frumby wm eac0
Sam Charlwood23 Jan 2019
NEWS

Ford confirms new compact utility

Less expensive pickup to slot below existing Ranger

Ford has confirmed reports of a new entry-level utility joining its line-up.

However, the jury is still out as to whether the Focus-based ute will ever grace Australian roads.

Speaking about the car-maker's pickup strategy at the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry Conference in Detroit overnight, Jim Farley, Ford’s president of global markets, said Ford is “investing in more affordable versions of our truck business”.

“You can expect new nameplates below where we compete today,” Farley told the gathering, as reported by Automotive News.

The as-yet unnamed entry variant will underpin a broadened utility offensive for the Blue Oval, which has also set itself the goal of offering battery-electric versions of the F Series, Farley confirmed.

According to reports, the compact ute will be a unibody vehicle based off the next-generation Focus platform. One report from Automobile magazine placed the ute’s arrival around 2022, however Farley did not offer a timeline for the newcomer.

"[Ford is] significantly expanding our North America lineup with all-new vehicles and entering new segments with fresh designs and white space silhouettes that will position us for even more growth," the car-maker reportedly said of its growing portfolio last year.

This isn’t the first time Ford has offered a ute to rival the likes of the Subaru Brumby or Proton Jumbuck. It previously sold a Fiesta-based subcompact pickup called the Courier – however, the pint-sized offering was only sold in Brazil, and finished production in 2013.

According to Car and Driver, the Courier name has since been trademarked in the US.

Ford Australia has been contacted for comment.

Share this article
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.