Ford CEO Warns Ranger Development Could Leave Australia
Ford Ranger development in Australia could be at risk as Ford CEO Jim Farley warned that the company may move engineering work overseas if local emissions regulations make operations too expensive. The comments highlight growing concerns within Ford about the impact of Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) on the future of the Ranger engineering program.
Ford Warns About Rising Engineering Costs
Jim Farley said Australia has long been an important base for Ford Ranger engineering, but it is also one of the most expensive places in the world to run automotive development programs. According to the Ford CEO, engineering work could potentially be moved to countries such as China or Vietnam where development costs are significantly lower.
Australia’s engineering teams have played a major role in developing the Ford Ranger along with related models like the Everest SUV and performance variants such as the Ranger Raptor. The engineering hub in Broadmeadows has historically led global development of Ford’s midsize pickup platform.
NVES Rules Could Affect Future Ranger Development
Ford’s concerns are largely tied to Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which will gradually tighten CO2 emissions limits between 2025 and 2029. The policy is designed to reduce vehicle emissions but automakers argue it could increase vehicle prices and development costs.
Farley also noted that full electrification does not yet work well for many pickup truck use cases, particularly heavy towing. With the next-generation Ford Ranger expected around 2027–2028, the future location of its engineering development could depend on how Australia’s emissions regulations evolve.
