That Ranger looks like a F-150.

We USED to be able to buy a small truck with a diesel in them. They ran either the Nissan or the Mitsubishi motors. Our all knowing EPA got them banned though they got over 30 and into the low 40 MPG if 2 wheel drive. I had an older Nissan 2 wheel drive diesel and got 43 MPG until it finally died of salt cancer in Illinois. The ford rangers ran the Mitsubishi.

My new GMC Canyon(2016) isn't much smaller than a 1/2 ton chevy.

At least my older Canyon(2004), w/220,000 miles was smaller and easier to get into. And still gets 18-20mpg with 5 cylinder 5-speed.

i work at a ford engine plant. they said most purchasers of cars are over 50. they just don't appeal to the masses anymore.

i have seen pics of the new rangers fresh from dearborn. the old rangers are crazy on prices so i do believe there will be a nice market for the rangers.

I wish toyota would bring back the Hilux. I'm with the crowd that wants the smaller 4x4 pick up. the 95 Yota was one of the best trucks ever built IMHO.

Most of the "trucks" people buy these days are just "grocery getters." Little bitty 4 1/2 ft beds, 4 doors, no heavy duty anything. What I want in a TRUCK is an 8 ft. bed, heavy springs capable of hauling a load. 2 doors is enough for me, as I ride with all my friends (alone) 90% of the time. Stop at any dealer & look at what they have on hand, GROCERY GETTERS. Not a real truck on the lot.

Government safety mandates (airbags, backup camera) have really screwed up the market. New cars sit up so high in the trunk area for 'safety' that it impossible to see what is behind you without having a back up camera.

And when oil prices shoot up they will have serious problems completely retooling their lineup to be competitive again.

It is a lot easier and cheaper to build lines for smaller vehicles if needed than larger ones, so they are gearing up for what is selling now. Plus importing small autos is a lot cheaper than larger ones if they need to ramp up quickly.

Also with Ford and others looking that far into the future they must feel that fossil fuel and corn will remain pretty low cost and available for their business plan. That is from an economic and or supplly-demand perspective. The wild card as is the most common in today's world is the politics.

Bryce

Ding Ding we have a new CEO. You are 100% correct ADC. The money is not in building cars, its in SUV's. Company's take a loss building cars because nobody wants them here in the US.
I think it is a smart business decision personally. Next time you are driving down the freeway or in town take a good look at what is around you on the road. The majority of people drive pickup trucks or SUV's.
Ford is not getting out of building cars 100% they will still make the mustang and a few other big hitters but for now. Building 4x4's and SUV's is what the market wants.