The Pioneer of Global Truck Leadership Celebrates 80th Anniversary

BRIGHTON, Mich - Ford is recognizing the Pioneer of Global Truck Leadership and Celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the iconic Ute. The Australian invention of the Ute led to the development of several popular vehicles that we enjoy today like the F-Series and Ranger. The concept had been released around the world, impacting designers by other manufacturers and gaining many fans from around the globe over the years.

The birth of the Ute came from a letter. This letter was written to managing director of Ford Motor Company Australia, Hubert French. A farmer's wife wrote him, explaining that they could not afford two vehicles, but needed some type of automobile they could drive to church as well as use for farming necessities. French then took the letter to a young designer, Lewis Brandt. Brandt developed the Ford utility as a coupe with an integrated steel-paneled load carrying area at the rear of the vehicle. He blended the "pickup" sides with a coupe body, making for a cleaner profile and a larger loading area behind the cabin. The perfect vehicle for carrying cargo and driving into town.

Over a few years, the Ford coupe-utility took on a few adjustments. Quickly it became the "must have" vehicle for rural communities. About 22,000 were sold between 1950 and 1954. Lewis Bandt's design made a huge impact on the Australian auto industry.The original design by Bandt eventually paved the road for what now has become some of the world's most popular vehicles - the Pickup or utility. 

As the Pioneer of Global Truck Leadership Celebrates 80th Anniversary, we can appreciate all of the success it has brought to Ford Motor Company. Thanks to the Ute, Ford pickups globally represent one out of every five pickups sold! Without the Ute, the F-Series also wouldn't be the world's best-selling truck in the United States for 37 years in a row! Who would have thought a simple letter could turn out an idea and then a design that has impacted the entire world? Happy Anniversary, Aussie Ute and thank you for helping Ford change the world!

If you're looking for a great deal on a Ford F-Series, come to Brighton Ford! Our inventory of F-150s, F-250s, and F-350s will blow you away! We also have a great variety of Ford cars, SUVs, and crossovers at our dealership. At Brighton Ford, we do all we can ensure you are getting the right vehicle to meet all of your needs! Stop by today and we guarantee you will drive away happy!

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives for customer satisfaction. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800) 836-8206.

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