Ford Vehicles Now Compatible With HVO Renewable Diesel
Continued fluctuations in fuel costs are putting pressure on many businesses, driving a significant spike in interest for electrified options like hybrids and alternative power sources.
IN AN historic 'first' for a utility, the new Ford Ranger has gained a maximum 5 Star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol.
It scored 89% for overall safety, one of the highest scores recorded by Euro NCAP for any type of vehicle. And it was best by Euro NCAP for pedestrian protection (81%).
Says Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, "If the worst were to happen, the new Ranger would protect passengers of all ages and pedestrians."
Euro NCAP (set up 1997) is the largest and most respected independent authority on crash testing in Europe, Ford says.
Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said: "With such good pedestrian protection, the Ford Ranger is raising the bar of safety in the category of pickup trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest."
The Ranger's passenger cell uses high-strength steel throughout. Load paths in the front, side, and rear direct crash forces away from passengers. This, and a new ladder frame, was optimised to manage the crash energy in a variety of impacts.
Computer modelling enabled engineers to assess 9000 virtual crash tests before any of the 110 actual vehicle crash tests or 410 system sled tests were done.
Ford beat its own record for the number of crash tests, says Adam Frost, chief engineer, Digital Innovation, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.
Side curtain airbags, standard on all Ranger cab styles in Europe for the first time, pop out of the headliner to protect passengers during side impact.
New side airbags also deploy from the side bolster of the front seats to protect the thorax from side-impact forces, working in tandem with the front airbags for the driver and front passenger.
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.

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