Troller T4 fell victim to Ford production optimization – DRIVE

Ford Motor Company announced the closure of its car plants in Brazil, Camasari, Taubat and Horizonte during the current year. These measures are taken to reduce costs and optimize the production network. For buyers in South America, the company will offer global models sourced from other countries. But, alas, the victims of optimization will be local Ford Ka and Ford EcoSport, as well as a distinctive SUV Troller T4 (Troller is owned by Ford).

The four-wheel drive vehicle with a composite body on a steel frame and a shortened Ranger platform is powered by a five-cylinder Duratorq 3.2 diesel engine (200 hp, 470 N • m), which is friendly with a six-speed “automatic”. The basic version costs 173,200 reais (2.4 million rubles). (Previously, the range included a modification with “mechanics”, but now it is not.)

The production of cars in Kamasari and Taubat is already being stopped, but for some time the factories will continue to make spare parts. The Troller plant in Horizonte will operate until the fourth quarter of 2021. Ecosports, Ka and T4 will remain in catalogs in the South American market until dealers sell off stock, after which Ford fans will have to turn to other models.

Ford is paying attention to the modernization of the line of cars offered in South America, with an emphasis on hybrids and electric cars, although more utilitarian models from Bronco to the new Ranger.

Ford does not shut down operations in South America: car sales and service are not affected. The regional headquarters in São Paulo, the proving ground in Tatui, the product development center in Bahia, production in Argentina and Uruguay also remain in service. Closed enterprises will be put up for sale by Ford in order to compensate for the costs ($ 4.1 billion) for the curtailment of these capacities (which includes debt repayment, accelerated depreciation, payments in connection with the layoff of personnel).