Mazda Motor Corporation has dumped a model name used for Asian-built light pickup trucks for over 35 years – renaming its B-series the BT-50.
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The redesigned Thai-built one-ton pickup range, like the similar Ford Ranger made in the same AutoAlliance plant, will make its world debut at the 2006 Bangkok international motor show later this month.
The current US-market Ford Ranger and Mazda B-series are a different US design and both are built in a Twin Citries Ford plant.
“In line with Mazda’s global alphanumeric nomenclature strategy, we have named this new [Thai] truck range “BT-50”, a global name that will be used in all markets,” said Malcolm Gough, executive officer and general manager of Mazda’s overseas sales division, referring to the new Thai-built model.
“BT-50 recognises the new range’s B-series truck heritage (BT) and the number ‘50’ reflects that this one-ton vehicle is optimally positioned between smaller payload trucks (e.g. half-ton) and much larger trucks.”
Mazda’s statement provided no further details but Ford said on Wednesday its new Ranger would be offered with new two- and three-litre turbodiesel engines. Cab features include a CD/MP3 player and a tray that pulls out from under the dashboard to serve as a meal table or desk.
Ford UK said on Thursday it would launch the Ranger later this year with the 2.5-litre engine.
