Notwithstanding the pandemic nor the challenges brought about by the added duties of a provisional safeguard measure, Ford Philippines is gearing up for another fierce but friendly competition as it aims to maintain its leadership in the 4×4 space in 2021.
Ford Philippines president and managing director PK Umashankar said despite bad business in the past year, the brand managed to sustain its influence in the sub-segment and the new Ford Ranger FX4 MAX is expected to drive Ford’s prominence beyond limits.
“At this point in time, our aim is to make sure that we continue to maintain our leadership in the 4×4 space that we did in 2020. The whole range of series delivered 24 percent of the segment share becoming the 1 of the 2 most sold pickups in the Philippine market. So we would continue to maintain that leadership and the availability of the FX4 MAX reinforces not just the pickup leadership going forward, but also delivering on the overall range of performance as well,” he said during the pre-launch interview.
Ford officially unveiled the new FX4 MAX on a virtual platform Wednesday, March 10, with same day availability of units to interested pick-up fanatics.
Umashankar said the new Ranger pickup truck delivers off-road driving capabilities inspired by the Ranger Raptor while living up to the Ranger’s brand of comfort, safety, and versatility.
“The Ranger FX4 MAX is definitely a strong addition to our growing Ranger portfolio and further boosts the off-road capabilities of our trucks. It is the perfect pickup for customers who seek adventures as it is equipped with features that offer confidence and convenience in taking on the roads less traveled,” he said.
Umashankar said he’s getting a good feel on how the FX4 MAX will tread the current market vibe coming from a pandemic year.
“In the last couple of months we’ve seen the segments doing really well. The industry is slowly picking up, and we are coming off the throes of pandemic, if not fully. But there is that slow improvement in industry from what we originally predicted, which is probably a good sign for us in the industry and economy as a whole. What I know is that FX4 MAX kind of delivered a certain expectations in the performance space in the affordable pickup range in all these markets,” he added.
Among the winning features of the FX4 MAX include its iconic F-O-R-D grille, tubular sports bar, leather seats with carbon accents and Miko suede inserts, and all-weather floor mats that give the FX4 MAX a tough look outside and premium feel inside.
Further, Unique to the FX4 MAX is the auxiliary switch pack, allowing full control of aftermarket accessories from the comfort of the driver’s seat.
The new Ford Ranger FX4 MAX offers greater off-road capability with FOXTM shocks off-road suspension and17-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich™ all-terrain tires.
Just like the Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak 4×4, the Ranger FX4 MAX is equipped with the 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine, capable of generating 213PS of power and 500NM of torque. This is seamlessly mated with the 10-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain enables the FX4 MAX a 981kgpayload as well as 3,500kg of towing capability.
Convenience and safety features render the Ranger FX4 MAX a cut above the rest in the 4×4 space. It features an 8-inch color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Smart Keyless Entry with Push Button Start, SYNC 3 with Voice-Activated controls, Bluetooth with Phone/Audio streaming, two USB ports, and six speakers.
Driver-assist features such as Cruise Control, ABS + EBD, Electronic Stability Control Including Roll-over Mitigation and Traction Control, Hill Launch Assist, Hill Descent Control, driver and passenger airbags, Rear Parking Sensors, and Child Seat ISOFIX Anchorage Points offers unmatched safety.
The Ranger FX4 MAX comes in six colors, including Arctic White, Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Meteor Grey, Blue Lightning, and True Red.
“The FX4 MAX builds on the success of the Ranger as a rugged and versatile pickup while harnessing the winning off-roading capabilities of the Ranger Raptor. True to our Live the Ranger Life philosophy, the FX4 MAX caters to customers who are up for challenges and go over the horizon to experience their adventure of a lifetime with the pickup truck’s uncompromising blend of toughness and power,” Umashankar said.