It is always questioned why Brazil does not have a national car, utility or light commercial brand. Indeed, as the word’s fourth largest market, conditions are favourable. Attempts have been made, sure, but even had they flourished it would be quite unlikely for them to survive nowadays.
The local brand that went furthest was the one located far away from large consumer centres, Troller. Founded 1995 in Horizonte, 25 miles south of Fortaleza, in the northeast state of Ceará, by local engineer Rogério Farias, it specialised in hefty utilities for off-road use.
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Some 10,000 units were produced in 19 years. In 2007 the brand ceased to be a national one – it is now owned fully by Ford Brazil – but it keeps going, opposite to all others. The American automaker’s interest in Troller was prodded by current fiscal incentives aimed at stimulating the auto industry to decentralise towards northeast and centre-west regions.
For the new Troller T4, BRL215m/$97m was spent, including a production boost to 3,000 units yearly from 1,200 on a single shift and 400 direct jobs. A new SMC (shield-moulding compound) manufacturing process for the composite glass-fibre outer skin is an advance over the previous hand-laying method and includes six robots.
The T4 was entirely redesigned, which may be questionable, but without letting go form and function. Wheelbase was increased (2.58m/101.6 in) which improved rear legroom although access to the rear seats remains inadequate. Exit angle improved to 51°, or 14° over the previous model.
Power now is a Ford Duratorq, fivr-cylinder, 197bhp/347lb ft diesel coupled to a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox (the same powertrain as the Ranger pickup) which has turned it into a quieter and good-performing combination with part-time four wheel drive, a low range gear and self-locking rear differential. This despite weight being a high 2,065kg/4,552lb.
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By GlobalDataThe lack of a left foot rest is soon noted, especially off-road. Ford has acknowledged this and will correct it.
The vehicle is highly priced: BRL110,990/$49,950, up from over BRL97,000/$43,700 previously. Yet targeted customers already have two cars in their garages and the most direct competitor – the petrol Jeep Wrangler – starts at BRL155,000/$69,800.
Equipment includes dual-zone air conditioning, trip computer, audio system with CD player and MP3, two fixed-glass sunroofs, 17-in wheels, underbody shields, and ABS brakes tailored for off-road use. More than 130 factory-approved accessories are offered at dealers.
There are no export plans, according to Ford Brazil.
