Ford New Zealand returns to Fieldays 2026 this week with its updated 2026.5 Ranger and Everest lineup, hosting a special guest from Ford Australia to highlight the importance of the New Zealand market to the company’s global operations.
The automotive manufacturer will occupy Stand I34 in the Automotive Precinct at Mystery Creek Events Centre from June 10–13, the same location it used for last year’s event. Ford Australia’s Natalie Manariti, IMG Director Ranger and Everest for Global Truck, will join the New Zealand team to share development insights and connect with local customers.
“Fieldays is a vital touchpoint for us to connect with the backbone of New Zealand, and we are thrilled to be back at our familiar home on the site,” says Annaliese Atina, managing director of Ford New Zealand. “This year, we are putting our fresh 2026.5 Ranger and Everest lineup front and centre.”
Manariti leads product definition and business strategies for the Ranger and Everest vehicle lines across Ford’s International Markets Group. Her presence at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event underscores the significance of the New Zealand market to Ford’s global truck strategy.
“New Zealand is an incredibly important market for Ranger and Everest globally,” Manariti says. “Being at Fieldays allows us to connect directly with the drivers who put our vehicles to the test every single day. The 2026.5 updates represent a direct response to customer feedback, delivering more of the V6 power, smart technology, and rugged versatility that Kiwis demand.”
Updated powertrain options
The model year 2026.5 update introduces significant powertrain changes across the Ranger and Everest lineup. Ford has expanded availability of its 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine, which produces 184kW and 600Nm, across a broader selection of models in response to customer demand.
The company has also introduced a new 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine delivering 125kW of power and 405Nm of torque. The refined global engine features enhanced durability and easier servicing through its transition to a conventional timing chain and updated fuel injection system.
New model variants
Ford will showcase several new variants at Fieldays, including the Everest Active, a new entry-level model featuring dark exterior detailing, black 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented seats, and a 12-inch infotainment screen.
The popular Ranger Tremor returns to the lineup with the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, upgraded Bilstein suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and heavy-duty all-terrain tyres. Ford has also introduced the limited-run Ranger Wolftrak, which features Zest Green exterior highlights, dark green interior accents, a 360-degree camera, and specialised towing technology.
The Ford stand will also display the Transit range alongside the updated Ranger and Everest models. Atina says having Manariti join the team from the global truck division highlights the importance of the New Zealand market to Ford’s worldwide success.
Fieldays 2026 runs until June 13 at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton, with Ford’s stand located at the corner of I Road and E Street in the Automotive Precinct.
