Ford Ranger PHEV built for choice not compliance, says exec
The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom.
All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car.
However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV.
"At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job.
"The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio.
"We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options."
Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe.
The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1.
"Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick.
"We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned.
As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines.
"We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted.
MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick.
The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom.
All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car.
However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV.
"At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job.
"The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio.
"We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options."
Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe.
The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1.
"Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick.
"We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned.
As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines.
"We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted.
MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick.
The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom.
All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car.
However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV.
"At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job.
"The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio.
"We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options."
Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe.
The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1.
"Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick.
"We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned.
As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines.
"We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted.
MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick.
The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom.
All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car.
However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
"This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV.
"At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job.
"The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio.
"We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options."
Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe.
The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1.
"Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick.
"We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned.
As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines.
"We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted.
MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
30 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
Australian motorsport community rocked by death of much-loved kart racer Joseph Bianchini aged 13
The Australian motorsport community is mourning the sudden death of 13-year-old kart racer Joseph Bianchini. The Griffith, NSW local was hospitalised on Saturday after his health deterioriated and flown to the Sydney Children's Hospital later that day. Karting Australia shared in a statement that he died on Monday. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 'It is with great sadness that Karting Australia shares the news of the passing of New South Wales junior driver Joseph Bianchini,' the governing body said. 'Joseph, 13, was transported to Griffith Base Hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning after experiencing a sudden deterioration in his health. 'Later that day he was flown to Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick where he sadly passed away on Monday, August 18. 'Joseph was a familiar and much-loved young competitor in our sport, racing in the Cadet and Junior categories across the country. His energy, passion and friendly nature touched many within the karting community. 'On behalf of everyone at Karting Australia, and the broader karting community, we send our heartfelt condolences to Adrian, Maria and Allegra along with the extended Bianchini family and friends during this very difficult time.' The news sparked an outpouring of grief in Griffith and around the karting scene, with Bianchini remembered by many as a kind and encouraging friend, teammate and opponent. It is the second tragedy for his family and the Griffith Kart Club, after Bianchini's uncle — also named Joseph — died aged 15 in a 2003 car accident. 'Words cannot express the loss. Griffith Kart Club has lost another part of its heart and soul,' Griffith Kart Club said after the junior Joseph's death. 'The Bianchini family is part of the very fabric of this club, both in the past and present. Joseph's cheeky smile, sportsmanship, kindness, speed and most of all the respect he had for everyone both on and off the track is something that is admired and an example for all. 'To Adrian, Maria, Allegra, and the extended family and friends our heart goes out to you all.' The elder Joseph Bianchini is remembered with a memorial trophy named in his honour, awarded by the family to the driver with the best attitude, sportsmanship and spirit. Matt McLean, a karting champion who also raced in Supercars feeder series Super2, was with the Bianchini family at the Sydney Children's Hospital. He paid a gut-wrenching tribute on Tuesday. Matt McLean has mourned the loss of Joseph Bianchini. Credit: Instagram 'My little Joseph. Spending your last few days by your side up until your final moments was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do,' the 28-year-old said. 'I feel so honoured to have been there with you and to have shared so many special moments together over your life. 'Words cannot explain how much this hurts, and I just thank you so much for always demonstrating the importance of looking out for those around you with complete and utter selflessness. 'This has left a crater in my heart, but I feel far more complete having had you in our lives even though for such a short time. 'It's only been 12 hours and I just miss you so much already. 'I'm so proud of the young man you had become, and making you proud has always been, and will remain, a priority of mine. Such a gifted boy taken too soon. I love you Coyote, fly high.' Wagga & District Kart Racing Club said they had been 'rocked' by the news of Bianchini's death. 'We send our sincere condolences to the Bianchini family and members of Griffith Kart Club during this tough time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers,' the club said. 'We will miss Joseph's bubbly and often cheeky personality, his sportsmanship and fairness on and off the track. 'The young man he was becoming was truly honourable and selfless. He was always offer encouragement to his fellow karters and would lend a hand to anyone who crossed his path. 'Your memory will forever live on. Forever racing amongst us. Fly High Joseph.' Joseph Bianchini was a keen swimmer. Credit: Griffith Swimming Club Griffith Swimming Club also paid tribute. 'At just 13 years old, Joseph's life was filled with energy, determination and a love for the things that made him happiest,' the club said. 'His passion for motor sport and go-karting gave him purpose, and his time in the pool was never just about swimming — it was training, preparing, building the strength he needed to chase his dream. 'Joseph was cheeky, spirited and brave. He had that rare spark that made people smile, whether he was racing, swimming, or just being his fun, kind and determined self. 'Vale Joseph — forever young, forever remembered.'
Perth Now
30 minutes ago
- Perth Now
How Honda is making car maintanence affordable again
SPONSORED The cost of living crisis is having an impact on how Australians maintain their vehicles. As rising prices for basic goods and groceries force households to adjust their spending habits, car owners are delaying regular services to save money according to a survey conducting last year on behalf of insurance provider, Youi. The 2024 Car Care and Costs survey found that more than a third of respondents drove a vehicle that was overdue for prescribed maintenance, with almost three quarters of those citing cost as the primary reason for holding off. Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert Even though most mainstream auto brands now offer capped-price servicing plans that provide a transparent view of basic costs for the first few years of new-vehicle ownership, it's easy to see why those on a tightening budget are holding off as some cars can cost a lot to maintain and prices can fluctuate at certain mileage benchmarks depending on the scope of work required. And that makes it hard to budget for, especially if the vehicle requires a major service which may cost three times as much as the prior visit. But that's not the case if you own a Honda, which makes it easy to plan and affordable to keep your vehicle in good health. In fact, Honda's Genuine Servicing program is one of the best value and most transparent in the business, with the first five scheduled service visits costing just $199 each – no matter which model you own, whether it's a regular petrol-powered HR-V city runabout, a complex CR-V hybrid or the high-performance Civic Type R. Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert It's the same price for every vehicle (sold on or after October 1, 2022), and every time, for the first 50,000km or five years, with zero bill shock. With more than 90 Honda Service Centres around the country, covering all metropolitan cities and major regional centres, it's easy to keep your car in good health – as we experienced recently when the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV we were road-testing was due for its first annual service. First, we checked the Honda Australia website to find the closest service centre, which provided a list with their location, contact details, operating hours and even a Google star rating with a link to reviews. Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert From there, you can choose to either call, visit the dealer's website or simply book online, which we did. Depending the scope of work and the number of bookings at the Service Centre on any particular day, a regular service can take between two hours and a full working day. Thankfully, all Honda Service Centres have a bespoke lounge where customers can wait in comfort. Or, when making the booking, you can request access to a loan vehicle if one is available. And because the service is so affordable, don't think that the technicians do little more than kick the tyres and look under the bonnet. Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert Nope, all Honda Service Centres are staffed by fully qualified and expertly trained technicians that complete a comprehensive mechanical and safety check that follows the unique requirements prescribed by Honda in the Owner's Warranty and Service Manual for each individual vehicle. No matter what, each visit includes replacing the engine oil and oil filter, a full inspection of the suspension, steering, brakes, exhaust and fuel system components, electronic diagnostics and battery condition tests, and a thorough review of key safety items such as lights, indicators, and windscreen wipers. The technician will also replace the brake fluid and air filter when applicable or when required according to the prescribed maintenance schedule, and rotate the wheels for optimum wear. Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert Camera Icon Supplied Credit: CarExpert Once the essential work is complete, the technician will test drive the vehicle to assess for any operational or quality concerns, before compiling a final report for the owner. And even give it a wash, so it is sparkling when you pick it up. A key part of Honda's customer-centric pledge is that it promises to notify consumers immediately if any additional work is recommended or required, and to provide a cost estimate prior to approval. So, it's that simple – and affordable – to ensure your Honda stays healthy. MORE: Visit the Honda showroom
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Tesla Model 3: Indicator stalk returns in China, available as retrofit option
Tesla doesn't really do mea culpas, so it has quietly added indicator stalks to all Model 3 sedans available in China. The stalks are now listed as standard on all Model 3 variants available in China. They can also be added to existing facelifted Model 3 vehicles, but owners will need to pony up ¥2499 (A$535) for the privilege and have the retrofit done a Tesla service centre. Retrofitting stalks can only be done on cars built after February 7, 2025. The option to add stalks to facelifted cars built before this date will be 'available later'. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Tesla didn't issue a statement about the update, with the change quietly appearing on the company's website in China. Debuting in 2023, the facelifted Model 3 — known internally as 'Highland' — brought a bunch of visual changes to the car, including new front- and rear-end designs. There was also a revamped interior that controversially binned the indicator and gear selector stalks. The former was replaced by a pair of vertically stacked buttons on the steering wheel spokes, while the latter moved to a slider on the touchscreen. Supplied Credit: CarExpert After plenty of complaints online by reviewers and owners, Tesla has now reversed course on the indicator. It should be noted the closely related Model Y skipped the whole the indicator stalk kerfuffle completely because its facelift, which was introduced last year, had an indicator stalk from the get-go. While the Model 3 indicator stalk has yet to appear on other countries' Tesla websites, it's likely the change will eventually filter through to other markets. Given all Australia-bound Model 3s are built in the company's Shanghai plant, it's possible we'll receive the change soon enough. MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3
