I think once GM has the new Colorado over here, Ford will realize thier loosing potential sales and bring the Ranger to the states.

yes definitely Ranger is great for work and great for leisure, and customers will appreciate the difference as soon as they get behind the wheel,” said Paul Randle, vehicle line director, Global Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “This prestigious award is testament to the work of our global product teams and there is plenty more to look forward to with the launch of the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect in 2013

I think the reason ford won't bring the ranger to the u.s. is because it will take away sales from the f-150 and possibly take away fords "best selling vehicle" title.

simple call it the f 150-m for middle sized truck and be done with it but i'd buy one tomorrow if they were sold here.I've owned 3 rangers and all were tuff as hell.I don't want a big truck to drive day in and day out reguardless of how good the mileage is.
I want this truck to fit in my garage and something my wife can drive if she chooses.Not everyone wants a huge truck and not everyone tows a house every weekend.FORD ARE YOU LISTENING OR DO I NEED TO BUY ANOTHER BRAND TO GET A MID SIZED TRUCK!

@paul. It is not small and you may have problems putting it in a Garage.

@Robert. A few months back I was in the Detroit area on business and saw the global ranger driving on the highway. It was blue like the one in the above pic. Nice looking truck, bigger than the old Ranger,but still slightly smaller than a reg cab F150. Ford won't bring it here due to cost, plain and simple. I would like to see actual compact trucks back on US roads from all makes. I think all are under estimating the demand. Oh well.

To give you some idea of the size of the Ranger. Here is two shots of the Rangers sibling the Mazda BT 50 towing a 26ft Airstream trailer.
http://liveimages.editorial.carsales.com.au/caravancamping/general/editorial/ge5159981928026966111.jpg

http://liveimages.editorial.carsales.com.au/caravancamping/general/editorial/ge4726264640952394092.jpg

@unbiased Ford guy Correct best way to describe it "slightly smaller than a regular cab F150" It is no compact Pickup from the 1980's.

Robert Ryan: I hads no idea the new Ranger could tow a trailer that on the avg/is 7-8K? wet. I myself tow a 25' and that rolls over the scales at 7700 wet ready to go, and I use a Z-71 w/5.3 or was using the F-150 Ecco-Boost, and even though I could tow around 2K more with the Chevy and 3 K more with the Ford, I would not want to, I would get a 3/4t for that. But I would deff. not tow with a med. sized truck. his post was in no way to put you down, or be argumentative, ok? Even though they look nice, I don't believe it would be good to tow like that with a new Ranger.

@sandman4X4 I know what you mean, but most people here tow with a diesel SUV. Still more and more people are towing with the newer(and slightly older) Japanese Diesel pickups.
Their capabilities have improved in leaps and bounds.

@sandman4X4 It had absolutely no problems towing the Airstream on very hilly and winding road, keeping to a 100kmh Speed Limit/cruising speed on flatter areas.
http://www.ozroads.com.au/NSW/RouteNumbering/National%20Routes/48/09.JPG

http://progsoc.org/~whophd/fd/ffd/ffd-Images/6.jpg

http://theoldbloke.homestead.com/macquarie_pass_twisty_road.jpg

If Ford sold this Ranger with a diesel, as a premium F-series (to avoid "stealing sales") at a cost greater than an F150, I would still buy it.

I'd happily take a towing capacity of less than 7000lbs with higher mpg (and better styling, IMO).

As long as the Tacoma is doing well here, Ford is chiken to bring that Toyota look-a-like pickup to U.S. shores!

@Sandman 4x4
I have the BT50 which is virtually the same as the Ranger. They will tow that kind of weight as easily as a V8 1/2 ton pickup.

The new utes we have are very refined, you guys don't have mid sizers that come close now. In all honesty they could replace most of your 1/2 ton pickups.

With my bull bar my truck is 20' long, so it isn't the shortest vehicle around.

@oxi
As I have mentioned in one of my previous posts, its not that the Taco is too competitive. Its actually the opposite, you don't have enough competition in your mid size market. Unfortunately regulations made that happen.

I do hope the Chev Colorado has a decent front end on it and they don't "Americanise" the Colorado to much, as its performance more than adequate. The build quality can improve though, it would be similar to what you guys have at the moment.

Our Colorado will have on of your Taco for breakfast off road. Actually most of our mid sizers will out perform your antique Tacos.

The sub standard Taco's can only sell because they have no competition. Like Trabants in the old socialist East Germany, what competition did they have?

@Evan K. - I've said this before, most companies will not bring in a 90% size truck, for 100% price, and have to meet 130% tougher regulations.
EPA regulations favour large pickup based platforms. A sililar sized full sized truck to the global has to meet less stringent regulations. If the USA went to European style regulations - 1/2 tons would die since Euro rules are based primarily on mpg and emissions.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/10/how-cafe-killed-compact-trucks-and-station-wagons/

@Big Al from Oz,

The new Toyota look-a-like Colorado is unproven and does have the awards of the Tacoma like highest resale value, most reliable and the Tacoma off-road community is rather large, good luck with a government pickup!

The Tacoma is not sub-standard, it is the standard for a mid-sized pickup with all of its features and configuartions. That is why the competition has flopped, nobody wants the competitions pickups anymore yet Tacoma sales keep humming along!

Stop with your HATE!

@oxi The Tacoma is the best of a dated bunch of Midsizers in the US. It would be nice to see a renewal of this section if the US regulations came inline with the rest of the world, but I do not think it will happen.unless something dramatic happens.

This truck is so much nicer looking than the global Colorado it's not even funny. Ford is stupid to not bring this here.

@Oxi Bin Laden - the Tacoma does well because the Tundra doesn't. Ford and Ram have competitive 1/2 ton trucks. That fact alone contributes to one of the big reasons why those companies do not make small trucks. The other reason is CAFE rules.
How can you say the Colorado is a Tacoma look alike? No one has seen pics of the NA version.

Robert Ryan hit the nail on the head. The Tacoma is the best of a dated bunch of midsizers.
A base model V6 Tacoma double cab that weighs 4,160 lb gets a pathetic 15/19.
My 2010 F150 Super Crew 4x4 weighing 5,680 lb gets 14/18.
A 2012 F150
6.2 V8 = 13/16
3.5 EB = 17/21
3.7 V6 = 18/21
5.0 V8 = 16/19

All of the new Ford 1/2 tons outweigh and outsize the Tacoma but get better mpg with the exception of the 6.2.

The new Ram trucks are supposed to be better than that.

That in itself proves how outdated the Tacoma is.

Time for Oxi rant #103:
You are a blablabla
You don't know blablabla
I race blablabla
I love Obama blablabla
The Tacoma is blablabla

Yawn................

@oxi
Because I don't agree with your views on Taco's doesn't mean I hate.

Toyota do build reliable vehicles, but they are very outdated now. All I'm stating is they are inferior to what we have on offer or what you guys could have.

Taco's and Hiluxes (which are a generation ahead of Taco's) are very outdated. Their off road, engine/drivetrain, chassis/suspension performance is inferior to the new crop of mid sizers.

Taco's can only be the best in NA. They would bring discredit to Toyota if they were sold outside of NA.

In Australia we have a Great Wall pickup made in China and guess what, it is built on a similar chassis as your Taco. They have used a 10-15 year old Izuzu body and Mitsubishi drivetrain on a Toyota Surf chassis. I figure they would be almost on par with your 2.7 litre Taco in both performance and safety.

A recent test here done by PUTC has shown the age of the Hilux, it came last. Toyota wouldn't even provide a diesel version as their diesels like their gas engines are old school. It came with the 4.0 litre V6 and it still wasn't competitive enough against the new diesel mid sizers.

Toyota has a challenge on its hand in designing a new competitive mid sizer. Up until recently with the Taco and Hilux they have been low tech and now Toyota will be forced to design a much more complex vehicle, but still be able to sell it at a competitive price.

Toyota has been lucky with the Taco and Hilux, selling low tech and underperforming vehicles at an inflated price. I think this will change.

When the Great Wall comes to the US go out and buy one, it will be much cheaper than your Taco and its performance will more than likely be on par.

Why should US regulations come in line with the rest of the world? There are different markets with varying wants/needs and Ford sells more F150s in 2 months in the US then they do TOTAL vehicles for the entire year in Australia, for example.

If a newer "world truck" will handily destroy the Tacoma, why doesn't VW simply start making Amaroks in its new US manufacturing plant if it is just that clear cut?

@Dav - USA regulations won't come in line with global rules because Detroit auto companies would die along with 1/2 ton pickups.
VW said that they would have to sell 100,000 Amarok trucks in the USA to make it worthwhile.
Tacoma sold 106,198 units in 2011.
Where is VW going to find the sales volume?
As you pointed out - it isn't clearcut.
A new competitive small truck would cost as much as a full sized one or pretty close to it.
The current outdated Tacoma exists because there is no small truck competition.
There is no small truck competition because regs favour big trucks, and big trucks are up to date.
Big trucks will also continue to thrive as long as fuel prices stay low. I'll get flamed for that comment but compared to Canada and other countries - USA fuel prices are low.

A while back Big Al or Robert (sorry can't remember which) posted a link to a story about a GMC global diesel SUV that was going to be coming to Canada but not the USA. They cited fuel costs as one reason why it would sell in Canada and not the USA. They also cited the fact that the "supersize me" mentality is also more prevelant in the USA.

@Dav
I think our sales figures for 2012 are going to come in at 1.2 million vehicles for 22 million people.

As for motor vehicles I think we have as large a selection as you do.

If you don't come on line with rest of the world the US will continue to slide, it doesn't dictate anymore because its losing its economic influence. Look at your cars and vehicles, how much US technology is being used.

If you built and did what the rest of the world did and wants you would export a lot more and maybe not have the debt you have to the rest of the world. Your credit card will soon be cut in half. If you end up like Greece the world (creditors) will dictate how and when you spend your money, simple.

Your market is only different through regulations and trade barriers. Most OECD economies require the same infrastructure to exist. You are no different in the US. You do what we do much more closely than you realise, you aren't unique because it the US.

Being insular like you, shows how insecure you are.

I think there is a HUGE opportunity for the US to build a competitive Cab Chassis Van to export to the world. with a say 4.5 diesel. A basic chassis :that can become a Van, Bus, Military 4 x4, Off Road 4 x4, Motorhome base, HD Ambulance a "F250" variant. etc. Fiat is doing it with It's IVECO Daily. A Heavier build US version would fill more niches.

@Lou, Big Al, Dav, Oxi.
The Mazda recorded 15.1 US gallons per mile towing that Airstream through the very hilly and twisty roads at Batemans Bay. It recorded 27.1 not towing. On a considerably flatter and straighter road you would be looking at 18-20mpg US towing and 33-35 mpg not towing.

I wonder if this one will catch fire and burn to the ground like all other Ford products?

FLAMES
RAGING FIRES
FIRE HOSES
GALLONS OF WATER
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
RECALL AFTER RECALL
FORD CARS AND TRUCKS

I FORGOT ONE:

BOTTOM OF THE CHARTS IN RELIABILITY

Slap a F100 badge on it and send it on over, Ford.

"Slap a F100 badge on it and send it on over, Ford."

Yep. F series will further dominate sales if you do this. Win/win!

Big Al: there is one big diff. between your Great Country, and America, that has to pertain to our economic problems, and that is we have for the most part open borders (in deads not regulation) and your Country will not except any one new to move there, I know I have a family member that visited, and when their visa ran out, they were almost pys. thrown out! you have very restrictive immigration laws compared to the U.S., and they are inforced, where ours are not. With all that said there are tremendous cost involved, that we have to pay! in many ways, schools, hospitals and many social programs that are offered, that are a real drain. If for not such a long jet ride, I would love to visit the land down under, everything I have read and every show I have seen, tell of a truely magical land.

F-100 label would do it for me. A little diesel engine, 6-speed manual. Regular cab, AC and cruise is the only options I need. I would have a fuel miser for my weekend running to the woods and water when I just need a tent or canoe etc.
By the way, use DEF. It's not a big hassle to me.

This truck looks very capable but Ford NA will not let it come to NA. By 2025 this will be a moot point because the new full size half tons will be close in size and more efficient. This will be true of the Colorado/Canyon it will have about 10 years at best on the market. A true compact truck would do well but as Big Al has expressed a protected American truck market prevents this from happening along with the fuel standards Lou mentioned that discourage smaller trucks and station wagon.

@Sandman4x4
Thanks for your comments.

You are right about Australia being protected, we have no land borders with any nation, plus thousands of kilometres of ocean between us and them.

But we have one of the highest immigration rates in the world. If you are not invited you are not allowed in, quite a simple policy to enforce. Some do get through, but are generally caught.

Contrary to what readers on this site think I do love your pickups, but some of the ideas now being used in ours would improve your trucks immensely, ie small diesels in them. I don't like your "protectionist" regulations though, it hampers true competition.

Our pickups aren't little boy racer ones, if you want that, you would buy a Holden or Ford V8 ute. The other thing, what a lot readers on this site don't realise is what our mid sizers have to achieve/purpose. They do the same work as your 1/2 tonners (SUVs) to some of what your HDs can do. I'm not saying a mid sizer will replace an HD but the load capacity has to be quite large.

Your mid sizers/half tonners are designed to carry only small weights, so your chassis/suspension/drivetrain doesn't have to be as strong. Because our mid sizer have that broader application this makes for excellent 4x4s and tow vehicles as they are significantly stronger. A 2wd pickup is not normal here. We do have them but they are mainly work or company vehicles.

Economically, we are quite well off, especially now that this part of the world is developing rapidly. I just hope the money keeps coming in :)

My mother who immigrated to the US from France in 1958 said Australia has the same outlook as the US did back then, upbeat and positive. I just hope you guys find a better life in the future.

But, you guys in the US need to adjust your mindset and start to adapt to the "new" world.

@Sandman4x4
I forgot to add, Australia is has the same area as the 48 states with 22 million people. It cost a lot of money to support roads, communication and medical, etc over vasts distances.

If you guys don't know right now we are installing a complete, I mean nationwide optic fibre network to every home. This is costing billions. They want Australia to become the world hub for information and high tech. Apparently from what I have read the speeds at which the system will operate is fantastic.

The US is much more compact and the infrastructure would be cheaper to install and maintain.

Our schooling is not much different from you guys.

If you can find an opportunity do come and visit and you will need a couple of months to drive around.

HEMI_4U -
why brag?
You seem to forget that most Dodge/Chrysler/Ram/Jeep products are still at the bottom of the heap. Your favorite brands did not improve, Ford just fell down to your level.
Sad but true.
If Ford doesn't improve, I will buy what is best at the time of my next purchase. It it happens to be Toyota or GMC, that will be what I buy.
I'm not going to stick with a cetrain product because of the badge on the grill.

@Lou--I agree with your statement above. I am not blindly loyal to a brand. I have never had a Ford truck, but the Ford cars I have owned for the most part have been solid and reliable. Same thing with the Chevys. I have no need for a full size half ton but I would have no problem with any of the ones on the market. Ford does need to do something about their My Sync because more and more vehicles come with GPS and handsfree communications. My main issues with Chrysler products have been electrical and body hardware integrity, but I have had body hardware issues with my S-10 as well. I do not currently own a Chrysler product but from my observations the body hardware does not seem to be as big of an issue on the current models. Much of brand preference is just having positive experiences with a certain brand and liking the style and features of particular brands. We all are different so different things appeal to each individual.

As for this Ranger and the Colorado these trucks appeal to me in size and function but as you have said the rules governing classification for fuel standards make these trucks less viable for the NA market and thus discourage the manufacturers from providing them to the NA market. To me this is a loss to the consumer but I at least understand why.

Looking at crossovers recently with my wife we have ruled out certain brands, but we did not rule a particular brand out because it was inferior, it was mainly based on certain features that we didn't like as well or for a preference for comfort and styling of another brand. We have not bought anything yet but we are mainly gathering information.

@JeffS - Big Al from Oz mentions it quite a bit that our big trucks survive due to indirect protection. Someone had posted a link to a TTAC story about CAFE rules favouring big trucks. When I read the story it made perfect sense why Ford and Chrysler abandoned the small truck market. Why offer a small truck when there are big profits in 1/2 tons and those profits remain high because they can get away with less technological advancement.
@Sandman4x4 - in some respects Australia is similar to Canada. A large country with a relatively low population. One can argue that the USA outsells all of Australia or Canada with a certain brand but to be fair one needs to look at sales on a "per capita" (per person) basis.
Example - Canada has more pickups than the USA when that formula is applied. Canadians also favour more fuel efficient vehicles than the USA. Our fuel costs are much higher than the USA.
If you looked at Australia on a per capita basis - that would give you are better idea as to how trends compare. I bet the fuel prices in Australia are even higher than that of Canada. Most people couldn't afford USA based products because they would be too expensive to operate dispite the fact that per capita they make more money than Americans.
The USA does need to agressively change how they do business internally and externally. Having an insular view of the world ie."our way is best" or "we are unique" is the path to ruin. That was my fear with a Republican victory. They would be much more likely to impose laws that would be protectionistic and make things in the USA much worse than they currently are. A perfect example of things being askew in the USA is the fact that the Republicans and Democrats spent 6 billion dollars on their election bids.

@Lou
You are quite right in with your above post. But like Canada we do have a lot of fuel guzzlers and I dare say, with cars we have more V8s. Where we are lucky is we have all vehicles from all countries. As I have stated in the past our auto industry deregulated in the 80s with very little protection for the manufacturers. Also demand for vehicles is higher on a per capita basis compared to the US. Our market equivalent in the US would be around 17 million new vehicles per year sold.

As for taxation we actually pay less overall tax than Canada as a percentage of GDP, we only pay a little more than the US. But our government spending as a percentage of GDP is far less than the US and Canada, hence we don't have a huge debt. I think our total debt is around 16% of GDP.

But what I see unfolding is a separation of some of the OECD economies. A handful of Scandanavian, Singapore, Australia are breaking away from the OECD pack and advancing. Funnily enough these countries are considered "socialist" by many in the US but we have the most open markets for doing business. The European countries will find it more awkward to keep their books balanced in the future, except Norway.

Our farmers don't recieve subsidies or imported food has a tariff. I have read that Aussie farmers are the most efficient in the world. We export a lot of agricultural technology for dry farming to Africa and the Middle East. Actually Isreal is very good at dry farming techniques and helps out their neighbours quite a bit also.

So if a farmer can't farm he goes hungry and someone buys the farm who can make a go of it. Same for banks when they go broke the government hasn't bailed them out. This is a great approach as it rids the country of dead wood.

What has kept Australia ahead is commodities, now that demand for mineral based commodities are flatenning agricultural demand will increase significantly in our neighbourhood. We export 80% of our agri business output, so we are well placed to pick up alot of this new demand, especially wheat and beef.

Up here in the Northern Territory I'm paying about $6.00 per US gallon for diesel, Gasoline is much cheaper at $5.40 per US gallon. To offset this our minimum wage is $33 000 per year and that doesn't include compulsory superannuation (similar to 401k) and we have a public health system which work great. Even though our income is much higher it cost 1/2 as much per person to treat nationally.

Also having a degree in Australia doesn't mean you will make great money, a tradesman will generally earn the same or more than a person with a degree. A fitter or mechanic will generally earn between $60-80kper year some over $120k per year. That's why spending $40 000 on a dual cab 4x4 isn't a significant issue for most. Our average wage is now about $70k per year.

So personal income in Australia makes it expensive not taxation like in Europe.

@Lou-You are correct the amount of money it is absurded. I live across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, OH and we were bombarded with Presidential, Congressional, and Issue advertising. I got so sick of the political advertising I was looking forward to the Christmas Lexus commercials with the red bow which are stupid as well. A good beer commercial has become something to look forward after the political season. My fingers were getting tired from fasting forwarding thru the DVR.

As I have said before to Big Al the US needs to adopt the global emission and safety standards and also needs to go metric. We as a country need to be part of the World community. Our politics inhibit our economic progress and our ability to quickly adapt to changes. Instead of wars, America needs to rebuild infrastructure and put more resources toward education and health. That is my $.02 worth Lou and yes it is off topic but then it inhibits our abilities to design and sell vehicles in a global market.

@Big Al from Oz,

The U.S. infrastructure is lagging the world!

Just look at what a simple Sandy is still doing weeks after!

No power, no fuel, no nothing!

Ancient power line distribution insteade of underground burial...

The lack of fuel is embarassing and really puts into focus of being prepared especially in dense urban areas... I have warned about what if all vehicles in your area hit the fuel stations at the same time and the results!

Guess what not all are hitting the fuel stations at the same time but pretty close and yet still no fuel and long lines! Just imagine if this happened all across the nation at the same time!

The U.S. is falling apart and it starts with the horrible federal government that lost its way years ago and now sits with $16 trillion in debt and no end in sight!

Only a matter of time before collapse happens or simply put drastic austerity measures put into place and the population revolts into chaos, etc...

When folks that are dependent on federal tax money for their livlihoods and that taxmoney is cut off, boy you will see a civil war erupt in due time!

@oxi-I agree that US infrastructure is lagging behind the rest of the World. China is replacing power lines, sewer and water lines, and building high speed telecommunication lines and networks in all their major cities. China is also building highway systems and high speed rail. The US infrastructure is old and crumbling. The amount of debt we have incurred in the past 11 years of fighting in Iraq and Afganistan would have more than paid for replacing infrastructure. Infrastructure building also creates more American jobs, increasing tax revenue, increasing the amount of spending for goods and services. The more new cars, trucks, appliances, homes, eating out, and etc. Plus as you said a good infrastructure lessens the impact of a natural disaster such as Sandy. That is my $.02 worth.

@Jeff S.,

I agree!

Now we hear of a $6 billion water surge wall they want to build off the coast of NJ and NY...

Why reactionary? Everybody knows a storm like Sandy can strike anytime, any year so why did they not invest in something like this just like ancient power line systems that need to be underground?

The Mayor of NY was busy trying to ban soda drinks insteade of preparing for a major strom, he should be removed from office!

Even FEMA shut their doors with storm Athena, how freaken embarassing!

This nation has no problems rushing into an undeclared war with Iraq about lies and fabrications yet cannot even plan for simple storms!

Keep voting (D) and (R), nothing will ever change folks!

Debt continues to rise, budgets continue to go un-balanced which means more borrowing, the Constitution continues to be violated which is shocking in itself because that document protects us from the federal government or in old times, a king or what is soon to become, a dictator, no end in sight!

Keep sleeping folks is what I always say!

Don't wait for the government to do things, do it yourself, DEMAND the changes NOW!

@Oxi-That is the first I have heard of a 6 billion water surge wall between NY an NJ, but that does not surprise me. I live in Northern Kentucky and the Brent Spence bridge which crosses the Ohio River into Cincinnati, OH is a major bridge which contributes about 25% of the total commerce in the US. This bridge is about 50 years old and is in dire need of replacement. For the past 20 years there has been talk of replacing this bridge and much money has been spent on studies. Proctor and Gamble, GE jet engines, Toyota plant in Georgetown KY, Honda plant in Marysville OH, Honda plant in Greensville OH, Ford truck plant in Louisville KY, Nissan in Smyrna TN, and other manufacturers and commerce all use this bridge. This bridge is just one of many infrastructures suffering from neglect which is vital to our country. Our power grids are out of date as well. No wonder it takes weeks and months to restore power and essential services after a natural disaster--our infrastructure is falling apart before a natural disaster and we have no Plan B if Plan A fails.

Oxi, I strongly agree with you on this point we need a government that will provide the essential services that we all need. That link that was posted about just in time delivery and the vulnerability of our trucking system just reinforces this point. Infrastructure should be considered as part of our Defense strategy along with energy independence and without a clearly defined plan we are just as vulerable from infrastructure failure as a direct attack from an outside enemy. This is what everyone needs to understand and what Washington DC does not.

Yes the power lines need to be underground, my subdivision has underground utiltities and I have had very few interuptions in service. This should be a national priority as well.

Since they did away with the Sport Trac they totally lost out on midsize truck sales. I hope this comes over. I owned a Sport Trac several years and had no problems with it. Wanted to buy a new one and they stopped making it. I will be waiting for this before I decide on a new vehicle.

@Oxi - even though this thread has wandered off topic your posts are appropriate to the discussion and are a welcome addition. It isn't welcome if attached to a rant about the zombie apocalypse or TacoBOTT's or secret food stashes.

@oxi
You were saying how the infrastructure in the US is disintergrating. But the only way it can be fixed is by spending money. Just reading a lot of the posts on PUTC it seems many in the US complain about costs.

In Australia over the past 4-5 years our power grid and powerlines have finally been upgraded, but in that period of time the cost of electricity has risen over 50%. It costs alot of money to do these things.

Back to pickups - The US is lagging the world in mid size pickups. The Ford Ranger that has won the award has done so deservingly, I'm not a Ford fan. One of these have to be driven by some of you guys who read PUTC and you will see the difference in them. Even the VW Amarok and to a slightly lesser degree the new Colorado are nearly on par.

The Nissan and Toyota mid sizers are way behind in vehicle refinement. The only saviour for Nissan in Australia are the diesel engines that are available.

I fear GM will reduce the capabilities of the Colorado you get. The way I see is like this, the Colorado is already designed, but they are spending 2 years to redevelop it, why? The vehicle is ready to go.

The money invested in redeveloping the Colorado has to make a return. So if you guys buy them for a reduced cost then the Colorado will be a reduced vehicle. That's my view.

Why would GM produce a vehicle that has some better capabilities than the current range of their 1/2 tonners?

Toyota did the same with the Tacoma and Ford will do the same with the Ranger if it comes over.

As I have pointed out our utes are used as SUVs like the majority of your 1/2 tonners, but they are also used as work trucks that are required to carry over 3 000lbs.

But to liberate your market the US needs to have a serious look at protectionism. The US is always the first to cry when another market has protectionist measures that harms its industry.

But look at the countries that are finding it hard economically at the moment, they are mainly the countries with trade barriers and subsidised industry (Europe, Japan, US).

Remember the VW Amarok was a creation with Toyota assistance!

I saw re-badged Toyota pickups with a VW emblem on them in Greece when I visited a few years back...

Yes, infrastructure requires spending, it's called smart spending and not wasteful like we have today. We need to divert funds to fixing shyt here and not in Iraq or Afghanistan and soon Syria and Iran after we destroy their nations and for what?

The REAL threat to our Constitution is our own government!

@oxi
Toyota had nothing to do with the Amarok. Toyota are dealing with BMW at the moment for diesel technology.

And your constitution should be looked at to reflect the current times. The Romans had the Senate, imagine if the world still thought the ancient Roman or Greek ways are the best. We would have dicatators running the country, slavery would be legal and we would be voting with black and white pebbles.

Imagine a law that states everyone has the right to assault weapons and pistols, what kind of society would you have?

Those "rights" were made to protect a newly found country with limited resources and military against a much more powerful aggressor. They should change.

@oxi - VW rebadged Toyota Hilux, How long ago was that? All I get on an internet search is the VW Taro from '89 - '97.
VW will soon be the #1 global motor vehicle company. They will soon surpass Toyota.
Toyota has often been compared to GMC. Both are top heavy companies that are slow to change. The only saving grace for Toyota is that they are a true global company and are usually profitable.
The writing is already on the wall for Toyota.
In NA we see old outdated products with new fascia. Guys like Robert Ryan and Big Al both say that their products are several generations behind.
Stalwarts will buy "lipstick on a pig" but the rest of us won't.

@Lou,
To give you an idea of what era the Tacoma is from . Here are previous examples of Mitsubishi and Nissan Pickups plus the current Tacoma.

A 2005 Mitsubishi Triton or L200
http://www.eurodb.com.au/glass_images/EVE05H.jpg

A 2001 Nissan Navara
http://static1.justauto.com.au/just_images/f07bf904-53bf-4427-b541-2abb48382d36/f07bf904-53bf-4427-b541-2abb48382d36-lg.jpg

Current 2012 Toyota Tacoma
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-toyota-tacoma-lead.jpg

2001 Holden Rodeo(Isuzu Pickup)
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/A0A2D4780BF291EFCA256B260017BFFD/$file/2001.12.18_Holden_Rodeo_die.jpg?OpenElement

@Robert Ryan, Lou and oxi
The body on the Holden Rodeo (Izuzu) is the body that the Great Wall ute is based on.

I think oxi should come over here and have a drive of some of our utes. Then he can make a comparison, I think he would be in for a bit of a surprise.

A Taco would have problems towing that Airstream caravan you posted Robert, even a 4 litre V6 would struggle a little, let alone a 2.7 litre 4. The Hilux's tow capacity is to low to tow it anyways.

I know some business people who have 4.0 litre V6 Hiluxes and they said they will not buy them anymore. They were having lots of clutch problems (manual box).

Oxi, when you make a comment make sure it has credence.