Ford's off-roader, winner of the International Pick-Up Award for 2013, will see service in a variety of roles, carrying personnel, MoD civilians and their equipment around Britain.
The 104 Ranger XL models will be supplied with four-wheel drive and in a variety of cab configurations with deliveries via Manchester-based Ford dealer, Evans Halshaw. Each vehicle will have an operational life of between five and seven years.
the Ford Ranger is offered in three cab body styles – Double, Super and Regular – and comes with a choice of two Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, and either two or four-wheel drive. It is the first such vehicle to achieve a Euro NCAP five-star rating.
Steve O'Leary, MoD programme manager, said: ‘These Ford Rangers are all vital administrative vehicles. Some will be used by service security patrols guarding military establishments, and others will be converted for mountain rescue.
‘The Ranger was selected as it is more than able to fulfil the required role in terms of off-road mobility and payload, and also for the value for money it offers.’
Ford Direct sales manager, Paul Henderson, added: ‘We are extremely pleased that the MoD has placed this important order. The Ranger is perfectly suited to heavy-duty use and will prove a robust and reliable workhorse in its new career with the military.'