Ranger's got your back

As the humble commercial vehicle becomes better equipped -- and bigger in proportion -- the safety equipment found on the family sedan or SUV is now becoming a necessary inclusion.

Where reversing is concerned, there is perhaps no single piece of safety equipment more important than the rear view camera, yet it's surprising how often this vital piece of equipment is nowhere to be found on a commercial vehicle's option sheets...Until now.

Ford's upcoming Ranger offers an innovative rear view camera system that displays its picture in the car's electrochromatic rear view mirror, similar to systems already available from Kia and Hyundai. The video image shows a clear and panoramic view behind the vehicle via a wide-angle camera located on the tailgate (which automatically activates upon the selection of reverse gear).

The camera offers excellent low light capability which Ford says helps illuminate even the darkest of areas when combined with Ranger's powerful reverse lamps.

On screen, the system also incorporates guidance lines to assist more accurate positioning -- the superimposed image showing the path of the vehicle based on its steering angle. Two yellow lines indicate the total width of Ranger (including mirrors) while additional coloured bars indicate the remaining reversing space. A black dotted line also helps when hooking up a trailer by showing the Ranger's centre line.

Ranger also comes with ultrasonic rear parking sensors to further assist reversing and parking manoeuvres.

"With the unique Rear View Camera System, reversing has never been easier. It's a great feature to help drivers detect obstacles on construction sites or in the driveway of your home," said Ranger's electrical engineering leader, Craig Sprenger.

"The lines that mark Ranger's size make it so much simpler to reverse into tight parking spots, and the centre line takes the guesswork out of hooking up to a trailer.

"The One Ford strategy has given the world a better truck, a vehicle superior in every way, from exceptional power, towing and payload capability to outstanding fuel efficiency.

"Now with eyes on the rear, Ranger's certainly got your back."

Designed and developed in Australia, Ranger is the first commercial ute to be built under the 'One Ford' strategy as part of a global product programme bringing together the full engineering expertise of Ford around the world. Ranger will be one of the first Ford vehicles in the Asia Pacific and Africa region to offer the advanced Rear View Camera System.

The new Ford Ranger is slated to arrive in showrooms locally at the end of the year.

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