BYD Shark 6 ute lineup to grow further
The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market.
The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs.
Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May.
Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week.
While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals.
It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain.
However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later.
Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works.
"Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said.
Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6.
"I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…"
"You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added.
"It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one."
As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go.
The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too.
Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices.
As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others.
The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year.
Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai.
MORE: Everything BYD
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market.
The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs.
Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May.
Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week.
While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals.
It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain.
However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later.
Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works.
"Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said.
Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6.
"I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…"
"You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added.
"It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one."
As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go.
The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too.
Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices.
As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others.
The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year.
Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai.
MORE: Everything BYD
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market.
The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs.
Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May.
Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week.
While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals.
It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain.
However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later.
Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works.
"Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said.
Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6.
"I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…"
"You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added.
"It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one."
As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go.
The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too.
Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices.
As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others.
The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year.
Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai.
MORE: Everything BYD
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market.
The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs.
Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May.
Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week.
While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals.
It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain.
However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later.
Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works.
"Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said.
Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6.
"I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…"
"You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added.
"It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one."
As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go.
The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now.
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too.
Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices.
As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others.
The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026.
Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year.
Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai.
MORE: Everything BYD
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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- The Advertiser
Ford might develop future engines with outside firms, says executive
A senior Ford executive thinks customers no longer separate brands based on their petrol and diesel engines, and this might lead to the automaker developing new engines with suppliers or, maybe, rivals. According to Automotive News John Lawler, Ford's vice chair overseeing strategy, partnerships and alliances, told the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference, "I don't think that consumers really think about powertrains the way they did 30 years ago". He told the conference, "Where [internal combustion engines] defined what a vehicle was — the horsepower, the displacement, the torque and everything about the vehicle — I think a lot of that is gone". Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Part of this, Mr Lawler believes, is down to electrification, which allows automakers to increase power and torque, while reducing CO2 emissions, with hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Mr Lawler posits this might lead automakers, including Ford, to develop next-generation engines with other companies. Doing so would save money that could help them compete with Chinese automakers. According to the vice chair, Ford needs "to be competitive against them not only on speed of development, software capability, electrical architecture capability, but also overall electrification capability". In 2022 Renault merged its Horse drivetrain division with that of Geely's Aurobay in the hopes of attracting customers for its engines and transmissions outside of the two automakers' stable of brands, which include Dacia, Volvo, Zeekr, and Lotus. It should be noted engine and drivetrain sharing between rival automakers, while not the norm, isn't completely unheard of. In the early 2000s Ford developed a V6 turbo-diesel in conjunction with the PSA Group, which was used in a wide variety of vehicles, including Australian Ford Territory, as well as the Citroen C5, Peugeot 407 and 607, and a whole host of Jaguar and Land Rover models. Other times, manufacturers just sign a supply agreement to fill a hole in their drivetrain lineup, such as when Toyota Europe used BMW diesel engines in the 2010s for a number of models, including the RAV4. Small manufacturers often rely exclusively on engines from other car makers, with Lotus, for example, using mills from Rover, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz. Ford is no stranger to collaborating with other car makers in other areas too. It currently shares a number of platforms with the Volkswagen Group, with the Volkswagen Amarok based on the Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Transporter based on the Ford Transit Custom. Going the other way, the Ford Transit Connect is based on the Volkswagen Caddy, and the European Ford Explorer and Capri EVs are based Volkswagen MEB architecture. Prior to all this, Ford jointly developed a 10-speed automatic transmission for use in full-size pickup trucks with cross-town rival GM. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: A senior Ford executive thinks customers no longer separate brands based on their petrol and diesel engines, and this might lead to the automaker developing new engines with suppliers or, maybe, rivals. According to Automotive News John Lawler, Ford's vice chair overseeing strategy, partnerships and alliances, told the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference, "I don't think that consumers really think about powertrains the way they did 30 years ago". He told the conference, "Where [internal combustion engines] defined what a vehicle was — the horsepower, the displacement, the torque and everything about the vehicle — I think a lot of that is gone". Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Part of this, Mr Lawler believes, is down to electrification, which allows automakers to increase power and torque, while reducing CO2 emissions, with hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Mr Lawler posits this might lead automakers, including Ford, to develop next-generation engines with other companies. Doing so would save money that could help them compete with Chinese automakers. According to the vice chair, Ford needs "to be competitive against them not only on speed of development, software capability, electrical architecture capability, but also overall electrification capability". In 2022 Renault merged its Horse drivetrain division with that of Geely's Aurobay in the hopes of attracting customers for its engines and transmissions outside of the two automakers' stable of brands, which include Dacia, Volvo, Zeekr, and Lotus. It should be noted engine and drivetrain sharing between rival automakers, while not the norm, isn't completely unheard of. In the early 2000s Ford developed a V6 turbo-diesel in conjunction with the PSA Group, which was used in a wide variety of vehicles, including Australian Ford Territory, as well as the Citroen C5, Peugeot 407 and 607, and a whole host of Jaguar and Land Rover models. Other times, manufacturers just sign a supply agreement to fill a hole in their drivetrain lineup, such as when Toyota Europe used BMW diesel engines in the 2010s for a number of models, including the RAV4. Small manufacturers often rely exclusively on engines from other car makers, with Lotus, for example, using mills from Rover, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz. Ford is no stranger to collaborating with other car makers in other areas too. It currently shares a number of platforms with the Volkswagen Group, with the Volkswagen Amarok based on the Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Transporter based on the Ford Transit Custom. Going the other way, the Ford Transit Connect is based on the Volkswagen Caddy, and the European Ford Explorer and Capri EVs are based Volkswagen MEB architecture. Prior to all this, Ford jointly developed a 10-speed automatic transmission for use in full-size pickup trucks with cross-town rival GM. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: A senior Ford executive thinks customers no longer separate brands based on their petrol and diesel engines, and this might lead to the automaker developing new engines with suppliers or, maybe, rivals. According to Automotive News John Lawler, Ford's vice chair overseeing strategy, partnerships and alliances, told the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference, "I don't think that consumers really think about powertrains the way they did 30 years ago". He told the conference, "Where [internal combustion engines] defined what a vehicle was — the horsepower, the displacement, the torque and everything about the vehicle — I think a lot of that is gone". Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Part of this, Mr Lawler believes, is down to electrification, which allows automakers to increase power and torque, while reducing CO2 emissions, with hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Mr Lawler posits this might lead automakers, including Ford, to develop next-generation engines with other companies. Doing so would save money that could help them compete with Chinese automakers. According to the vice chair, Ford needs "to be competitive against them not only on speed of development, software capability, electrical architecture capability, but also overall electrification capability". In 2022 Renault merged its Horse drivetrain division with that of Geely's Aurobay in the hopes of attracting customers for its engines and transmissions outside of the two automakers' stable of brands, which include Dacia, Volvo, Zeekr, and Lotus. It should be noted engine and drivetrain sharing between rival automakers, while not the norm, isn't completely unheard of. In the early 2000s Ford developed a V6 turbo-diesel in conjunction with the PSA Group, which was used in a wide variety of vehicles, including Australian Ford Territory, as well as the Citroen C5, Peugeot 407 and 607, and a whole host of Jaguar and Land Rover models. Other times, manufacturers just sign a supply agreement to fill a hole in their drivetrain lineup, such as when Toyota Europe used BMW diesel engines in the 2010s for a number of models, including the RAV4. Small manufacturers often rely exclusively on engines from other car makers, with Lotus, for example, using mills from Rover, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz. Ford is no stranger to collaborating with other car makers in other areas too. It currently shares a number of platforms with the Volkswagen Group, with the Volkswagen Amarok based on the Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Transporter based on the Ford Transit Custom. Going the other way, the Ford Transit Connect is based on the Volkswagen Caddy, and the European Ford Explorer and Capri EVs are based Volkswagen MEB architecture. Prior to all this, Ford jointly developed a 10-speed automatic transmission for use in full-size pickup trucks with cross-town rival GM. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: A senior Ford executive thinks customers no longer separate brands based on their petrol and diesel engines, and this might lead to the automaker developing new engines with suppliers or, maybe, rivals. According to Automotive News John Lawler, Ford's vice chair overseeing strategy, partnerships and alliances, told the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference, "I don't think that consumers really think about powertrains the way they did 30 years ago". He told the conference, "Where [internal combustion engines] defined what a vehicle was — the horsepower, the displacement, the torque and everything about the vehicle — I think a lot of that is gone". Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Part of this, Mr Lawler believes, is down to electrification, which allows automakers to increase power and torque, while reducing CO2 emissions, with hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrains. Mr Lawler posits this might lead automakers, including Ford, to develop next-generation engines with other companies. Doing so would save money that could help them compete with Chinese automakers. According to the vice chair, Ford needs "to be competitive against them not only on speed of development, software capability, electrical architecture capability, but also overall electrification capability". In 2022 Renault merged its Horse drivetrain division with that of Geely's Aurobay in the hopes of attracting customers for its engines and transmissions outside of the two automakers' stable of brands, which include Dacia, Volvo, Zeekr, and Lotus. It should be noted engine and drivetrain sharing between rival automakers, while not the norm, isn't completely unheard of. In the early 2000s Ford developed a V6 turbo-diesel in conjunction with the PSA Group, which was used in a wide variety of vehicles, including Australian Ford Territory, as well as the Citroen C5, Peugeot 407 and 607, and a whole host of Jaguar and Land Rover models. Other times, manufacturers just sign a supply agreement to fill a hole in their drivetrain lineup, such as when Toyota Europe used BMW diesel engines in the 2010s for a number of models, including the RAV4. Small manufacturers often rely exclusively on engines from other car makers, with Lotus, for example, using mills from Rover, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz. Ford is no stranger to collaborating with other car makers in other areas too. It currently shares a number of platforms with the Volkswagen Group, with the Volkswagen Amarok based on the Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen Transporter based on the Ford Transit Custom. Going the other way, the Ford Transit Connect is based on the Volkswagen Caddy, and the European Ford Explorer and Capri EVs are based Volkswagen MEB architecture. Prior to all this, Ford jointly developed a 10-speed automatic transmission for use in full-size pickup trucks with cross-town rival GM. MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Ford Ranger PHEV built for choice not compliance, says exec
Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from:
