Another global automaker confirms that the US market for mid size trucks...

A. does not exist
B. is already saturated

That's all, folks!

That is a nice looking truck....sigh.

We will have the Frontier here anyway, so not getting the Mercedes is no loss. Moving on!

Oh great something else for the Tacoma to slaughter!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBzJGckMYO4

There are a lot of people here who sound awful jealous of the Tacoma! Toyota doesn't need a partner! Toyota builds their own pickups...

Toyota built their own small pickup back in 1963, decades before the U.S. could build their own by themselves and even before the U.S. had their Japanese re-badged ones on the market, Toyota built the industry's first in class 4x4 back in 1979!

The Tacoma is the industry leader because it appeals to a broad part of the market from its class leading configurations and models...

So many ways you can build a Tacoma vs the competition!

scratch that one off my list

Another global automaker confirms that the US market for mid size trucks...

A. Does not exist
B. Is already saturated
C. All of the above

That's all, folks!

There I fixed it for you.

I am just glad that there will be a next generation Frontier. I think the sales of midsize trucks will improve with newer more competitive trucks. Big Al I believe there is a larger market for midsize trucks if a more competitive and updated product is available. I don't see midsize trucks as taking away sales from full size as much as an alternative product for those who might not otherwise buy a truck because they don't want full size but want something more up to date than what has been offered in the past.

Many guys on this site fear that they will lose full size trucks which I don't see happening at least anytime soon. Some even fear that they will lose their manhood by not driving a full size trucks. There are real men that don't necessarily own a truck and there are those that can't afford a large pickup. How about some of our ancestors that didn't have any large trucks but only horses, were they less of a man because they didn't have a full size truck. If anything I would say they were more of a man because they had to survive without all the material comforts that most of us take for granted and expect as a God given right.

If one can have a choice of a full size, midsize, compact, and subcompact car or crossover then why not more choice in pickups? Even if the midsize trucks don't sell at the same volumes as full size they share global platforms and don't need as much volume to be profitable. Not every vehicle made has the same profit potential and if smaller and midsize cars were measured on the profitability scale Ford, GM, and Chrysler would not bother to offer them.

@Jeff S,
It seems there are some who comment on PUTC that fear the US isn't competitive in the manufacture of pickups.

The comment that appears very often justifying existing repressive competition regulations and controls on pickups by some who comment on PUTC is very shortsighted.

The most common reason is, why does the chicken tax matter as there isn't a large midsize market. If that is the case, then why have the chicken tax.

No other country builds a full size pickup to compete with the US full size pickup. So, the nay sayers have nothing to worry about.

I do believe there is room for expansion of the midsize in the US market. But the existing pickup manufacturers in the US don't want any imported product to compete with them.

The US full size will always have a large market share. But imposing controls that reduces fair competition only affects the consumer will artificially increase the price of vehicles.

This is proven by the fact full size pickups are the most profitable vehicle manufactured in the US.

I believe the consumer comes first, not business. If the consumer is taken care of, business will follow and provide whats wanted.

I do think MB not introducing this pickup in the US market is a loss to the American consumer.

The US market isn't large enough for MB to set up a factory. That's the only way the US will have pickups.

@Mark Williams appears to be some confusion if Nissan is involved. Carlos Ghosn adding to the confusion
Quote:

"When plans for the development of a Mercedes pickup broke out, all heads immediately rolled to Nissan. Then, rumors about a possible partnership with Daimler AG for the project followed.
Recently, Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of Nissan, addressed the issue during an interview at the New York Auto Show. According to him, it wasn’t yet clear if Daimler will indeed work with them for the Mercedes pickup.
Quoting Ghosn’s statement featured in Automotive News, he said, “I don’t want anybody to think that because they announced a pickup truck, they have to make it with us. Not at all.” He added, “They are completely free to do it by themselves, to do it with somebody else, etc., and also, or to do it with us.”
The Nissan CEO declined to comment when he was pressed whether discussions for the development of the Mercedes pickup were already on the table with Daimler. However, he cleared out that all future projects between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are “on table”, and the partners are not in any way obligated to collaborate with each other always. He explained that when one says no to a plan, it all stops there."

@papa jim
When does a mid size have a min 2,200lb payload? Most are almost half that. 3,000lb for a Midsize unfathomable, but common outside NA.

What Mercedes, Isuzu, Mitsubishi , VW, , Hyundai have not done is not enter the U.S. 1/2 ton market

From the article
"This global segment is often called the "one-ton" class because the single-most important quality for these vehicles is that it can carry a metric ton of cargo, or 2,200 pounds. Vehicles such as the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok and Mitsubishi L200, along with the Nissan Navara, fit comfortably in this category."

The fact the bulk of 1/2 tons in the US, do not meet the min payload, says a lot about their capabilities. Midsize in the US is a "lifestyle vehicle" 1/2 tons are now glorified SUV's

@Big Al--If the consumer is going to choose the full size truck a majority of the time regardless of the Chicken Tax and all tariffs related to trucks then eliminate an unnecessary tax that does not collect enough revenue compared to income taxes and heavy vehicle excise taxes on new tractor trucks. For revenue purposes the Chicken Tax is unnecessary. If one is for less government and unnecessary taxation then eliminate the Chicken Tax. It if funny that I don't read any comments from the less government readers on this site for the elimination of the Chicken Tax but at the same time object to any increases in the fuel tax to maintain roads and bridges which is a necessary tax that benefits anyone that uses public roads (appears to me to be an oxymoron). The truth is that the Chicken Tax protects domestic truck producers along with the nonuniform emission standards of the US compared to the developed countries. True these trucks can be made in Mexico and would come under the NAFTA rules but the nonuniform emission standards would still apply. I do think if the midsize truck market had a noticeable increase that you would see more manufacturers enter the small truck market and probably use their plants in Mexico. Just eliminate an unnecessary tax that costs additional taxpayer money to enforce and adds little revenue. In other words it is an ineffective tax but an effective trade barrier.

If nissan doesn't offer the new frontier with the 2.8 cummins they developed and released photos of and hyped so much last year for a 2017 model I will be moving on. Tired of waiting and will most likely if that be the case purchase a GMC Canyon diesel powered next year.

At the end of the day, these mid-sized trucks are not substantially cheaper or get much better fuel economy than a late model full size half-ton. So, I think the manufactures are probably right in that the market for these trucks is limited and already served by Toyota, GM, and Nissan. Funny thing is there is not shortage of people who claim they will buy such a truck, particularly if it's a diesel. Well, we will see. The product is available now, let's see how well it sells. Reminds me of those Crown Vic knuckleheads that complained so much when Ford finally dropped that POS. THEY NEVER BOUGHT NEW ONES! They would buy some 200,000 mile clapped out squad from the local P.D. and drive around talking about what a great car it was, spending all their time and money at Auto Zone keeping the turd rolling. Yup, I'll wager not many will buy these new mid-sized trucks, but the market for tired Rangers will remain very strong.

@Big Bob
Someone tested a Hilux against a Tundra. It maybe ancient but the Hilux had half the fuel consumption of the Tundra

As someone that currently owns a mid size, full size, and HD truck I can tell you why the midsize market will only get so big. Because a midsize is a much smaller less capable truck! Simple as that. Midsize works for and is preferable for some people, but most people want and/or need a full size truck at least some of the time. No reason to believe that will change. People don't want to be limited, and with a midsize you are limited. They don't ride as well, they aren't as spacious, aren't as capable, can't fit as many people or as much stuff. It's the same reason that most full size trucks sold today are the crew cab 4 door trucks as opposed to the extended or regular cabs. Given the choice, most people are going to choose the more spacious, more capable, more comfortable truck. Especially if it doesn't cost a lot more. Most days as I go back and forth the 10 miles from my farm to my house I have the choice of three different pickups. If I have a lot of work to do I choose my f250 super duty crew cab because it has more room just in case I need to load up a bunch of stuff or pull one of my big trailers. I only take the midsize if I know without a doubt that all I need to do is get somewhere and back on paved roads. Quite a few times I've taken my midsize out to the farm thinking I could get by (most days I can) and then I have problems so i have to drive all the way home to get one of my other trucks because the midsize CAN'T pull a lot of the loads, can't haul all my tools and equipment, can't haul a pivot tire, etc. Even though most people don't use their trucks for work, the average truck owner feels similar. They know they are probably going to need or want the extra capability of a full size at some point so they might as well get a full size even though it may be overkill much of the time.

@Beebe
These are not Midsize in the US sense at all, so you cannot compare it with a Colorado or Tacoma. They have a payload capacity that ranges to the bottom end of a 3/4 ton. Despite the lower rated capacity, they pull as well or almost as well as a 1/2 ton, vastly better Off Road and Fuel Economy. Big negative they are narrow, so getting Four adults to go 200 miles would be slightly uncomfortable , Two Adults and two Children yes

Quite Common here a Mazda towing 26ft 5th Wheeler. Something a Tacoma or a Chevrolet Colorado cannot due and a 1/2 ton will struggle with
Sure a F250 can to it, but can it go Off Road or have the same fuel economy, the answer is no
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMlgxNjAw/z/KQkAAOSwZjJU2D0A/$_75.JPG

@Big Bob --Ford sold plenty of Crown Victorias to police and taxi services enough that they made a good sized profit on an old platform with very little change since 1992. Crown Victoria and the Ranger were not discontinued because they weren't profitable, they were discontinued because Ford put the money into developing the F-150. The tooling cost was long since paid for and after material, labor, and overhead Ford was making money on both. Police and taxi services liked the Crown Victoria because they were not expensive to maintain, parts were not too expensive and plentiful, and they would run a long time. Most law enforcement agencies are buying Chargers because they are the closest vehicle to the Crown Victoria--rear wheel drive with V-8 engines. Local law enforcement will buy more Explorers than the police version of the Taurus. If anything the Taurus is a flop and will soon be discontinued leaving the Charger as the last rear wheel drive V-8 powered car except the police version of the Chevy Caprice. If it weren't for the Explorer most law enforcement agencies would not buy Fords since the Crown Victoria is gone.

As for the Fusion, Focus, and Fiesta these were developed for the global market prior to Ford selling them in the US so the cost for the most part has already been incurred. The Mustang is different but then Mustang will be sold globally. Ford for the most part is not going to design any vehicles specifically for the North American market except the F series trucks. The vehicle market no longer revolves around the US and the full size truck is a specific product for North America and not for global markets. China and Asia is where the largest vehicle market is and the most potential for future growth, they will influence our vehicles more in the future.

Robert Ryan - You clearly do not know much about the market here in the USA. A good number of fullsized 1500's can and do pull 26ft 5th wheels. I tow a 30ft travel trailer with my Titan. You are also probably forgetting your 26ft 5er in Aus is probably narrower and has minimal slide outs.

The glaring issue you are missing is how the market rates the trucks you are trying to compare. Aus apparently is a bit loose with their ratings. I will tell you right now, no midsizer here in the USA will take 2200lbs of payload and not be sitting on the axles. You also won't be going up many inclines either. It sounds like Aus might benefit from looking at the new towing standards the US is adopting. PUTC recently did a shootout where they included a US market Colorado for a comparison to fullsized 1500s. It got left in the dust. There is no way Aus market trucks suspension is so much different than the US versions that suddenly they can carry double the payload and compete with 2500 series trucks here. If that were the case your mid sizers would ride like a skateboard when empty.

Keith, every third world country has smaller trucks they regularly overload. Like you said, they are lax on their weight standards because that's what they've always done. They don't use heavier full size trucks because they are not available outside the USA for the most part. They are available in au for $100,000 or more. The fact that people are willing to pay ridiculous prices there must say something.

Jeff S, I beg to differ. The Taurus has done very well with law enforcement. Top Gear did a test of the Big 3 sedans with police performance packages installed on them and the Taurus essentailly left the GM and the Dodge in the dust in every catagory. The real reason the Crown Vic got dumped? Top Gear showed that too. They had a minivan out run 3 of them in a pusuit. The Crown Vic was cheap, but it also was based on 70's and 80's suspension.

Big negative they are narrow, so getting Four adults to go 200 miles would be slightly uncomfortable , Two Adults and two Children yes

BINGO
For that reason alone I wouldn't even consider a midsize for my family vehicle. I need something that seats 6. Vastly better fuel economy? Not true. Pull and haul (limited by the smaller bed) as well as a 1/2 ton? BS. Offroad may be an advantage in some situations. Not an advantage if you are going elk hunting since I have a hard enough time fitting all the gear for three people even in a full size. Not many people really do extreme enough off roading to take advantage of any off-road benefits of a midsize. And they do have some disadvantages offroad (ground clearance is a very important factor).

I doubt that Merc would bring a pickup to the USA. it isn't the image they want to send. The rest of the world is a different story.
I always find the whole small versus large truck debate interesting. No sense putting down a product if it doesn't meet their wants or needs. You put down a product only if it doesn't compare well to the competition - in this case other small trucks.

There is overlap between every class of truck:
We have the doublecab Tacoma with a cargo rating around 1100 lbs and tow of around 7k. The new Colorado crew can carry 1800 and tow 7k. Those numbers fit the mid to lower end of the 1/2 ton crew market.
One then looks at max cargo F150 Crew in the 2,300 lb range and Chevy at 2k. Both can tow 12k which again overlaps with 3/4 ton trucks.

Look at your wants and desires and buy what makes you happy. Just make sure it can do what you want it to do.

@KeithCT,
I know probably more about the US Pickup market than you possibly do. US 1/2 tons are not comfortable towing a 26ft 5ver, in fact it is difficult finding a 5ver that length in the US, not common.
Well 26-30ft 5vers are towed by the Global 1 Tonnes
It is not Australia, try Germany, Fiat, Renault. It is their specifications
US Towing ratings, only accepted by at by US Manufacturers not globally

@beebe,
Fuel economy of the Globals is vastly better than US 1/2 tons
People have imported current 1/2 tons as having "something different" to drive around. Conversion costs and heavier fuel consumption are negatives.
You would not take a U.S. 1/2 ton anywhere Off Road, they are hopeless, too wide, poor approach and departure angles
You are right they are much better as a SUV
Bed size goes too 8ft single cab factory or Utility bed
The Tundra has a 8,200lb rating for towing in Australia, a Silverado 2500 Diesel 9,900lb, can get it upgraded to tow 11,000lb

@KeithCT--Ford didn't want to spend the money to update the Crown Victoria, law enforcement agencies and taxi companies ordered many of them up to the end of production. Where I live you saw them everywhere but now you see mostly the Chargers and the Explorers with the police package that don't cost anymore than a Taurus. There was an article on TTAC about a new Taurus for China but that the Taurus was not going to be available for the US market because it did not sell that well. The later model of Crown Vics had an updated suspension but except for some cosmetic changes it was basically the same body as the 1992 and yes the basic mechanics were unchanged in 40 years. That is why police departments and taxi services liked them because they were solid, dependable, parts were easy to get, cost of parts very reasonable, and they run forever. Crown Vics can be had very cheaply because most people don't want a large rear wheel drive car anymore but they are extremely reliable. Many of the Crown Vics are getting scrapped before their time because they are plentiful and not many want them. There are a few Panther lovers. If you read TTAC they have a few articles on the Crown Vics and other Panther Body cars like the Mercury Marquis and the Lincoln Town car. The Taurus is a good car and with the SHO package it is fast but it is not that popular a car and will soon be cancelled. The Fusion has become a huge hit for Ford and many who in the past bought a Taurus are now buying Fusions. My wife had a 2000 Taurus with the 24 valve motor for 13 years and it was a great car with lots of pickup. The current Taurus grew in size and price while having less trunk space and interior room.

@RobertRyan,
A new gen midsizer is no more uncomfortable than a Falcon or Commodore in the back seat.

Go out and try one.

@Big Al from Oz
"@RobertRyan,
A new gen midsizer is no more uncomfortable than a Falcon or Commodore in the back seat."

They are still narrowe, and yes they are comfortable , but the new models being released, will be even more so and have even more " electronic toys" power, ride and handling refinement and capabilities Been a long time since these were updates, so considerable changes expected

@Robert Ryan,
Have you been inside a new midsizer?

I don't think so. They are the same width internally as a Commodore or Falcon.

They are called midsize and not connected to a midsize car in size. They are midsize in pickups. As a car they would be a very large car.

Why do you think they are selling in ever huger numbers and the Commodore and Falcon are dropping?

For most here in Australia, why would you want a gas V8 or even V6 when you can get a far more versatile vehice that is getting better FE for around the price of a mid spec large family car?

Our market is not much different to the US in that respect. People by a full size as a car, not a truck.

Most all pickups now in any advanced nation is a toy for the middle class. It is no longer a tool of the trade.

Buying a pickup makes a person feel that they have not let down the working class. Pickups and utes are a middle class sign of "normality". This along with the CUV in the driveway is a statement.

@Big Al from OZ
"@Robert Ryan,
Have you been inside a new midsizer?

I don't think so. They are the same width internally as a Commodore or Falcon.

They are called midsize and not connected to a midsize car in size. They are midsize in pickups. As a car they would be a very large car."

But slightly narrower than a U.S. 1/2 ton. Been recently in a Tundra, it had more width than a Ranger. no surprise as Asian Pickups have narrower dimensions

@Big Al, your insights about vehicles are thoughtful enough but your near-constant rap about culture and social commentary is beyond tedious. Being the smartest guy in the room isn't always the best place to be.

I drive a pickup because it's the most versatile vehicle for me. I'm sure many others have the same experience. The people of my dad's generation drove big station wagons because those cars were versatile.

Today there seems to be a generation of car enthusiasts who think that we are obligated to justify our ownership of a particular type of car based solely on utility and green issues.

I refuse.

"We buy pickups as daily drivers because we can. "

Not me, Al.

Lots of American men like full-sized pickups for daily drivers. Not me. I'm not a fat guy who can't fit into a smaller rig or someone who needs to pump up his macho image (and never ever scratch that paint. Horrors!).

I use my full-size truck to do work about once per week towing something or moving bulk goods. When it dies, I'll get another one, used, since more than $15K for a truck is a waste of money. It's just going to get banged up, anyhow.

For versatility daily, an old CR-V I work on myself does the trick while pulling down 27mpg on the highway, which is most of my drive.

From Automobile magazine Non NA production of Pickups is already pretty big. The Us is on track to make 2 million Pickups this year. Globally so far 2.3 million
"The worldwide take rate for midsize trucks is about 2.3 million units per year. The longtime leader of the pack is Toyota, which sells roughly 700,000 of its Hilux/Tacoma twins. Next in line are Nissan, Isuzu, Ford, and GMC. The recently launched Volkswagen Amarok managed to secure a 3 percent stake of the action. At this point, Mercedes won’t talk numbers, but even optimists are struggling to forecast more than five figures in the short term."

"@KeithCT,
I know probably more about the US Pickup market than you possibly do. US 1/2 tons are not comfortable towing a 26ft 5ver, in fact it is difficult finding a 5ver that length in the US, not common.
Well 26-30ft 5vers are towed by the Global 1 Tonnes
It is not Australia, try Germany, Fiat, Renault. It is their specifications
US Towing ratings, only accepted by at by US Manufacturers not globally"

Well considering I own a travel trailer and spend most of my summers travelling in it and staying at campgrounds, I would say I have a pretty good idea of what size 5ers are out there and what is towing them. If my Titan is comfortable towing a US market 30ft travel trailer (meaning receiver under the bumper), it would only be more comfortable towing a 5th wheel with what is regarded as a superior location for the hitch and less succeptable to sway.

FYI just about every US RV manufacturer makes at least one 5th wheel in the 26ft range. Not all that uncommon. Infact they are marketed as 1/2 ton towable.

As I said, the camper in your country are not the same as ours. Generally narrower and less slides from every picture I have seen. Meaning they are lighter and lower profile.

You chose to ignore my comment about payloads which was convenient as it ties directly to why you are incorrect on towing. No midsize truck in any country will be happy or very nice to drive with 7-8000lbs of trailer behind it. Please feel free to send us photos of one of your midsizers with 2000lbs of cargo in the bed, then go take a video of that same truck climbing a grade. Oz plays it a bit fast and loose with their ratings numbers. I'm guessing because there is no litigation if a truck riding on it's axles slams into someone because it couldn't stop or perhaps it is because you have no other affordable options for something more capable so what you do have gets rated to make sure "it will work".

BTW please don't go showing us photos of midsized chassis cabs with dual wheels. You know that isn't what is being discussed.

Gotta Agree with Sad Sack and Papa Jim on this. Just like the argument raging in the 40K little truck page. Mid Size doesn't give value for what you get and what you can get going to a full size half ton. Then you get all whining about "but I don't need a full size/its too big". If you don't have enough work for or cant handle driving/parking a full size half ton V6 reg/extra cab short bed truck then you don't have enough work to justify having a truck unless you live in a major metropolitan city and do a lot of U turns. And if that IS the case then you really should look at the Transit Connect/little Ram workmaster thing or the Nissan NV200/its Chevy clone...

Little trucks made sense when they were little. When they were light. When they got MPGs. When they were cheap. They aren't any of that now. Now (in America) they are too big, too thirsty, too fast, too powerful, too heavy, too capable for their own good and too cool for many to realize the trap they are. Yes as a young single man with money to burn I got myself caught in that trap too. And yes it was cool and fun but ultimately... what a tremendous waste of money.

The little trucks of the world haul 2200lbs and ride like it. How would most Americans feel about that ride? The little trucks of the world get 30ish MPG with little turbo diesels that put out 150ish HP and get from 0-60 "eventually". How would most Americans feel about that? The little trucks of the world more often than not have manual transmissions. American publics mind would EXPLODE on that one. The little trucks of the world don't come with wifi, butt warmers, panoramic sunroofs, cameras all over them... How would most Americans feel about that? Ill tell you they would rather throw away 40+K on something that had all that crap that they liked than pay almost the same money for something larger and more capable like a fairly basic full size half ton.

You are incorrect Robert Ryan. I have no alias.

Nor do I. Though it seems Robert Ryan may.

Robert, I have no idea what TAC or TTAC are. However you need to work on your reading comprehension. I didn't say you posted info about Australian 5ers, I asked you to post it.

Here is what I wrote: "Please feel free to send us photos of one of your midsizers with 2000lbs of cargo in the bed, then go take a video of that same truck climbing a grade. "

Not sure how that references another web forum....

My Titan is rated to hold more than 1/2 a ton just like every 1500 truck except for versions of the Ram 1500. In fact it is rated to hold around 1500lbs. It can and has handled more than that without sitting on the bumpstops. So let's just cease the taking "1/2ton" as a literal meaning like you are to try, and failing I might add, and prove your irrelevant point.

I'm not the only one here that will tell you you are full of cow feces when you say a world midsizer will "happily" tow 8000 plus lbs. Do us all a favor and go watch the Davis Dam tests on youtube. Let us all know how one of your trucks will handle that grade and altitude. As I said before, it is obvious AUS had very loose towing and GVW standards and the US is much more conservative. I get the feeling from how you talk the F450 would be as capable as a Freightliner tractor trailer in AUS.

I guess you have chosen to go the Al route and throw a hissy fit when proven wrong and that is a shame. I had thought you better than that. Or maybe you are Al posting under an alias.

So apparently we can add expert handwriting analyst as well as knowitall truck expert to Robert Ryan's resume.

@Keith CT
To me, most of your posts show some knowledge of what you write...
However.....this is a pretty silly thing to put in print and sign your name to it.

Quote
" The real reason the Crown Vic got dumped?
They had a minivan out run 3 of them in a pursuit."

I am not saying that what you say; did not happen.
But I really think Ford had other REAL reasons to end production of the Crown Vic.

@Keith Ct

Please take a minute to reflect on life, safety and good health, Keith.

You mention loading your pickup with enough weight to get it almost bottomed out on the stops.

The rating of your truck includes the ability to hold cargo, but the much more important concerns include the ability of the specific tires you are using to bear load, steer and stop safely.

Please take a minute to educate yourself about vehicle safety and responsibility.

I'm surprised to agree with the big-truck boys on this. $40K for any truck that does real work is just dumb.

$15K is enough for me for a used 4WD truck. The fewer features the better, so there is less to break. Contractor special with 4WD is just perfect. As for GPS, seat-warmers, and all that crap Americans are said to covet?

If they come with the truck I buy used, cool. When they break, forget them.

"My Titan is rated to hold more than 1/2 a ton just like every 1500 truck except for versions of the Ram 1500. In fact it is rated to hold around 1500lbs. It can and has handled more than that without sitting on the bumpstops."

PapaJim - Please reread what I posted. I do not require any education on vehicle safety or responsibility. Where does that say I had my truck so loaded it was on the bumpstops?? Have I loaded it past the payload rating, sure, most of us here are guilty of that unless they run to a scale every time they load their truck. It is like asking if anyone here never exceeds the speed limit. Do I make a habit out of regularly exceeding the payload rating? No, like most truck owners it happens a few times with Home Depot runs, dump runs or getting materials for a home improvement project.

FYI I run Load range E LT tires. General Grabber AT2's to be exact. Why? Because no truck that actually gets used as a truck should have P rated tires on it. Those tihngs should stay on passenger cars. I also run a prodigy electronic brake controller towing my camper as well as a Reese Dual Cam sway control and weight distribution set up.

Bob C - That was an example, of one reason they dropped it. I would think that a minivan outhandling the Interceptor version of the Crown Vic would show just how dated the chassis was. They were also losing sales to Dodge due to the Charger stomping it in handling and acceleration. Feel free to check on youtube for Top Gear Police car tests and I am sure they show the episode. Ford had many reasons to drop the Crown Vic. In fact I think it was dropped for the public to buy before they cut it from law enforcement. The entire chassis had become a dinosaur that had a very small niche market. The parts were no longer shared with any other models either. So in effect Ford was building one offs and taking up production capacity for a model that was essentially only for LEO and cab fleets. What was cheap because the research and equipment had been paid for, became financially a bad decision because they were now losing production capacity and spending money on parts hat were exclusive to only one vehicle. When they killed the Crown Vic. In 2006 they only sold 3000 of them to retail. It then sgifted to commercial sales only where the numbers continued to drop until cancellation Sept 15 2011. By that time the entire drivetrain was outdated. It was the only vehicle still using the 4.6L V6 and, besides the Mustang, the only car based rear wheel drive platform Ford had.

Honestly the same thing occurred with the Ranger. It was a good run, but in the end it became too costly to reengineer a new Ranger that would retain what made the Ranger what it was. Basically Ford looked at it and said a new Ranger would wind up almost as large as the F150 and cost nearly as much. Why? Sales of the smaller Ranger had been dropping due to it's size, no crew cab and they could not meet upcoming safety regulations and retain the advantages the smaller truck had over the mid sizers.

Seeing how this new Mercedes Pickup will come under the direction of MB's Van Division this is the interior of their new V-Class
Something like this would sell well , as long as e ride and road holding are as good
http://www.autotribute.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Mercedes-V-Class-van-cockpit.jpg

@KeithCT actually Keith a lot of what you describe about the Crown Vic is correct but the reason Ford kept it so long was related to the Lincoln/Mercury dealers and the lack of competitive product that Ford was building for them. Fifteen years ago Mercury dealers were selling Marquis sedans and Town Cars very profitably.

Their problem was second year depreciation--the Lincolns would lose 20k in resale price in the second year. This was happening at a time when Chrysler was still owned by Daimler and building some decent RWD sedans, and Cadillac was making huge product improvements and playing Led Zeppelin sound tracks on their TV ads.

The only appropriate music for Lincoln/Mercury ads back then was the Glen Miller Orchestra.

The Crown Vic was ahead of its time in the 1990s--SOHC V8 standard, independent rear suspension and solidly built. GM and Chrysler had nothing to compete at the time.

Just like the last-gen Taurus, and the Ranger, Ford wore out their welcome with consumers. Eventually the dealers got their attention.

Regarding your Titan's tires: my evil twin was posting yesterday.

The Toyota HiLux can't compare to the VW Amarok and the Taco isn't exactly a HiLux. Not sure how this segment declined so much in the US, that even the Taco can be some kind of reference for mid-size pickups.

The mid-sizers sold around the world have 1 metric tone capacity, but that includes everying: the driver, passengers, fuel, liquids and payload. The payload may be expressed differently in the US.

@George
It actually refers to min weight. These go to 2,800- 3100lb Max, it is an inclusive weight, just like US Pickups