Chief engineer for the North American version of the Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck, Juan De Peña, was challenged with the task of improving the Ranger's capabilities without stepping on the toes of Ford's popular compact and full-size pickups.
Surveys showed customers wanted a more comfortable and easy-to-drive truck with more power and capability, but without getting as big or as expensive as the F-150. De Peña's challenge was to deliver that balance.