BUYERS OF FORD SUVS and other “lifestyle” vehicles are keen to equip them with suitable “lifestyle” accessories.
To make it easier for them and to ensure they are fitting accessories that meet Ford requirements, ARB and Ford are joining forces in a high-level collaboration to sell selected off-road accessories as Ford Licensed Accessories through participating Ford dealers in Australia from the second half of 2021.
Ford Ranger and Everest customers who want the ultimate adventure gear will be able to fit-out their vehicles with a range of ARB 4×4 Accessories that will be fully backed by Ford Australia’s New Vehicle Warranty of up to five years/unlimited kilometres.
The ARB 4×4 Accessories and Ford collaboration will initially be rolled out in Australia, with other selected Ford markets to follow.
Under the arrangement, ARB 4×4 Accessories and Ford Australia will work together to give local customers what they want: an easy, seamless way to kit out their Ford Ranger and Everest vehicles with high-quality and functional off-road accessories, so they can get out and explore their own backyard.
The full range of accessories to be made available will be outlined closer to launch. Among these will be core off-road products such as winch compatible bull-bars, electric winches and driving lights, as well as other accessories like storage drawer systems.
ARB 4×4 Accessories for Ranger and Everest that will be made available through Ford dealerships have been validated by Ford Australia engineers, with testing conducted at a number of locations including the Ford Australia Proving Ground near Lara, Victoria. Ford is Australia’s largest automotive employer, with more than 2,500 engineers, designers, technical, automotive and other specialists working at four locations across Victoria. Design and development of the Ford Ranger and Everest is led by Australia-based engineers and designers, and are sold in more than 180 markets globally.
The ARB engineering team is also based in Melbourne, with a large team of engineers and designers working from its global head office and manufacturing plant in the eastern suburbs.
“We are very proud to welcome ARB on-board as they are known globally and respected in the off-road community for their state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and stringent quality controls,” says Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand. “A lot of our customers have told us they’d love to be able to access a wider range of quality off-road accessories through our Ford dealership network, and this collaboration will mean they can head off-road safely with access to a range of ARB accessories.”
“ARB is truly honoured to be working with Ford at a global level. This collaboration is a great testament to the progressive vision of Ford and ARB to deliver to customers highly capable off-road vehicles with a broad range of best-in-class accessories,” says Andrew Brown, Managing Director of ARB 4×4 Accessories.
Importantly, ARB and Ford are working together to ensure the products are compatible with Ford vehicle systems on the Ranger and Everest and that the vehicle systems maintain full functionality with accessories fitted.
Ford-backed ARB accessories will become available via participating Australian Ford dealerships in the second half of 2021.
ARB – A True Australian Story
The origins of ARB go back to 1975 when founder Tony Brown was inspired by a four-wheel drive camping trip through the top end of Australia. He found that the often homemade or ill-fitting equipment fitted to many 4x4s he encountered was not designed for the harsh Australian conditions.
Upon his return to Melbourne Tony started work in his family garage to address the product deficiencies he’d encountered on his trip. It was exactly what passionate Australian off-roaders were waiting for, and ARB, the initials of Anthony Ronald Brown, was founded.
Today, ARB 4×4 Accessories has a global reputation for high-quality off-road accessories. It is Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of 4×4 accessories. The company has international offices in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, with an export network that extends through more than 100 countries around the world.