Peter Fleet, ASEAN President, kicked off the presentation at Ford’s interactive, high-tech exhibition space at IMPACT Arena on Thursday.

“It is always thrilling to unveil a new vehicle,” Fleet said. “And this is especially exciting, because this next-generation global compact pickup truck will be proudly built right here in Thailand.”

The Motor Show attendees crowded the stage, where the All-New Ranger was still under wraps, and were visibly captivated as they watched Joe Hinrichs, Ford APA President, step onto the stage for the unveiling moment.

The All-New Ford Ranger is part of “a great One Ford story,” Hinrichs declared. “Great, as we build momentum across the broad Asia Pacific and Africa region with new One Ford global products.”

Flashbulbs popped and TV cameramen approached the stage as the covers were pulled off, jostling with photographers to get a close-up shot of the gleaming Aurora Blue Ranger.

The All-New Ranger is the centrepiece of the Ford stand -- the most interactive exhibit that the company has ever put on display in the ASEAN region, aimed at connecting with visitors by providing a fun experience that highlights the company’s leading technologies and vehicle features.

A high-tech driving simulation machine with wrap-around video screens is one of the most popular attractions. There is also an interactive Towing Challenge, where show-goers can strap on a harness and test their strength against the Ranger’s towing capacity, a slot racing game, and other displays to show off Ford’s advanced manufacturing, safety, and engine technologies.

Danai PadoongKhwan, a visitor to the Ford exhibition, played the Focus Control Blade Challenge, a video computer game that’s controlled by the player shifting his body weight while standing atop a movable disc mounted to the floor.  

“That was fun,” said Danai. “I wish I could have a Focus for myself. I like its strength and sturdiness.”

Tadchai Sapyen enjoyed watching a documentary in 3D that explains how Ford’s advanced, smart technology helps make the company’s cars safe, efficient and strong.

“This is much better than just reading or listening to an explanation,” Tadchai said. “It makes you feel like you are actually sitting in a car. You can see how the features work.”

After the truck was formally unveiled, Hinrichs joined Global Compact Pickups Vehicle Line Director Gary Boes, Craig Metros, design chief for the new Ranger, and Adisai Sirisinha, Ford Thailand Marketing Director, to answer questions online from Ford Ranger Facebook fans.

And the questions from pickup truck enthusiasts poured in. Ranger Facebook fans were keen to learn more about the All-New Ranger’s technical features and design, and asked when Ford’s newest global truck would be available in their local markets.

The 32^nd annual Bangkok International Motor Show will run through Monday, April 4 at IMPACT arena, Muang Thong Thani, with more than 1.6 million visitors expected.

Ford executives pose with the All-New Ranger at the Bangkok International Motor Show. From left to right: Joe Hinrichs, APA President; Peter Fleet, ASEAN President; Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Thailand.	Peter Fleet, left, and Craig Metros, chief designer of the All-New Ranger, try out the Slot Car Racing display.
Media representatives gather at the Ford exhibition space to get their first look at the All-New Ranger.	The 3D Quality Theatre teaches Bangkok Motor Show visitors about the virtual technologies used in Ford design, engineering and manufacturing.
One of the Ford Ranger’s new powertrains on display at the 32nd Bangkok International Motor Show.