New Ford Ranger Raptor rolls off the production line

The new 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor has been photographed on its way down the Thai production line, as the first customer examples make their way into Australia.

Photographs released by Ford Australia today show an Australian-specification Raptor finished in Frozen White on its way down the production line, giving a rare insight into the manufacturing process.

The company has also published a behind-the-scenes video detailing the intricacies of the production process at the Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) Plant.

The images were taken in July this year and the car depicted is believed to be in the first shipment of customers vehicles bound for Australia aboard the Hercules Leader.

Ford Australia is tight-lipped on just how many second-generation Raptor orders it currently holds, but the figure is believed to be in excess of 5000.

carsales is also awaiting a response as to the current status of Australian vehicles, and just how many orders will be delivered in the first shipment.

Ford originally informed prospective Raptor owners that the first vehicles would be delivered in late July. That figure was pushed back to August 20, then September 3, before the latest provisional date of September 19 just last week.

At the national Ranger Raptor media launch – which included 12 press vehicles and a separate fleet of new Ford Everests – Ford Australia chief Andrew Birkic said the delays stemmed from parts shortages more than anything else.

“What we need is a good supply of parts in particular. If something happens and someone’s in an unfortunate collision, we don’t want their car off the road,” he said.

Late last month, an internal communication shared with Ford dealers said: “A small number of Next-Gen Raptor vehicles have arrived in Australia; however, these units will be held until accessories and parts supply reach optimal levels.”

“We anticipate shipping will commence from week commencing September 19.”

The Ford communication with its dealers outlined a similar delay with the new Ford Everest.

“Dealer [Everest] vehicle orders have commenced arriving in Australia; however, these units will be held until accessories and parts supply reach optimal levels,” it said.

“We are working to ensure all Dealers receive a minimum of 1 unit from week commencing September 19.”

Ford is certainly not alone in experiencing supply delays, with most mainstream auto brands now facing waiting times of more than six months for their most popular models.

Watch this space for our first full reviews of the new Ford Ranger Raptor (this Thursday, September 8) and new Ford Everest (September 13).