedom, the truck came up against severe scepticism in industry: capital goods had to earn money but the idea of sending goods by motorized vehicles seemed less efficient and not as fast as by railway.
The truck was a creation of Gottlieb Daimler, who sought to find more applications for his engine. He came up with the motorcycle, the motorized handcar, a motorized fire-fighting pump, and – eventually and almost inevitably – with the truck. Back in 1896, he set up the first truck on iron-clad wooden wheels – a type of carriage without a drawbar but with an engine instead.
Strictly speaking, it was a converted horse-drawn cart whose chassis featured transversely mounted, fully elliptic leafsprings at the front and coil springs at the rear. This complex suspension was important not only because of the poor road conditions at the time but also because of the engine’s distinctive sensitivity to vibrations.
The rear-mounted 4-hp 2-cylinder engine called ‘Phoenix’ had a displacement of 1.06 litres. It had been adopted from the passenger car and its features included glow-tube ignition and spray-nozzle carburettor. Gottlieb Daimler promoted ‘the compactness and elegance of the design, the noiseless and jerk-free operation and the odourless exhaust gases’ as the major advantages of the Phoenix engines. They could run on petrol, coal gas and lamp fuel.
Belts transmitted the power produced by the engine, which was installed in an upright position underneath the rear end, to a shaft – with pinions at both ends – mounted transversely to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis. Each of these pinions meshed with the internal teeth of a ring gear which was firmly connected with the wheel to be driven.
Interest in England
While there was lack of interest in Germany, a buyer was found in the mother country of industrialization – England. In that country, steam-powered vehicles had long since managed the transition from rail to road. At the same time, however, England was a country in which coke and coal were particularly cheap – which is why a vehicle with a petrol engine was hardly considered. And it was only after 1901 that his truck proved to be superior to the steam-powered truck, customary on the island at the time, in a comparative test in Liverpool.
It goes without saying that the engineering needed time to mature. Nevertheless, Daimler rapidly advanced into the 5-ton payload category. The output of the first truck range launched soon after-wards ranged from 4 to 10 hp, payload capacity from 1,500 to 5,000 kgs. Shortly after the world’s first truck had been supplied to England, Daimler presented a range comprising as many as 4 models from September 1896.
In the same year, Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach moved the 6-hp 2-cylinder Phoenix engine, previously mounted at the rear in the style of an underfloor engine, to underneath the driver’s seat, and the 4-speed belt transmission equally moved to the front.
More improvements from 1897
However, this solution still left a lot to be desired, especially as the belt transmission, which had proved itself in passenger cars, was suitable for heavyweights only to a limited extent. Therefore, as early as 1897, just one year later, the truck was finally given a face that clearly distinguished it from the car and paved the way towards ever greater output and payload.
The engine found its traditional place right at the front, ahead of the steered axle, and transmitted its output via a 4-speed gearbox and a full-length longitudinal shaft and pinions to the rear wheels which continued to be iron-clad.
Not only the powertrain was improved but also the engine, which was enlarged to 2.2 litres. A completely new design principle was adopted for the radiator: the tubular radiator represented a significant improvement of the cooling system, an indispensable precondition for a higher power output.
Promoting the truck across Europe
As the 20th century approached, Daimler stepped up promoting his trucks. With his 5-tonner, he went to Paris to show it off alongside a 4-hp belt-driven car. Yet there were many who were not convinced of the value of a truck with a combustion engine. It was generally assumed in Europe that combustion engines were right for passenger cars, but for commercial vehicles, the powerplants should be steam engines or electric motors.
People were reluctant also because petrol had to be bought at the chemist’s shop but. Few people understood the engineering which was far from being able to cope with all the hardships the roads had in store for vehicles at the time. The buyer of Karl Benz’s first bus, for instance, returned the vehicle to him because of the difficulties negotiating the ruts carved by heavy-duty horse-drawn carts into the roads.
Another general problem was the fact that the spoked wooden wheels customary at the time could even catch fire under certain circumstances! The conventional combination of journal and bushing was susceptible to crushing at the edges, leading to burn marks on the hollow hub. To make things worse, iron wheels provided poor traction, while there was little to prevent solid-rubber tyres from melting or crumbling under the impact of heat. And through to the 1920s, pneumatic tyres were suitable only for light loads.
Nevertheless, things got better for the truck as the industrial revolution gathered momentum and demand for distribution was rising. As the 20th century started, truck engineering had sufficiently advanced to be considered a viable proposition. Transport operators engaged in heavy-duty distribution began to discover the advantages of the new engineering for themselves. Brickworks and breweries were among the first branches of industry, which bought trucks in large numbers.
Gaining momentum in the 20th century
However, long-distance transport remained the domain of the railways for a long time to come. The distribution of labour at a time when the truck was still in its infancy was like this: while the railways linked the industrial centres with each other, traditional horse-drawn carts and trucks distributed goods to smaller towns and villages.
The onset of the first World War did create demand for trucks by the military although when the war ended, so too did demand for some time. Nevertheless, by the 1930s, truck engineering had matured and advanced greatly that it was able to be a viable alternative for delivery over the long distances that had been handle by the railway services.
Birth of sub-segments
During the 20th century, as the truck segment began to grow, sub-segments appeared in different markets. There were large trucks, medium-sized trucks and small trucks, the vehicle type typically defined by having a large cargo space behind. Huge trucks were designed for mining operations while smaller trucks – referred to as pick-up trucks – were useful for business operators to carry small loads.
Not surprisingly, Daimler Truck AG, with its 120-year history, has consistently set standards for the entire transportation industry – in terms of safety, fuel efficiency and driver and passenger comfort. It is today one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. Its portfolio has 7 vehicle brands to serve various segments.
Trucks. 4x4s. Pick-up Trucks. Call them what you will, but a couple of decades ago they didn’t exist… well not on the highways anyway. Since Mercedes-Benz likes to call itself “the inventor of the automobile” I guess it’s only apt to call Ford Malaysia “the inventor of the lifestyle pick-up truck”… no, really.
You see, not so very long ago in the early 90s, Ford Malaysia‘s (then known as AMIM Ford) passenger car sales were suffering, with only the outdated Laser and Telstar being sold, and I use that word ‘sold’ very loosely. So what did they do? In a masterstroke of genius, because their cars weren’t selling very well in their given segments, AMIM Ford decided to create a whole new market segment. And ‘lo and behold, the ‘lifestyle’ pick-up truck was born.
I owned the very first of those trucks, it was called the Ford Courier. It was a naturally-aspirated 2.5L diesel, and if memory serves, the model survived one update (Courier Splash – yellow) and was replaced by the turbocharged Ranger, which henceforth became one of the market leaders in the lifestyle pick-up truck segment, despite just about every other carmaker jumping on the truck-bandwagon, or rather cargo-bed, and introducing their own trucks.
The Ford Ranger 4×4 has evolved over the years, and while still staying true to its “Built Ford Tough” credo, it’s also become – for better or worse (see video below) – a lot more ‘liveable’ and domesticated. It’s like capturing a wild animal and eventually taming it enough to become a house pet. Never forget though, that behind that docile exterior, an untamed beast still lurks…
One of those beasts of course is the new Ford Ranger Raptor, which you can read more about and see videos of here, as well as one of the 4 new Rangers that were recently launched, this Ranger XLT Limited+. Boasting a first-in-class 10-speed automatic transmission, yes, TEN speeds, the new Ranger XLT+ is powered by a new 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine that churns out 213Ps and whopping 500Nm of torque.
It also has an array of other FIC attributes including AEB or Autonomous Emergency Braking & Front Collision Alert, Lane-Departure Warning, Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking, Adaptive Cruise Control and an Easy-Lift Tailgate. Anyone who’s ever owned a truck will know just how heavy that rear tailgate (above) is.
The new Rangers, finally with hydraulic bonnet struts (above), have definitely moved the goalposts insofar as the lifestyle pick-up truck market is concerned, not only are they still very much “Built Ford Tough” but they now also offer an incredible level of refinement unheard of in Rangers of yore.
Want to know more about the new Ford Rangers? Click this link.
Ford Ranger Limited XLT+ 4×4 Photo Gallery…
BONUS! Why I love the older Ford Ranger 3.2 Wildtrak…
“No replacement for displacement”… we’ve often heard this adage, but does it apply to trucks? Here’s an older model with 3,200cc of brute force, and here’s what I think of it!
I’m gonna dispense with the preamble, this truck doesn’t need one. So I’m just gonna mention 5 Things you need to know about the Sutton CS3500Monster 4×4 Truck launched by Hamawangsa Kredit Sdn. Bhd. just now, and then show you a video…
It costs RM780,888 and it’s bigger than your living room.
It’s powered by a V6 3,500cc Twin-Turbo w/Intercooler PETROL engine.
It produces 450bhp and close to 700Nm of torque.
It runs on massive 315/70 R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain Tyres & Fox Racing Shox Suspension.
It comes with a 3-year / 60,000km warranty.
And here’s the walkaround video…
Interested? To view the Sutton CS3500, Hamawangsa Kredit is located at Lot 2855 & 2863, Pinggir Taman Tun Dr.Ismail, Jalan Damansara, 60000, KL (opposite Mutiara Damansara, the area where LOTUS and MOFAZ Speedzone used to be) Tel: +603-7733 1666
Yes, 2019 is indeed shaping up to be a stellar year for Truck and SUV fans across the nation, and here’s just a taste of what’s to come!
LAND ROVER
Thanks to AutoExpress, we’re getting a first glimpse of the all-new 2019 Land Rover Defender. So who said the LR Defender was dead eh? You just can’t kill a Defender….
“The all-new Land Rover Defender will be revealed within the next 12 months, likely to be towards the end of 2019, and new official images have given us our best look yet at the iconic SUV in development. The latest image shows a prototype of the all-new Defender under going off-road testing in North America as part of its grueling test cycle. The vehicle will be subjected to temperatures as low as -40 Celsius and as high as 48 Celsius and at attitudes as high as 13,000ft.” – Auto Express.
FORD
As we all know, late last year, Ford Malaysia finally launched the much-awaited Ranger Raptor, (<–link) but in addition to that, they also introduced new variants of the Ranger 4×4 in the form of the XL, XLT, XLT+ (below)and Wildtrak. In total there are 9 variants of the new Ranger, including the aforementioned Raptor.
Here’s a short walkabout video of the Ford Ranger XLT+
PROTON
Right. So this SUV is likely the MOST anticipated of the lot. Having subjected us to one of the longest ever “long-lead” ups to its launch, which happened only last month, Proton’s X70 SUV (<–link) has finally hit the road. We’ve already seen a few out there, all CBU of course, with local-assembly only set to begin in October 2019. With more than 12,000 bookings taken before launch and once the order-books were opened, we await word on the official media drive later this month, in the meantime, here’s a walkaround video:
TOYOTA
What a Rush. Sorry, just had to with a name like that. Yes, the new Toyota Rush (<–link) was introduced recently too, and we even managed to get a short test drive in! Set to be officially launched very soon, the price estimate is apparently below RM100k… we’re guessing circa RM92,000 or so. Here’s a quick walkaround video:
MITSUBISHI
All hail the new Triton! Shown at KLIMS 2018, (<—link) this truck is likely the only contender to the Ranger Raptor in terms of ‘wow’ factor. There’s still no word on when it’s going to arrive here, but it’s a stunner! Completely unexpected, it was getting a lot of attention at the show, here’s a video featuring the truck:
PERODUA
So technically it’s still very hush-hush for now, but there’s definitely a new Perodua SUV on the way. Perodua isn’t new to SUVs, having introduced the Kembara many years back, and the short-lived Nautica later on. Largely based on the Daihatsu Terios (above) and Toyota Rush, it’s almost a given that Perodua will have some design input in the finished product, scheduled to be launched in Q1 this year. Here’s a video on the Terios…
ISUZU
And now a surprise. In October 2019, Isuzu Malaysia will bring in the new MU-X 7-seater SUV! We have no solid details about it at the moment, except to say that in typical MU-X fashion, it is huge. Here’s a walkaround video:
Photo Gallery (Land Rover Defender images courtesy of AutoExpress.co.uk)
The Ford Motor Company, together with its local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has launched the new Ford Ranger… NINE variants to be exact – an even more capable pick-up with a freshened lineup that combines class-leading technology, safety and convenience features. The new ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger builds on the capabilities and off-road credentials that perfectly complements, and enables a wide range of customers’ work and lifestyles. But not the Raptor… this was just a preview. The official Raptor launch happens at KLIMS next month (see video below)…
The new Ranger lineup in Malaysia consists of nine different variants, including the XL, XLT, new XLT+ Wildtrak, and the much anticipated Ranger Raptor. The Raptor will be launched officially at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 this November. Pricing for the new Ranger Raptor has not been announced but it’s quite possible that the Raptor could be the first ‘lifestyle’ pick-up truck in Malaysia to breach the RM200,000 mark.
“With the new advanced features and the new generation powertrain offering even greater capability, the new Ranger will build on its already strong and widening appeal in the market,” said Truong Kim Phong, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. “The new Ranger will help continue to revolutionise the pickup truck segment, and we are proud that so many customers are choosing Ford.”
“We know that Malaysian customers want their pickups to have the toughness of a truck as well as the comfort and advanced features of a passenger vehicle. We are confident that the new Ranger lineup will offer customers unmatched versatility, helping them achieve more, whether at work or with their family,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (below).
More on the new Ford Rangers…
Advanced Powertrains for Proven Performance, Cutting-edge Technology
The new Ford Ranger offers a choice of three diesel powertrains to deliver greater versatility and to match consumer demands for a wider variety of requirements. These include the new generation 2.0L Single-Turbo and 2.0L Bi-Turbo engines, and the Ranger’s proven Duratorq 2.2L.
Ford’s new generation of diesel engines uses advanced materials and boasts sophisticated construction. Compact, lightweight, powerful and efficient, they feature common-rail direct fuel-injection, an integrated intake manifold, and a belt-in-oil primary drive. Available exclusively on the Wildtrak 4×4 (and Raptor) is the new-generation 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine, coupled with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission to bring greater torque, improved flexibility and a quieter, more comfortable drive.
The 2.0L Bi-Turbo takes advantage of sequential turbocharging to deliver greater responsiveness, drivability and maximum efficiency. A pair of turbochargers are employed for maximum performance and efficiency. A variable geometry turbocharger is employed to deliver greater throttle response and eliminate lag by spooling up quickly at low speeds. The second unit is a fixed geometry turbocharger with a high flow capacity to deliver maximum power and performance.
With 500Nm from a low 1750rpm, the Bi-Turbo engine delivers a greater torque spread, with the 10-speed’s close ratios reducing gaps in power and acceleration to make steep, slippery hill-climbs much easier. The Wildtrak model optioned with the new engine maintains Ranger’s equal class-leading payload and 3500kg towing capability. The 2.0L Single-Turbo engine, available on the Wildtrak 4×2 and new Ranger XLT+ variants, is also mated to Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver 180PS and an impressive 420Nm of torque. The XL and XLT variants are equipped with Ranger’s proven 2.2L turbodiesel engine, which offers 160PS/385Nm and comes with a six-speed automatic and manual transmission.
Tougher, Smarter
Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist feature using Inter-Urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection is available on the new Ranger. The system is designed to detect pedestrians as well as vehicles to bring the Ranger to a complete stop to help mitigate potential rear-end collisions and road-traffic collisions with pedestrians. The system functions at speeds above 3.6km/h.
The First and only in-class Lane Departure Warning & Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning will carry over to the new Ranger. Ford’s segment-first Semi-Automatic Parrallel Parking (SAPP) is available on the Wildtrak 4×4. The driver need only to apply the gear changes and brakes, and the system will automatically steer the Ranger into the parking space.
Loading is easier than ever on the Wildtrak and XLT+ models with the introduction of the first and only in-class, Easy Lift Tailgate. With a new internal mechanism, the Ranger’s tailgate is now lighter to lift, with a 70 percent reduction in initial force required to raise it for closing. Not only does this system require less effort to lift, it also means that it’s easier to lower. Check out the video below for a “one-finger” operation demonstration of the easy-lift tailgate (skip to the 2m20sec mark for the demo)
The Ranger has added the light and nimble Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to the entry level XL variant – making it the first-in-segment to offer this feature as standard across all models – and providing even more capability to these workhorse trucks that tackle the daily demands of construction sites and agricultural fields across the country.
Ranger’s Fresh Face
The new Ranger’s rugged good looks see styling changes that carry on the off-road stance and visual appeal of the current model. Lead by a cleaner new grille, which features the distinctive ‘nostrils’, the more distinctively chiselled lower bumper now offers a broader intake for a more balanced look. Ranger Wildtrak and XLT+ boast LED daytime running lights and HID headlights for better visibility. The Wildtrak variants will also come fitted with LED front fog lamps.
“A successful design should communicate its intent at-a-glance,” said Ford Asia-Pacific Director of Design, Todd Willing.“With Ranger’s reputation as an amazingly capable and versatile vehicle, it is our responsibility to create a design that clearly signals those attributes in combination with a handsome and appealing aesthetic.” There is also clearer distinction between models visually, with bumper treatments and colours reflecting the unique character of each model – be it a hardworking Ranger XL or a go-anywhere Wildtrak. Chrome brightwork on the Ranger XLT and Monument accents on the Ranger Wildtrak reflect each model’s unique position in the line-up. Exclusive to Wildtrak is the new ‘Saber’ hero colour, a rich orange with blonde accents which contrasts strongly with the dark grey grille surrounds. The Wildtrak’s sports-bar and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels further differentiate it from the pack.
Mission Control
The Ranger is now equipped with keyless entry and push-start button on the XLT+ and Wildtrak. Its interior hosts an array of upgrades to help tackle the working week, the long weekend road trip, and the off-road adventure. With durable, tactile surface finishes ensuring a long lifespan, the spacious Ranger now sports a black themed interior. Contrasting detail elements including shadow chrome and silver accent stitching help give its interior a premium feel.
SYNC® 3 on the Ranger XLT+ and Wildtrak is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and includes Bluetooth and an 8.0-inch full colour touchscreen. The Wildtrak is also equipped with in-built satellite navigation system for when the Ranger is beyond mobile coverage areas.
On-road Comfort, Off-road Conquered
The new Ranger’s suspension had been upgraded for improved control roll, to enhance the driving experience when fully-laden and when towing. The new packaging also enables geometry changes for an improved ride, a reduction in body roll as well as improved steering precision. The suspension changes do not impact on Ranger’s equal class-leading towing and payload capabilities.
“We’ve further improved how Ranger behaves when carrying a load, towing a boat or when taking a caravan around the country,” said John Willems, Chief Program Engineer, Ranger.“The Ranger is now better to drive when it’s working at its hardest. It is easier to handle, so you can really make the most of its payload and towing capabilities. It helps reduce fatigue on long trips, too.”
Pricing, Colors and Service
The following variants of the new Ranger are available at the following prices:
Wildtrak – two variants, from RM134,888.00
XLT+ – one variant, from RM124,888.00
XLT – two variants, from RM109,888.00
XL – three variants, from RM90,888.00
The Ranger is available in eight exciting colors, including the three new; Saber (Wildtrak only), Magnetic and Lightning Blue colours, as well as Cool White, Meteor Grey, Aluminium Metallic, Frozen White and Absolute Black.
As an early bird offer,the first 888 customers who register their new Ford Ranger will each receive an electrical goods voucher worth RM1,000. The early bird offer ends either when the 888th registration is reached or at 31 December 2018, whichever comes first*. On top of that, Sime Darby Auto Connexion will be offering new Ranger customers up to 2 years free maintenance or up to 40,000km for customers who successfully register before 31 January 2019, whichever comes first*.
