Well, well! Ford following GM again, this time into a 4 truck strategy.

@GMSRGREAT

Did GM announce a compact pickup for the US market? If so, sounds like a good move to me. I don't think that this will end up being a big segment, but I think there is money to be made here, especially if there are only 1 or 2 companies in it.

That first photo looks like the Ford Contour with a bed. YUCK!!!

I truly think there is a market for these small trucks. Midsize trucks are the size of my 98 Silverado. I parked next to one the other day and the sheer size of the midsize has really almost to big. I am debating on getting my wife a ZR2 or a new Chevy Blazer. When I drove next to the ZR2 at the lot, I couldn't believe how much bigger they are compared to my 98 or the 2001 ZR2 I owned while in college.

considering that Ford cannot get away from building neutered compact coupes and sedans quickly enough, why not devote some of that vacant shop-floor space to this adorable little trucklet. Decorators, florists, caterers (and female) college underclassmen will go ga-ga over it.

@ papajim

Agreed, they should spend a little more time on this truck, unlike the lipstick on a pig Ranger that seems to be a serious letdown!

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/ranger/2019/2019-ford-ranger-first-test-review/

True, the 'trucks' pictured here look like a pig without lipstick, I doubt they would try and sell anything that looked like these in the US market.

@ GMSRGARBAGE think first before you spit your venom. And this is a little reminder that GARBAGE MOTION FALLOWS FORD.

REPORT
GMC says it's 'considering' an all-electric Sierra pickup
This after Ford announced it plans to electrify the F-150
ZAC PALMER
Jan 25th 2019 at 9:34AM

Image Credit: GMC
GM loves to talk about its electric future — Cadillac was just announced as the brand's official electric division — but trucks haven't been mentioned as a part of this electric revolution, so far. However, that may be changing.

CNBC spoke with Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC about the potential for an electric GMC Sierra. He replied, "Certainly, it's something we're considering."

As the Sierra goes, so does the Chevrolet Silverado, and vice versa. But it would make sense for GM to introduce electrification to GMC first, followed by the Silverado. GMC already gets premium features such as the Multi-Pro tailgate are GMC exclusives, after all. It's also marketed as more high-end and premium, which could help make the cost of an electrified Sierra easier to recoup for GM, and easier to stomach for customers.

This electric truck consideration could be in response to Ford's aggressive declaration of an electric F-150 the other day, as well as the electric concept trucks from Rivian and Bollinger. The concepts in particular have generated much excitement for their ridiculous claimed performance and shocking utility. If GMC is only "considering" it, then we imagine the brand isn't too far along the development path, if it's even started. Regardless, it's the most affirmative stance we've seen GM take on total electrification of a full-size pickup truck yet.

We asked GMC for confirmation and for any clarification it could provide us on the Sierra's electric future, but a spokesperson responded with, "no comment."

SO WHO IS COPYING WHO?????
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

@ gmsrjunk, hey little guy FORD ALREADY HAS PLANS WITH AN ELECTRIC FORD MUSTANG AND GUESS WHO? IS PLANNING ON A ELECTRIC MUSCLE CAR TOO (THE DODGE CHALLENGER) AND GUESS WHO? IS GONNA BE NEXT THE CRAPPIE CHEBBY CAMAROON. So do your search!!

@ gmsrjunk, hey little guy FORD ALREADY HAS PLANS WITH AN ELECTRIC FORD MUSTANG AND GUESS WHO? IS PLANNING ON A ELECTRIC MUSCLE CAR TOO (THE DODGE CHALLENGER) AND GUESS WHO? IS GONNA BE NEXT THE CRAPPIE CHEBBY CAMAROON. So do your search!!

Ford is the best!!!!! Goverment moters is the worsterest!!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

a truck put on a Ford Focus plat form? a useless throw a way after a couple years

Whatever they build, Ford needs at least one truck(let) or compact SUV with a manual transmission. As a former Ford-exclusive buyer, I now have a '16 crossover and an '18 midsize truck, both manuals, and neither Fords. Both purchased new.

@tnt

"@ papajim

Agreed, they should spend a little more time on this truck, unlike the lipstick on a pig Ranger that seems to be a serious letdown!

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/ranger/2019/2019-ford-ranger-first-test-review/
Posted by: TNTGMC | Jan 25, 2019 1:04:28 PM"

Your gm kool-aid bias is really showing..... The Ranger has received good reviews almost everywhere (including PUTC) yet receives one bad review and you call it a letdown?? So what would you call the crappy 2019 gm full-size that has received almost all $_hitty reviews and maybe one good one???

Ford fans have been claiming that GM's 4 truck strategy is the reason Ford has been playing second fiddle to GM in annual trucks sales for some time now. Ford fans should be happy that Ford decided to chase after GM with their own version of a 4 truck strategy.

Who knows, maybe someday my factual statement of "GM builds pick-up trucks, Ford builds pick-up trucks, GM sells more pick-up trucks." can be turned around on me. I doubt it.

I doubt they would try and sell anything that looked like these in the US market...Posted by: Texas1836 | Jan 25, 2019

Mr Texas 1836, please allow me to tell you about the Ford Thunderbird. Introduced in 1955, every subsequent T-bird was less appealing.

Original T-Birds are total collector's items, every other T-bird generation was born for the garbage dump. I had a last gen T-bird and a second to last gen Cougar (which shared the same architecture) and they were mostly junk on wheels. Attractive cars but pure sh*t under the makeup.

So please don't allude to Ford's styling expertise. It sucks. Give Ford stylists a beautiful shiny apple and they'll hand you back a nasty maggot.

Well, well! Ford following GM again, this time into a 4 truck strategy.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jan 25, 2019 12:48:12 PM

Ford fans have been claiming that GM's 4 truck strategy is the reason Ford has been playing second fiddle to GM in annual trucks sales for some time now. Ford fans should be happy that Ford decided to chase after GM with their own version of a 4 truck strategy.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jan 25, 2019 3:00:06 PM
Who knows, maybe someday my factual statement of "GM builds pick-up trucks, Ford builds pick-up trucks, GM sells more pick-up trucks." can be turned around on me. I doubt it.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jan 25, 2019 3:05:48 PM

NO, are you DIM?

Two Brands, 4 Truck Strategy = GM

You should change your name into GMRSTOOOOOOOPID!!!!!

@Franklin. Have you ever been to Australia? Just curious.

You wrote: Two Brands, 4 truck strategy = GM

Whatever the strategy, it works. GM has sold MORE pickups than every other automaker in North America since forever.

There's nothing like success, eh?

@TNTGMC
After hearing constantly from US sites and their readers how small the Global Ranger, Colorado is . Nice to hear a bit direct comparison . Yes the bulk of them are as big as a 1998-2000 US 1/2 ton. Midsize is not a great description.
Next Ranger will be a scaled down version of your next F150
Not blown away by the fact that engineering will be done in the US. US Pickups are renowned for their spontaneous fires

@ Mark Williams
The Courier sized Pickup only sells in Brazil and Mexico. Risky strategy by Ford to produce something like that on the US

I wouldn't mind a compact pickup with an extended cab and manual shift. Just enough bed to haul a light load. The crew cab would probably have too small a bed for me to use. Air conditioning, sliding rear window, rubber floor, and a decent stereo with Smart and IPhone connect. That would be a good retirement vehicle for me not too big but just enough utility to make it a practical vehicle. Keep it simple.

Pure blasphemous behavior from Ford how dare they make this uni-body pickup truck. Looks like they are calling it a truck going to be built on a Focus platform. Not to much outcry over this and GM has something coming as well. Now the Honda Ridgeline that shares a platform with the Acura MDX Honda Pilot Honda Odyssey & New Honda Passport get nailed by many of you guys it's not a truck crap just because it's uni-body.
Papajim with his glorified minivan stuff again the other vehicles are built using the Ridgeline platform as stated by Chief Engineer for Ridgeline when introduced 2nd Generation MDX and Pilot just came out first.
But this Ford will sell and most likely see US market with GM following. Remember Mid-Size Trucks Don't Need Frames this is compact so sure it want either.

Well, well! Ford following GM again, this time into a 4 truck strategy.

Posted by: GMSRGREAT | Jan 25, 2019 12:48:12 PM

GM has an 8 truck strategy. Ford will outsell them with 5 trucks this year. This future compact truck will only widen the gap. Chevy is about to be overtaken by Ram in the fullsize segment. When the Dakota is released Chevy will be the true #3 truck manufacturer. I don't expect you to comprehend this under any of your usernames.

I wouldn't really care if it was a unibody based on a front wheel drive car or crossover platform especially if it made it feasible to produce it and price it at a reasonable price. I would not use it for heavy hauling anyway more for just having an open bed to haul things that cannot fit in a car or crossover. Price it below 20k.

Next Ranger will be a scaled down version of your next F150
Not blown away by the fact that engineering will be done in the US. US Pickups are renowned for their spontaneous fires
Posted by: Robert Ryan | Jan 25, 2019

How many trucks are you making in Australia these days Robert? If you want a really great pickup, look for the UAW sticker in the doorjamb Ft Wayne USA

@papa 'up to a minute now' jim,

Neither one of us has any idea what Ford's US bound compact pickup will look like. My opinion is that it won't look like the ugly ducklings above, your opinion is apparently different. I guess time will tell.

Time will tell--Texas1836

Agree. I'm getting over a nasty cold (flu?) and sort of puked in the back of my mouth when I saw those photos of the proposed micro-Ford pickup. Probably just because I've been sick.

There were several photos taken from an angle that hides that grim grille and snout. Those looked ok, except the rear suspension looks like something from one of those VW FWD pickups they made back in the 1980s. VW managed to sell about 30 of those. And that's being generous.

I guess I'm not convinced about the concept. If somebody could legally build a pickup like the old 1979 king cab Datsun, that would sell but the safety-nazis would go wild.

I remember the VW unibody pickup, it was hideous and I only saw a few of them over the years. Something like Datsun king-cab would be great, or the Toyota extra cab or whatever they called it. Those trucks were dirt cheap, got decent fuel economy and were reliable.

I remember the VW unibody pickup, it was hideous and I only saw a few of them over the years.

@Texas 1836. There is no shortage of arrogance over in Europe. It's one of the reasons that making a successful pickup truck has been such a challenge for them. They assume "if Americans can do it, it won't be that hard".

They haven't built a succesful pickup yet.

I remember the VW unibody pickup, it was hideous and I only saw a few of them over the years.

@Texas 1836. There is no shortage of arrogance over in Europe. It's one of the reasons that making a successful pickup truck has been such a challenge for them. They assume "if Americans can do it, it won't be that hard".

They haven't built a succesful pickup yet.

Your gm kool-aid bias is really showing..... The Ranger has received good reviews almost everywhere (including PUTC) yet receives one bad review and you call it a letdown?? So what would you call the crappy 2019 gm full-size that has received almost all $_hitty reviews and maybe one good one???

Posted by: FullSize_only | Jan 25, 2019 2:28:42 PM

I would need to see proof of this one good review you speak of. The 2019 Silverado has been an epic fail, losing in more than one comparison to the aging F-150. That is a sad for GM engineers.

@papajim

"If you want a really great pickup, look for the UAW sticker in the doorjamb Ft Wayne USA

Posted by: papajim | Jan 25, 2019 4:44:25 PM"

With Gm making so many trucks in Mexico it's very likely the truck you are recommending might say "Hecho en Mexico" on that doorjamb sticker you speak of !!

You'll have to check with Ford about that.

All of my trucks have been domestic---going all the way back to the 1970s. I've had Fords and Chevy's and they were either made in the old Twin Cities plant (UAW) or the Ft Wayne plant, also UAW. Had a Plymouth 2500 van a long time ago but cannot remember where it was made--Chrysler had a ton of plants back in the 70s. Maybe Fenton MO. They built a million vans there I bet.

The only beef I ever had with a Ford was my 2010 Ranger that had some problems with the auto trans. Who knows maybe Ford was having those trannies made in China or something.

I don't see why a compact pickup has to be ugly. Not too hard to put a grill and tail lights that look decent. It doesn't have to look exciting--I would settle for simple clean looks and very few creases. Wish the 2019 Silverado would have gone to a simpler grill and less creases it would have looked a lot better. Look at the 67 thru 72 Chevy CK trucks or the 88-98 very clean lines and not overdone. I would like to see a return to simpler and more functional exterior designs with not too much glitz.

"How many trucks are you making in Australia these days Robert? If you want a really great pickup, look for the UAW sticker in the doorjamb Ft Wayne US"

@ Papajim
We nake quite a few trucks, US HD Pickups maybe classified as trucks but a F1150 is not but a Ute
It seems US pickups are very prone to driveline, transmission problems I would steer clear excuse the pun of any US assembled vehicle

My main issues with the Fords I have owned is the air conditioner compressors which on the Taurus I replaced 3 times in 6 years. Also the air conditioners were not as cold as the ones I have had in my GMs. Of all the brands I have owned over 40 years the GMs have the best air conditioners. I don't have any really complaints about the Fords I have owned except the air conditioners.

@papajim

Check with Ford?? Last I checked NONE of Ford's full-size trucks for the US market are made outside the USA.

Now Gm on the other hand.....

https://www.gmauthority.com/blog/2018/08/how-gm-is-handling-2019-silverado-and-sierra-production-an-infographic/amp/

@fullsize

Be careful not to over indulge in that Ford koolaide (especially if Grateful Dead fans are around). Ford makes a great many components abroad which could include engines, engine parts, trans and trans parts, and MANY electronic components.

@Robert Ryan

engines and drivetrain components are the stronger pieces on most of these heavy duty vehicles. You're barking up the wrong tree.

Engine and trans life is much more determined by the way that the truck is used, not by brand (or what country). My comments you refer to were solely in regard to my own experience, which is by definition anecdotal. Your mileage may vary.

Ford makes a great many components abroad which could include engines, engine parts, trans and trans parts, and MANY electronic components.
Posted by: papajim | Jan 25, 2019 7:26:55 PM

So WTF is you point? All other truck brands do the same, some more than others. Last time I checked; GOVT motors & Fiat were still building trucks in Mexico. Based on the last studies done, the F150 was still the most US built truck in the country (approx 75%) followed by Toyota...

My main issues with the Fords I have owned is the air conditioner compressors which on the Taurus I replaced 3 times in 6 years. Also the air conditioners were not as cold as the ones I have had in my GMs. Of all the brands I have owned over 40 years the GMs have the best air conditioners. I don't have any really complaints about the Fords I have owned except the air conditioners.
Posted by: Jeff s | Jan 25, 2019 6:56:19 PM

I disagree, I bought new '99 F150 flareside, sold it 10 yrs later with over 120 000 miles & the A/C was original, untouched & as cold as the day I bought it. Currently have a '04 Lightning, now 14 yrs old with 95 000 miles & still original untouched & working perfectly. In contract, my wife's different SUV's were less lucky Grand Cherokee lasted only 2 yrs, Porche Cayenne 5 yrs, etc etc...

So WTF is you point?
Posted by: Lio | Jan 25, 2019

Your boyfriend is over at Waffle House looking for you.

If Ford builds it I'm sure it will burn well!

@Lio - so you are driving a 99 F150...lol...how does it feel to be poor?

@papajim
" engines and drivetrain components are the stronger pieces on most of these heavy duty vehicles. You're barking up the wrong tree."
I pity the NA consumer if that is the case

@papajim
The only beef I ever had with a Ford was my 2010 Ranger that had some problems with the auto trans. Who knows maybe Ford was having those trannies made in China or something.

That is unfortunate, but when you consider the millions of Rangers profuced there are bound be some with issues.
I have owned two Rangers and an F15o one a 1997 4.0 XLT 4WD Super Cab and a 2008 4.0 FX4 2dr Super Cab. Both were awesome trucks. The 1997 I sold at 349k miles ran flawlessly, never let me down. My 2005 F150 5.4 FX4 Super Cab only kept that one relatively short time,barely broke in at 187k great truck! Then I saw the 2008 had to have it ,also a real champ, no issues sold this past April at 319k the guy who bought it loves it.
What am I driving now you ask. Well it starts with an F and ends with an ORD.
Not quite ready to write a review on my 2018 F150 , its not really broke in yet only 24k miles on it, so far awesome!!
You really should not let one less than great experience jade you . Could have been the truck, could have been the dealer or possibly something else.
Had Chevy1968 K10 350, four and the floor great truck! The next two sucked and sucked big. Dealer was great just couldn't fix crap trucks.
Needs to get out and drive a new Ford, you will forget about the blue pill.
Just having a liitle fun with the last quip

@papajim
Unless you mean the HD Pickups? They still have problems though

@fxdx1450

In all of recorded history Ford's archives mention 3 owners who liked their 4.0 V6 engines, the infamous Cologne engine.

Last week I corresponded with the other guy and now you claim to having two of them. Is this a great comments section or what?

You quoted me from a response that was specifically about pickups. My family had several Taurus-based cars with 3.8 Ford engines that detonated before hitting 100k Complete junk. It took Ford more than five years to sort out the Essex V6. Just my bad luck I suppose. Some folks in my extended family owned a Ford dealership for more than 50 years. My dad and my uncle were Ford guys. My brothers have always owned Fords.

I have a lot of experience fixing cars/truck and my experience is that the GMs were easier to work on (a lot), easier to get parts for, and generally more reliable. Also should mention there were two VWs in the garage during all those years and they set the standard for brutally bad design.

That's not to say that all GM or RAM models are perfect, but since the 1980s the Ford's QUALITY IS JOB 1 riff has been sounding pretty hollow to this former ford boy.

@Robert Ryan

You are embarrassing your self. Give it a rest. You would not recognize a proper truck if it bit you on the *ss.