Sales of the new Ford Ranger are off to a fast start and the company’s marketing whizzes are preparing to make the most of it by launching special editions that will increase the Ranger’s appeal.
The company already added overtime shifts at the plant in suburban Detroit that produces the new midsize truck offering. Now it’s offering owners new ways to differentiate their truck from the thousands of others that will be hitting the roadways soon.
The first of what could well be an entire string of special editions is introducing a new “Black Appearance Package,” to hand buyers a way further customize their Ranger.
“Like the rest of their gear, Ranger customers are choosing the option that best fits their adventures,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Having the right gear matters and so does the right look. The Black Appearance Package adds aggressive style to the adventures our customers embark on,” Eckert said.
(Ford prepped to increase production at Ranger plant. Click Here for the story.)
Eckert said already more than two-thirds of all-new Ranger pickups are leaving showrooms optioned with either the Sport Appearance Package that adds unique wheels and Magnetic Gray-painted accents, or the Chrome Appearance Package with bright chrome wheels and chrome body accents.
The new Black Appearance Package gives Ranger customers another option. Available with any Ranger body color, the package features include a black-painted grille, body-color bumpers, high-gloss black-painted 18-inch aluminum wheels with black center caps and black running boards.
The package also will feature black spray-in bid liner, black finder vent surround, black mirrors, black sill plant and a black bash plate on the FX4 Off-Road Package.
(Click Here for details about our first drive in the Ford Ranger.)
The optional Ranger Black Appearance Package is available is priced at $1,995 and can be ordered at dealers now. Deliveries will begin in early summer.
In addition to individual style, Eckert said the all-new Ford Ranger answers the call from truck customers looking for an affordable, rugged and maneuverable midsize pickup that can handle the rigors of the most demanding truck owners.
Inside, Ranger blends comfort and functionality with room for up to five people, their gear and accessories. The center stack includes an 8-inch touch screen for the available SYNC3 system, while the instrument cluster features productivity screens for real-time vehicle and audio information plus available navigation.
(To see more about the midsize truck wars heat up with arrival of Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, Click Here.)
Ranger incorporates advanced passenger convenience and connectivity features, plus smart driver-assist technologies including standard automatic emergency braking as well as Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including Lane-Keeping System and class-exclusive Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage are standard on XLT and Lariat trim levels.
NEWS FLASH — I have it from a reliable source that Ford will soon offer floor mats color matched to the seats for the hot selling Ranger. Take that Toyota!