Ford unveils custom ute for special services duty
Ford has released a new Special Service Vehicle package for its F-150, the biggest selling pick-up truck in the US. Targeted at government and commercial fleets for things like police or forest ranger duty, the pack adds at no extra cost a larger alternator and a unique interior configuration. Inside, the truck offers cloth seating and additional space between the front seats for a range of gear, including communications equipment and firearms. Agencies can also specify beefier components like heavy-duty tyres and skid plates. The SSV package trucks can be had with either a turbocharged 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6 engine with 272kW and 560Nm of torque, or a 5-litre V8 with 268kW and 510Nm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can equip either four-wheel or two-wheel drive SuperCab and SuperCrew models with the SSV package.
VW makes moves on battlefield
What good is a truck if it can't be used to invade your neighbours? None at all, say the armament experts at Rheinmetall Defence. At the recent Eurosatory defence expo in Paris - the Geneva motor show of military hardware, if you like - Rheinmetall unveiled its conversion options for the Volkswagen Amarok, transforming the four-door civilian pickup truck into a multi-purpose military vehicle.
The options list includes a reinforced suspension, advanced communications systems and a motorised turret for a machine gun or grenade launcher. Military and paramilitary buyers can order theirs with a variety of engines. Volkswagen is reportedly looking into taking a stake in heavy truckmaker Navistar International in an attempt to gain ground on rival Daimler. A report in Germany says such a move would give VW a leg up on Daimler Trucks, which holds the keys to US-based Freightliner. Navistar International hasn't performed particularly well in recent months. It suffered a second-quarter loss because of warranty costs, which pushed down the company's stock price by 28 per cent to its lowest level since 2008.
Meanwhile, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has made it clear he wants to delve into the US big-rig market as well.
Young Chinese buyers want longer cars