Fault halts Ford and Mazda pick-up launch

Date: 27 February 2007

Ford Ranger

Ford and Mazda have been forced to delay the launch of the new Ranger and BT-50 pick-ups respectively after a fault was discovered in the rear differential.

The fault, which only afflicts the 4x4 versions, was discovered before deliveries of the two vehicles started in earnest. The two pick-ups are virtually identical and are built on the same production line in Thailand.

"The technical fault may have affected a small amount of vehicles, are we're being advised not to release cars to customers until we can look at the root cause," said a Ford spokesman.

The Ranger had been scheduled for launch back in November last year, but businesses are now being told none of the 4x4 pick-ups will be released until sometime in March. Mazda has given a similar date for the BT-50.

Around 60 vehicles are thought to have been delivered, but a recall will be issued to bring them back for a dealer fix.

Eastbourne-based carpenter Ken Francis paid for a single cab 4x4 Ranger on January 9 but the original 10-day quoted delivery time kept being pushed back. "I was tearing my hair out," he said. He's now been refunded his money.

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