Chip shortage leads to more ‘decontenting’ for Ranger and now Fiesta ST, as delivery times push past April across the Ford range
Ford Australia has removed more standard equipment from the top-selling Ford Ranger, which is now in runout ahead of the release of its all-new replacement around May, due to the ongoing global semi-conductor shortage.
As we reported in April 2021, Ford quietly removed certain features from the outgoing MY21 Ranger’s standard equipment list, including storage areas under the rear seat, side-window lamination and, from late 2021, the CD player and, for Wildtrak and Raptor variants, the tailgate lock barrel.
Now, Ford has confirmed to carsales that from January this year, 2.0-litre biturbo diesel auto versions of the popular Ranger XL, XLT, FX4, Wildtrak and Wildtrak X double-cabs will no longer be delivered with a fuel-saving automatic engine idle-stop system.
At the other end of Ford’s local portfolio, the updated 2022 Ford Fiesta ST – due imminently – will enter Aussie showrooms without its usual blind-spot monitoring (BLIS) or rear cross traffic alert (RCTA) safety systems.
Ford Fiesta ST
Ford stresses these ‘decontenting’ measures, which echo those also made by Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Land Rover, were taken to ensure ongoing supply and delivery of Ranger and Fiesta ST vehicles.
“Certain Rangers arriving in Australia from January 2022 are not being produced with Auto Stop/Start,” said Ford in a statement.
“In order to allow customers to receive their vehicles without additional delay, Australian-delivered MY22 Fiesta ST vehicles will not be produced with BLIS or rear cross-traffic alert.”
It’s understood there will be no price reduction to compensate for the de-speccing of these models, as Volkswagen did with its upcoming Tiguan R and Golf R models, and Ford would not say whether it plans further equipment cuts to other models.
The worldwide computer chip shortage has been crippling vehicle production and supply globally for two years now, extending delivery times for a wide range of car-makers including Toyota, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz, which has been forced to delay the local launch of its new C-Class until March.
Ford Mustang
Following extensive delays for Mustang buyers, Ford now says supply of the current Ranger is beginning to tighten up, with limited stock of some variants remaining available.
Ford said delivery times for most of its models now stretch into the second quarter of this year (April-June), but exact wait times vary from variant to variant.
“With an all-time sales record for Ranger in 2021, supply is tightening and there is limited stock available on some variants,” said a Ford spokesperson.
“Following the reveal of the Next Gen Ranger last November, interest is strong with dealers indicating very high levels of enquiry.”
Ford Escape
The Ford Everest off-road SUV, which is produced in Thailand alongside the Ranger on which it’s based, hasn’t been immune to the shortages either, following record sales in 2021 and continued strong demand also pushing delivery times of some variants back into the second quarter.
“We apologise to any customers who are facing longer than anticipated wait times for their new vehicles,” said a Ford Australia spokesperson.
“As a result of continued strong demand for Ford vehicles, along with some supply constraints due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and the global semiconductor shortage, vehicle availability varies across Ford’s vehicle range.
“We are working hard to get as many vehicles to Australia as possible, and reiterate that as the supply situation continues to evolve, we encourage customers to reach out to their local dealer, who is best placed to advise on local availability and wait times.”
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Keyword: Ford Ranger downgraded again