The Ford Ranger has set a standard of power, performance, and overall toughness among pick-ups for good reason. Aside from its stacked features, impressive design, and tried and true ability to take on any terrain, the Ford Ranger undergoes meticulous quality checks to ensure each vehicle lives up to what it means to be built Ford tough.
The keen eyes and steady hands of Ford’s customer acceptance line (CAL) inspectors are critical in “providing a final seal of approval on every Ranger and Ranger Raptor,” said Sundarrajan Venkatesan, director of quality and new model programs, Ford International Markets Group1.
The customer acceptance line is a six-step process that every Ranger and Ranger Raptor passes through before being shipped around the world. It involves artificial intelligence checks, paint and panel inspection, interior and lighting, electrical, and a run around a 320-meter long, seven surface squeak-and-rattle track.
Here’s the full CAL inspection process:
Step 1: Dark Room
With all the lights switched off, inspectors check head and tail lamps, the instrument cluster, SYNCÆ2 screen, and all interior lighting for brightness and alignment.
Step 2: Hands-On Inspection
Inspectors run their hands across every surface, tracing the contours for any imperfections, while also ensuring precise panel alignment. Every button, switch, and control is pressed, poked, clicked, and pulled.
Step 3: Systems Check
Comprehensive diagnostic checks ensure the electrical components are connected correctly.
Step 4: AI Eyes
Ford’s mobile artificial intelligence vision system (MAIVS) uses advanced algorithms to scan the exterior of the vehicle for any flaws, like missing or crooked badges.
Step 5: Rainstorm Simulation
The Leak Test simulates a five-minute monsoonal downpour. High-pressure water jets blast the vehicle from every angle. Every light and seal is inspected for water tightness.
Step 6: Squeak-and-Rattle Track
Featuring everything from uneven cobblestones to angled irons, the squeak-and-rattle track simulates a variety of real-world driving surfaces to ensure there are no unwanted noises and that the suspension and steering operates exactly as it should.
From the base model Ford Ranger XL to the Ranger Raptor, each vehicle has gone through intense scrutiny – a journey of its own – before it reaches the dealership and all the way into the customer’s garage.
To learn more about the Ford Ranger, visit the Ford Philippines website at www.ford.com.ph or a Ford dealer nearest you.
Notes
1 The described processes are representative of Ford’s quality control procedures and may vary slightly depending on the manufacturing location and specific model. Individual vehicle condition may vary.
2 Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.
