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New Zealand: Ford Ranger Overtakes Toyota Hilux

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#1 ·
Ford Ranger Overtakes Toyota Hilux as Ford Sales Increase in New Zealand

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​Ford New Zealand kicked off 2014 with a bang as more and more Kiwis are choosing the Blue Oval. Strong sales momentum continues into the first quarter of 2014 with sales up more than 30 percent compared to the first quarter of 2013, which is the highest growth of the top five brands in New Zealand.

“We’re optimistic about the industry and we’ve increased our overall industry sales call to 120,000 for the year,” said Corey Holter, managing director, Ford New Zealand. “New Zealand is in a good place, with business confidence high and the economy moving along steadily. And for Ford in particular, we have the best line up of vehicles we’ve had yet and it’s only getting better. So we have a healthy New Zealand economy and at the same time Ford continues to expand the showroom with safe, smart vehicles that New Zealanders want to drive.”

The Ford Ranger is at the front of the line leading Ford New Zealand to success, especially in the highly competitive ute market. The Ranger has not only been the top selling ute this year—Ranger sales are up more than 33 percent—it has surpassed its key competitors for residual values. According to leading lease companies, the Ranger has a stronger residual value than the Toyota Hilux—a claim that Toyota has cited as its key strength for its ute.

Holter says the stronger residuals mean customers retain more value in their ranger and it further cements the fact that the Ranger is the best truck in New Zealand.

“When you add up the Ranger’s awards, winning reviews, comparisons by the experts and now a stronger residual value, there is no argument left as to which is the best ute. Judging by the Ranger’s lead in 2014, Kiwis agree,” said Holter. “We certainly won’t get complacent as the ute market will remain fiercely competitive in 2014. But when you stack up the options and look at refinement, safety, capability, smart features and value for money, the Ford Ranger wins.

Ford New Zealand says Rangers are now in stock and are able to meet demand on most models. However, some Ranger special derivatives, like the top model Wildtrak, may still have a wait time as demand continues to outstrip supply.

Besides the Ranger, Ford New Zealand has also recently introduced the popular all-new Ford Fiesta Sport, featuring the 2012 and 2013 International Engine of the Year: 1.0L EcoBoost.

“The Fiesta Sport with the EcoBoost engine continues to surprise drivers and exceed all expectations,” said Holter. “There has been plenty written about it, and even the great international awards, but what really gets people hooked is one quick test drive. Once they get behind the wheel, they then realise that all the awards and column inches have been right on the money. It’s a fantastic and fun car to drive – guilt free too with the fuel efficiency.”

And later this month, Ford New Zealand will launch the all-new EcoSport and the all-new Transit Cargo, with full details and pricing on the models releasing in the coming weeks.

“With the arrival of our small urban SUV, the EcoSport, we now have a full range of SUVs on offer for Kiwis,” said Holter. “And the Transit Cargo offers New Zealand the smartest van solution for their business yet.”
 
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#6 ·
Ford has a serious problem with the Ranger demand. It cannot meet the demand, being very limited with units for Europe coming from South Africa's Silverton Assembly Plant. Apparently with the component suppliers being in Thailand, there are serious long waiting times getting parts to S.A.
I know my local Ford salesperson is also complaining that his clients ordering Rangers are having long wait times of over 1 year.

Ford Europe reported 2013 Ranger sales of 15,400 units
 
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