The Thailand Special Thread - New Developments/News - Page 29

**DFB FGXR6** · 19-04-2025, 09:18 PM

For the record, I don't like calling these vehicles "trucks" for various reasons, but then they aren't "Utes" either.

The word "Ute" was originally derived from Coupe-Utility, which dates back to the vehicle Ford Australia invented in 1934. This combined a coupe side profile and unbroken rear quarter panel, but with a tray/bed instead of a boot/concealed luggage area. As the years went on, the Coupe-Utility also signified passenger-car based origins, as in a monocoque body structure and integrated/unbroken quarter panel.

The real question is, going by that above, were the AU - FGX Utes actually "Utes". I say yes because they remained based on a passenger vehicle.

The current crop of "Thai Specials" are not passenger car based, nor do they have a monocoque body structure, and they certainly don't have the single piece quarter panel/integrated tub. They are Pickup Trucks, which is not just an American thing, other countries call them that too.

I think the closest thing to the "Ute" today would be the Escape-based Ford Maverick, and the Honda Ridgeline..............both not available here.

Sorry Captain Stubbing, just trying to provide some historical context to why some refrain from calling these vehicles "Ute".

Travesty · 19-04-2025, 09:28 PM

Here's a question.

Would the hatred of the Thai built vehicles have happened had Ford kept Broadmeadows going and built Ranger there?

prydey · 19-04-2025, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travesty

Here's a question.

Would the hatred of the Thai built vehicles have happened had Ford kept Broadmeadows going and built Ranger there?

The irony is, it's not a new style of vehicle. It's actually one of the oldest styles of vehicle. Cab front with load area at the back. Essentially an automated horse and cart (apart from not being articulated).

Its hard to know exactly where the prejudice comes from. Is it because by and large, the staple passenger car was barely in the grave and most people had already moved on? Is it because they became popular? Is it just tall poppy syndrome? I really don't know. I personally find it irrational but that's just me.

Travesty · 20-04-2025, 12:05 AM

Cadogan on the Super Duty:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJJjIJ-iMsU

naddis01 · 20-04-2025, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travesty

Cadogan on the Super Duty:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJJjIJ-iMsU

I love how he belittles other journalists for just parroting off the press release and not asking any tough questions or doing any research. Then he proceeds to use Redbook as his reference source for his figures instead of spending 5 minutes on the manufacturers website and gets a few of them wrong.

XR Martin · 20-04-2025, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naddis01

I love how he belittles other journalists for just parroting off the press release and not asking any tough questions or doing any research. Then he proceeds to use Redbook as his reference source for his figures instead of spending 5 minutes on the manufacturers website and gets a few of them wrong.

He's just annoyed because he wasn't invited to the release.

Travesty · 20-04-2025, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR Martin

He's just annoyed because he wasn't invited to the release.

This is true, although you can't deny his logic in what Ford held back...

Using Redbook, that's a bit lazy

jpd80 · 20-04-2025, 11:47 AM

A little surprised that Ford gave out this much info when the SD is still about 12 months away as they
don’t normally do that. Is this actually Ford trying to leap frog Toyota on a possible future HD Hilux?

**DFB FGXR6** · 20-04-2025, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

A little surprised that Ford gave out this much info when the SD is still about 12 months away as they
don’t normally do that. Is this actually Ford trying to leap frog Toyota on a possible future HD Hilux?

Well, Toyota's answer to the Ranger Raptor was the plastic fantastic Rouge and GR Sport, which are just SR5's with some extra plastic cladding glued on. What would a Hilux SD be? A Workmate with fog lights and a set of wheel arch flairs, powered by the "proven" (read - old) 2.8 diesel.

Travesty · 20-04-2025, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Well, Toyota's answer to the Ranger Raptor was the plastic fantastic Rouge and GR Sport, which are just SR5's with some extra plastic cladding glued on. What would a Hilux SD be? A Workmate with fog lights and a set of wheel arch flairs, powered by the "proven" (read - old) 2.8 diesel.

Which begs the question, does Toyota do anything substantial in Australia anymore besides sticker packs?

smoo · 20-04-2025, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

A little surprised that Ford gave out this much info when the SD is still about 12 months away as they
don’t normally do that. Is this actually Ford trying to leap frog Toyota on a possible future HD Hilux?

Betting all Toyota had lined up was to screw another 15kw and 20nm out of the timing chain slapping 1GD.

jpd80 · Yesterday, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Well, Toyota's answer to the Ranger Raptor was the plastic fantastic Rouge and GR Sport, which are just SR5's with some extra plastic cladding glued on. What would a Hilux SD be? A Workmate with fog lights and a set of wheel arch flairs, powered by the "proven" (read - old) 2.8 diesel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travesty

Which begs the question, does Toyota do anything substantial in Australia anymore besides sticker packs?

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoo

Betting all Toyota had lined up was to screw another 15kw and 20nm out of the timing chain slapping 1GD.

First, thanks to all of you for answering

The types of commercial sales that Ford is after with the Super Duty Ranger seems
to align with what’s traditionally been covered by Landcruiser single and dual cab Utes.

So does Toyota have any plans to replace that older type Landcruisers or does it just soldier on?
If it’s the latter, then yes the new Ranger SD picking up lots of easy sales - Ford’s plan obviously

Travesty · Yesterday, 03:54 PM

Important info omissions aside, if Ford are sensible and price it where it undercuts the Landcruiser (and not engage in captive market tactics), the order books will be full for years.

For my reckoning, the supercab needs to be $85-90k, the dual $105-110k (XLT trim level). Twenty large over the standard duty equivalent makes sense.

naddis01 · Yesterday, 04:42 PM

I think it's pretty easy to come up with ballpark axle loadings. Given the increased track width that looks similar to Raptor, which is very similar to F250, and the 8 stud axles, I feel it is safe to assume Ford has reached into the parts bin and will use a variation of the F250 rear axle. From that we can assume the rear axle loading will be in the region of 2875kg.

smoo · Yesterday, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travesty

Important info omissions aside, if Ford are sensible and price it where it undercuts the Landcruiser (and not engage in captive market tactics), the order books will be full for years.

For my reckoning, the supercab needs to be $85-90k, the dual $105-110k (XLT trim level). Twenty large over the standard duty equivalent makes sense.

But how long can Ford demand 80 odd grand for a dual cab Wiltrack??
In the next 12 months a heap of models coming on the market from China, plus the new Hilux and Navara. Ohh, and Kia.
The segment will be proper diluted this time next year.
BYD and Cannon Hybrid at around $65k is gonna hurt sales of Japanese and Ford models. I can see price adjustments happening if uptake on Chinese models is high plus if the greens have any say next election cycle don’t be surprised if there’s further financial incentives to get into phev Utes favouring the Chinese brands.

Big_Daz · Yesterday, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Well, Toyota's answer to the Ranger Raptor was the plastic fantastic Rouge and GR Sport, which are just SR5's with some extra plastic cladding glued on. What would a Hilux SD be? A Workmate with fog lights and a set of wheel arch flairs, powered by the "proven" (read - old) 2.8 diesel.

Do some research DFB (https://www.toyota.com.au/hilux/gr-sport), GR Sport Hilux is alot more than a "SR5 with some cladding". Wider track, higher ground clearance, better brakes, suspension, tyres, etc plus more. No, not as hardcore as a Raptor and I would never buy one but still...

Cadogan's latest apparent "Shilling for Kia" on Tasman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGw6kBTHK6I

The most recent of 7 or 8 Video's ragging it out. Hard to believe the pre on road cost for the top spec one is $100 more than V6 Wildtrak.. Insane...

kevino · Yesterday, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoo

But how long can Ford demand 80 odd grand for a dual cab Wiltrack??
In the next 12 months a heap of models coming on the market from China, plus the new Hilux and Navara. Ohh, and Kia.
The segment will be proper diluted this time next year.
BYD and Cannon Hybrid at around $65k is gonna hurt sales of Japanese and Ford models. I can see price adjustments happening if uptake on Chinese models is high plus if the greens have any say next election cycle don’t be surprised if there’s further financial incentives to get into phev Utes favouring the Chinese brands.

Wildtrak 80?
Tv specials in Qld
Wildtrak 70 driveaway
Xlt 60 driveaway

A new market reality realised by Ford Ute Australia

Travesty · Yesterday, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

Wildtrak 80?Tv specials in Qld Wildtrak 70 driveawayXlt 60 driveawayA new market reality realised by Ford Ute Australia

That's for units already in the country. Do a custome build, prepare your anus.

smoo · Yesterday, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

Wildtrak 80?
Tv specials in Qld
Wildtrak 70 driveaway
Xlt 60 driveaway

A new market reality realised by Ford Ute Australia

I saw a campaign for V6 advertised $85k drive away in WA a while ago.
Assume $5-6k in on roads.
Just checked local Ford dealer, they have a ‘24 demo with 5,000km in the clock for $80k driveway. Must be better deals over east.Or are you seeing pricing for bi turbo with a few options/accessories fitted?

kevino · Yesterday, 07:01 PM

No
Idea mate tv didn’t quote motor spec
Ranger Everest is a vehicle I would never buy so I don’t play with specs and prices

**DFB FGXR6** · Yesterday, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big_Daz

Do some research DFB (https://www.toyota.com.au/hilux/gr-sport), GR Sport Hilux is alot more than a "SR5 with some cladding". Wider track, higher ground clearance, better brakes, suspension, tyres, etc plus more. No, not as hardcore as a Raptor and I would never buy one but still...

Cadogan's latest apparent "Shilling for Kia" on Tasman:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGw6kBTHK6I

The most recent of 7 or 8 Video's ragging it out. Hard to believe the pre on road cost for the top spec one is $100 more than V6 Wildtrak.. Insane...

And still powered by a gutless 2.8 SR5 engine.

Dr Smith · Yesterday, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travesty

That's for units already in the country. Do a custome build, prepare your anus.

Why do you assume you'll pay the full online price if really about to buy one, even if ordering?

Travesty · Yesterday, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Why do you assume you'll pay the full online price if really about to buy one, even if ordering?

Because if a dealer has to do anything else other than move existing stock, they will not move on pricing.

Dr Smith · Yesterday, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travesty

Because if a dealer has to do anything else other than move existing stock, they will not move on pricing.

Not my experience and I'm sitting on 3 quotes, 2 for Fords and one from MB.