The Ranger comes with a revamped design as well as two common-rail engine choices - 2.5-litre (143hp, 330Nm) and 3.0-litre (156hp, 380nm).

Prices, however, have not been disclosed for the truck. According to Ford officials, retail prices will be announced at the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show, which starts on March 22 at Bitec.

The latest Ranger, like the outgoing model, will be exported to 130 countries, except North America. It is also shipped to the Philippines in exchange for Ford Focus passenger cars under the Afta (Asean Free Trade Area) scheme.

The launch of the Ranger takes place just a few days before the introduction of the new Mazda Fighter truck, which is co-developed with the Ranger, sharing the same production platform.

Combined production at the Auto Alliance Thailand plant in Rayong for both the Ranger and Fighter is 150,000 units per year.

Common-rail direct-injection diesel engines are perceived as the most economical and powerful power plants due to the high-pressure fuel-injection system that creates finer fuel molecules.

In recent months, there has been much speculation about the timing and global plans for the Ranger. This is the first time the company has confirmed the Thai Ranger's debut and plans for distribution.

"It's much better than the Ranger we sell here," a Ford executive said. "The truck got a total overhaul, with an emphasis on exterior and interior improvements and quality. But I want to emphasise to American consumers that this is not a new Ranger for the United States."

The Thai Ranger is slightly larger than the model currently sold in the US. Ford says it is too costly to import the Thai-built Ranger into the US because of a punishing 25-per-cent tariff.