As of 2011, an old favorite will no longer be available stateside.
Ford announced mid-September that the next model of the Ford Ranger pick-up truck will not be sold in North America after 2011. While this model was very popular in North America in the late ‘90s, sales dwindled since then. Ford is trying to “simplify its global lineup” according to the Detroit Free Press, and the decision to discontinue the Ranger was made some time ago. Ford plans to fill this gap left by the Ranger by improving on its existing F-Series pickup. Production will end in the Ford Plant in St. Paul, Minnesota at the slated 2011 date.
The new model of the Ranger will be introduced at an auto show in Australia on October 15th. The truck will be available in all markets besides North America for purchase at this time.
Ford planned to close the plant that produces the Ranger in 2008, but decided to wait until 2011 to do so. Despite a press conference with the government of Minnesota, Ford will not budge. Auto Shippers wishes the 750 employees good luck as the factory edges closer to its end date.