Ford F-150 still off the menu for New Zealand

As our neighbours in Australia welcomed the latest update to Ford’s full-sized F-150 pick-up with a formal launch event late last month, those interested in getting their hands on an F-150 in New Zealand should not hold their breath. 

Speaking to CarExpert NZ, Ford New Zealand managing director Annaliese Atina did not rule out bringing the F-150 across the ditch. But, she noted that the model’s proximity to the Ranger Super Duty could raise complications. 

“We’re always looking to see how a vehicle’s performing and accessing really what is the demand in the market,” said Atina.

“The [Ranger] Super Duty is the key focus for us this year, that’s a really big play that delivers a whole level of capability that no other vehicle can deliver in New Zealand. 

“We don’t think it competes with F-150, but we do think the buyer pool is definitely more inclined to Ranger Super Duty than F-150.” 

The Australian and New Zealand markets have something of a split when it comes to full-size utes like the F-150. 

The two nameplates attached to more niche, low-volume marques — the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 and Ram 1500/2500/3500 — are offered in both countries. The two nameplates from carmakers with a more mainstream positioning —- the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra — are only sold in Australia.

The Ranger Super Duty carries considerable differences relative to the rest of the Ranger line-up. The model comes with a 4500kg GVM, a 4500kg braked towing capacity, a reworked version of Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel, 8-stud wheel hubs, and a host of other changes.

Whilst the Super Duty’s more workhorse-orientated positioning differs somewhat from the proposition attached to the likes of the F-150, the shared 4500kg tow rating is one similarity the two share. 

Ford New Zealand has yet to confirm pricing for the Ranger Super Duty, with Atina not commenting on when those details are going to be revealed. 

As part of its latest Down Under update the F-150, which is remanufactured in right-hand drive in Australia, has gained a Platinum variant, some styling tweaks, and numerous technology improvements.