2018 SHORTLISTED
FORD RANGER SWITCH FASCIA
LIGHTFORCE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Category:
PRODUCT DESIGN
AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORT
Design:
KERRY LANGKILDE
Head of Product & Innovation at
Lightforce.
Australian Design Patent. US Patent pending.
About
Ford Ranger - one of the #1 selling vehicles in Australia and sold in 180 countries worldwide has a design flaw - there is no where to locate switching for all your 4WD accessories - such as lights, winches, break controllers, UHF Radio - so Lightforce designed one. Originally to house switching for auxiliary spot lights, but soon became popular for REDARC customers among others.
Design Challenge
Design a replacement fascia that fits perfectly into the vehicle, reuses all key components such as the 12V charging sockets and can house a number of accessory switches with ease, and look like an OEM factory replacement.
Design Solution
This replaces the existing fascia that is located in the central lower dash that has the 2 12v outlets and is compatible with all 37 PX MK2 models and the 3 Everest models and has an Australian design patent. The fascia is a direct replacement injected moulded ABS/PC panel, with zero modification to the existing surrounding console, maintaining the OEM look of the vehicle. It will accommodate 3 standard OEM style switches.
Design Impact
The Ford Ranger and Everest models are sold in 180 countries around the world and will be released into the USA market in January 2019. The Switch Fascia designed by Lightforce provides a seamless and professional look to the vehicle whilst accommodating additional accessories.
Other Key Features
Fascia finish is matte black, installation takes approximately 30 minutes (excluding accessories) and only requires a 7mm ring spanner and medium screwdriver as the surrounding panels simply pull off (a little force is required as each panel has at least 6 retaining clips). The fascia relocates in the exact same mounting points as the original, so no additional fixtures or adhesives are required. The 2 existing 12v outlets will need to be removed from the original fascia and refitted into the new fascia that incorporates the switches. This is where the medium screwdriver is required. In addition to the switch blank and switch, our optional dual 2.1-amp USB charger is also compatible with this fascia.