√2023 Ford Ranger Raptor, Wildtrak V6 with Premium Pack sold out until next year

The two most expensive models in the new-generation Ford Ranger line-up are sold out until next year, with more than 17,000 orders across all variants before the first examples arrive in showrooms – and before anyone has had a test drive.

The waiting time for a 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor already stretches nine months and the queue for a new-generation Ford Ranger Wildtrak turbo diesel V6 with Premium Pack is up to eight months – long before anyone has taken a test drive or the first examples have even arrived in dealerships – according to Ford Australia.

The latest waiting times are based on new Ranger vehicles ordered at dealerships today, however even those at the head of the queue – who ordered vehicles several months ago – will still be forced to wait at least a month or so before taking delivery.

The first shipments of the Ford Ranger are due next month – one month later than originally planned – and there have been numerous sightings on social media of vehicles being transported to Ford dealers across Australia.

However, production delays due to the global shortage of semiconductors have sent some customers scrambling to sign up to new orders – and miss out on their preferred choice of colour and options so they can jump the queue.

Among the biggest roadblocks in the first batch of vehicles are the new matrix LED headlights, production of which was crippled by recent lockdowns near parts suppliers in China.

Ford had anticipated matrix headlights – a $1500 Premium Pack option on Ranger Wildtrak models, bundled with a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, and an accessory switch control panel – would be selected by about 10 to 20 per cent of buyers of that model grade.

However, the early order rate for the Premium Pack has so far been closer to 80 per cent. Buyers who don’t want to wait are weighing up the option of switching to a Wildtrak without this popular feature.

Also putting the squeeze on Ford Ranger Wildtrak models ordered with the Premium Pack is the epic demand for the new Ford Ranger Raptor.

Matrix headlights are standard on the 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor, but demand for that model exceeded Ford’s expectations – which absorbed any spare supplies of matrix headlights for Wildtrak customers.

The dilemma for the Ford factory – and anyone in the queue for one of the affected vehicles – is how to fairly allocate the hi-tech headlights to each production order.

As with many top-end luxury vehicles, matrix headlights have the ability to individually mask oncoming traffic when high beams are in use.

The technology – which resembles piano keys flickering on and off as it detects oncoming vehicles – prevents other drivers from being dazzled while maintaining a high beam spread of light around oncoming cars.

The Ford Ranger is the first mid-size pick-up in the world to offer this technology.

The popularity of the option shows buyers see the value in the high-end headlights, premium audio system, and the extra built-in accessory switches.

Drive understands Ford Australia is considering making such options standard on the Wildtrak – once the semiconductor crisis ends – to make it easier for customers to secure vehicles and dealers to swap stock, to better meet demand.

After letters advising customers about the fresh round of delays were published on social media, a statement from Ford Australia confirmed the company was holding more than 17,000 orders across all Ranger models – the equivalent of about one third of an entire year’s worth of sales.

“We’re working with our team to do everything possible to get as many Rangers, Ranger Raptors, and Everests as we can to customers as soon as we can,” said the Ford Australia statement.

“Global semiconductor and COVID-related supply chain challenges, combined with very high demand for certain variants, mean some customers will unfortunately face extended waits.

“We want to be as transparent as possible and are currently predicting extended wait times for three variants in particular. The situation is changing regularly but at this stage:

Next-Gen Ranger Raptor: a vehicle ordered today could take approximately 9 months to arrive
Next-Gen Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6: a vehicle ordered today could take approximately 8 months to arrive
Next-Gen Everest Platinum: a vehicle ordered today could take approximately 7 months to arrive

However, Ford noted, “depending on the dealer, location and specifications, there is still some stock available, so we encourage customers to talk to their nearest Ford dealer.”

In regards to the Premium Pack option on the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, the Ford statement noted: “We have seen very strong demand for the Premium Pack on the Next-Gen Ranger Wildtrak, which will take some time to work through given semiconductor supply constraints. If customers choose to remove the Premium Pack from their order, they will be able to take delivery of their Ranger sooner.

“We’d also remind customers we have much shorter wait times on other variants – for example if customers are looking for a Ranger with the 3.0L V6, we have the fully-equipped Ranger Sport or XLT, or if it’s specifically a Wildtrak they’re after, they could opt for the proven 2.0L Bi-Turbo. Similarly, the Everest Sport, Trend and Ambiente are currently more widely available.

“We fully understand that for customers waiting for their vehicle, a long wait can be frustrating. But we’ve worked hard to make sure the new levels of technology, capability, and performance in the Next-Gen Ranger, Ranger Raptor, and Everest mean they’ll be worth the wait.”

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