In a thrilling race for supremacy in the Australian new motor vehicle sales charts, the Ford Ranger is closing in on ending the Toyota HiLux's seven-year reign at the top. With just a difference of fewer than 400 vehicles, Ford has a real shot at claiming the title for the first time in nearly three decades. As the year draws to a close, anticipation builds, and both automakers are racing to fulfill customer orders and deliver vehicles as quickly as possible. Let's delve into the details of this closely contested battle for the crown.
Ford Ranger's Remarkable Surge
For six consecutive years, the Ford Ranger has played second fiddle to the Toyota HiLux. However, in November 2023, the Ranger broke its own sales record for the second month in a row, narrowing the gap to just 379 vehicles. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Ford, as it aims to dethrone its rival and secure the top spot on the podium. The last time Ford tasted victory of this magnitude was in 1995 when the Ford Falcon triumphed over the Holden Commodore.
Neck-and-Neck Finish
Ford's impressive performance in November, where it outsold the HiLux by 400 vehicles, has set the stage for a nail-biting finale. If this trend continues into December, Ford could snatch the title by a mere 21 vehicles – making it one of the closest margins in recent memory. Both automotive giants are leaving no stone unturned to meet the surging demand and reduce backlogs of customer orders. It is worth noting that monthly sales results reflect the number of vehicles car companies can deliver, rather than the number of new orders received within a given month.
Ford's Strategy
To cope with year-long wait times for its popular diesel models and even longer waits for the Raptor V6 performance model, Ford has taken innovative measures. The company has rented a ship to transport Ranger utes and Everest four-wheel-drives from its factory in Thailand to Australia. This move demonstrates Ford's commitment to meeting customer expectations and maintaining its competitive edge.
Toyota HiLux's Response
While Toyota HiLux has faced shorter wait times compared to Ford, it encountered production bottlenecks earlier in the year. The Japanese automaker grappled with challenges at its ute factory in Thailand and other supply sources in Japan that cater to Australia. Despite these hurdles, Toyota remains confident in the HiLux brand and believes that ultimately, customers will determine the outcome of this closely contested race.
Record-Breaking Numbers
Ford's November 2023 sales figures speak volumes about its growing popularity. With a record-breaking 6,301 Ford Ranger sales, surpassing the previous month's best of 6,215, the Blue Oval brand has already exceeded its annual sales record set in 2021. Year-to-date, Ford has achieved an impressive tally of 55,589 Ranger sales. Furthermore, Ford Ranger 4x4 utes reached their all-time highest delivery figure at 6,000 units, outpacing Toyota HiLux's 4x4 deliveries of 4,843.
Summary
As we approach the climax of this intense battle for supremacy in Australia's motor vehicle sales charts, both Ford and Toyota are leaving no stone unturned to secure victory. With just a difference of fewer than 400 vehicles, the Ford Ranger is tantalizingly close to ending Toyota HiLux's seven-year reign at the top. The outcome of this race will not only mark a historic win for Ford but also highlight the ever-competitive nature of this segment. Ultimately, it will be the customers who decide which vehicle claims the coveted top spot – a testament to their preferences and demands.
(This article is sourced from drive.com.au and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
