Maybe the Ranger isn't going to die in the US?

Now that I've gotten bak into the MyFordDreams saddle, I'm getting up to speed with some of the news. I know that Igor, a frequent commentor and fanatic Blue Oval fan, had mentioned rumors of a Ranger Replacement, but Pickup Trucks . com has a piece (linked in title) about a possible replacement that would be truly "Global" unlike the current Ranger line up.
We all know that the North American Ranger is the same basic unit for over a decade. And I posted recently explaining that even if Ford wanted to they won't be able to sell it in the United States, because of safety and emissions standards in our near future.

I had complained that we weren't getting the new Thai built Ranger ( Mazda BT-50) that was available globally outside North America ( United States & Canada, although available in Mexico). But Pickup Trucks . Com says that much like the Fiesta, a new Global Ranger could be on the way for 2012! Just about time too. My 1999 unit may want to retire by then. Not that it's showing any signs of problems, but who keeps a truck 13 years?

Now, one major point I found interesting, was the mention of an EcoBoost powertrain for the US.

A 1.6 liter unit? But making 175 hp and 180 lb ft of torque sounds right for a base powerplant.

I know the concept Explorer America was supposed to be an EcoBoost 4 cyl, but I thought I read it was 2.0 liter and putting out 200 hp? Maybe that will be an uplevel motor in a new Ranger?
Maybe a V-6? But no mention of the 2 available Diesels that the rest of the world gets.

Jump over to Pickup Trucks . Com and see the article and spy photos. It's wearing Mazda BT-50 body panels, but it's suposed to be a new Global Ranger, to replace the current Thai unit and BT-50 I assume.

MyFordDreams is open for business

MyFordDreams is now open for business again. I'd taken a bit of a break from blogging and am getting back in the saddle. And now I'm going to accept proposals for ads. I've got 2 new advertisers lined up already Car Insurance from Direct Line and also Churchill Car Insurance
Both are UK based companies, but that's fine with me, since I have written so much about the great Fords that they have over the pond as opposed to here in the states. Not that I don't love what we have, but you know I'm looking forward to the Fiesta and new Focus.

Unlike the lucky guy over at Jalopnik, I didn't get a new Fiesta to drive.

I'll have to wait until they hit my local dealerships.

A Hybrid for those that need more than Eco Cred!

Absolutely amazing! I knew Ford could do it. I loved the Escape Hybrid, but with the new Fusion Hybrid, they've raised the bar in so many ways. Sure a Prius gets better milage, but the Fusion gives a Hybrid option to real folks and blows away competitors with 41mpg City!

This is a car that is truly an accessable and reasonable car for the masses. Kudos to Ford!
Not just a car for the trendy crowd. I'll give you an example, my neighbor bought a new Saturn Vue Hybrid, but GM's "Mild Hybrids" may have huge flashy graphics down the side, but what about MPG? And of course the Hollywood elite all want to be seen in a Prius. But if you want to blend in and get the real world benefits, without having to anounce to the world that you're "Green" this is the one to get.

I have a real bone to pick with New York City by the way! I read recently that they bought a bunch of Nissan Altima Hybrids. Why in the hell would they do that? Why not buy Fusion Hybrids?

Future of Ford and this blog hopefully looking better

With all the news being bad, it's hopeful that at least FoMoCo's news is less so.
We've all read how they posted much lower losses than expected and how that in turn resulted in a bit of a rise on their stock price. If I had money to invest, which I don't, I'd buy Ford stock.
For two reasons, first I think it's a sound investment and secondly to show support for the only Domestic automaker that didn't need a bailout.

Ford's product mix and quality are both improved over previous years.
We can finally see some of the great overseas models here in the US.
Igor, a frequent commentor here and an avid Ford fanatic, has left comments saying that we can expect the Kuga as the replacement of the Escape and even gives guesses on powertrains. He also has words on Mustang and EcoBoost. Normally I would consider such comments to be just wishful thinking, but he's been guessing very well, if it is guessing.

So, Ford looks like a viable proposition moving forward. And what about MyFordDreams?
Well, I've been dealing with a lot of personal issues over the last year and I'm feeling that I may actually be able to get back in the game. I'll never bee AutoBlog or Jalopnik, but I'll be getting back into the swing of things soon.

I've had many interested parties try and contact me about advertising on the blog. If anyone is interested in sending me a proposal, they can email me at myforddreams@aol.com or xltoffroad@aol.com I had been reulctant in the past, but as The Auto Prophet recently said, it won't make me rich, but it could pay for a new camera or other blog related expense.

I'd appreciate your patience as I go and fix links on the side and clear house. Tags/labels will be used from now on.