Lucas Bell 
The Ford Motor Company released a statement on Monday confirming that they will be closing three production facilities in Brazil. The $4.1 billion decision comes as a result of several factors, including the regional economic impact of the pandemic, slow sales in recent years, and CEO Jim Farley’s asset-light business model. Part of the shutdown is scheduled to take place immediately, and could result in as many as 5,000 job losses, according to Automotive News. As if that wasn’t bad enough for our South American friends, this decision also spells the end of the oh-so-special Ford Troller T4.
Ford began producing vehicles in Brazil all the way back in 1919, and has retained a presence in the country ever since. Despite closing their production facilities, the automaker has already confirmed that they will not be pulling out of Brazil entirely. Instead, Ford has decided to retain their South American headquarters, product development center and proving grounds located in Brazil. This leaves the automaker with just two production facilities in South America.
One facility that isn’t slated to shut down immediately is the plant responsible for building the Ford Troller T4, which will complete the 2021 model year. Ford bought the rights to produce the Troller T4 from Troller Veículos Especiais back in 2007, and has been cranking out the rugged SUV ever since. While some gearheads lust after the Europe-exclusive products on offer from automakers, this is the non-US market vehicle we adore most. Somewhere between a Wrangler and a Jimny, this tough off-roader is the South American Ford Bronco we never got.
Built on a shortened version of the Ranger’s T6 platform, the Ford Troller T4 lineup comes powered by a 3.2-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel making 200 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to all four wheels via a two-speed transfer case, with both a manual and automatic transmission available. The platform isn’t the only thing this SUV has in common with our Ford Bronco, as the Troller T4 come as standard with Dana axles and a removable roof.
As over 100 years of Ford vehicle production in Brazil comes to a close, buyers inside the country will have to rely on the global products currently available in neighboring countries. This isn’t the worst thing ever, but it is a real shame that one of Ford’s coolest off-roaders is going away. All that is left to do now is wait until the Ford Troller T4 passes the 25-year importation mark here in the United States.
