VAMike
Well-Known Member
Ford redesigned the ranger for NA because it didn't have another truck in that segment, and it's clear that they cut corners in the process to get something out quickly. It'll be interesting to see what they put into the next gen, and whether all the same features end up in the US and AU markets. Anyway, as it stands the everest just wouldn't make enough money here to make it worth the investment it would take to bring it over. If they didn't do anything but drop the 2.0 in it they'd have a mediocre vehicle that doesn't really shine in any area compared to its competitors, and would be a case study on why there are so few small body on frame SUVs left in the market and even fewer without independent rear suspension. And that's only if that package managed to meet US regulations. If they focused a redesign to optimize for on-road performance at best they'd end up with an explorer and slice up the same customers. If they instead were to emphasize off-road experience to target different customers than the explorer, well, that's how they got the new bronco. Now ford already has both of those, so what niche would the everest fill that could bring in customers that wouldn't buy an explorer or a bronco? It's not enough that some guys might prefer a body on frame, you need to find a couple billion dollars worth of customers that you weren't otherwise going to get. As far as I can tell in the Philippines the everest is positioned largely as a value play beneath the explorer, and ford can't make any money with that positioning in NA--it cuts off the possibility of the high margin trims that drive most of the profits.
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