An F-Max is certainly the last Ford model I was expecting to see there, neatly parallel parked. Ford Otosan from Turkey builds this textbook example of a heavy-duty, 4×2 Euro-tractor. Since last year, the truck maker is officially represented in the Netherlands by an importer, F-Trucks Nederland BV, and six dealerships.
Which means there are now eight brand options in the 500 DIN-hp class of on-highway tractors with a comfortable, raised roof tilt cab.
The only turbodiesel available in the F-Max is the 12.7 liter, Ford Ecotorq inline-six. Previously, FPT Industrial (Fiat Powertrain Technologies) was Ford Otosan’s engine supplier. Since early 2024, all tractors come with an in-house, 16 speed automated manual transmission instead of the ZF TraXon AMT.
So yes indeed, Ford Otosan is a truck maker all the way, for which they truly deserve the Gold Bulldog award! (oh wait…)
The tractor’s registered GVWR is 18 tonnes, whereas its gross combination weight is rated at 44 tonnes (39,700 and 97,000 lbs, respectively). With these numbers, the F-Max fits the bill for international transport throughout Europe perfectly.
Just recently, Ford Otosan unveiled the updated, 510 DIN-hp Gen2. Continental competitors beware, the F-Max and the whole organization behind it cannot be compared with the commercial Transcontinental fiasco of yore!
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Nice. Typical price or price range in Holland?
Somewhere around € 110,000 to € 120,000, I’d say. Judging by the prices I found on the site of a Belgian dealership (close enough to NL). The F-Max is only available as a 4×2 tractor.
It very much depends on what to choose from the long factory option lists, the paint job, aftermarket extras and such. Just a simple example: air suspended front axle or not?
Ford is in the lower price range for sure, a direct Renault and Iveco competitor. All lease of course in this business, with a handful of exceptions (there always are).
The contrast with US tractors is interesting. I cannot tell you the last time I saw a cabover style. In recent months I have experienced some docks that were designed back when they regulated overall length. Now they regulate max trailer length. I have enough problems negotiating those places in a conventional day cab, and marvel at how the drivers in the much-longer sleeper cabs manage. One of these could be handy some of the places I go.
Right, a good thing you weren’t there with your tractor Jim. You would have blocked the entire driveway. And the neigbors’ too. We can’t have that.
Great article, I am glad you got around to covering these vehicles. The Otosan joint venture in Turkey is the last vestige of Ford as a heavy truck manufacturer anywhere in the world. That having been said, I am not sure how much influence Dearborn has over these vehicles, and I think it’s safe to say that this impressive effort at commercial truck manufacturing is largely a home-grown affair. Nonetheless, Ford Otosan is now working with Iveco once again with Iveco in the development of truck cabs and parts sourcing, and that may be the start of deeper cooperation in the future. It’s becoming hard for Ford-Otosan and Iveco to compete with Daimler Truck, Volvo, and Traton.
https://www.ivecogroup.com/media/corporate_press_releases/2025/march/ford_trucks_and_iveco_sign_joint_development_agreement_for_new_heavy_duty_truck_cabin
Agreed, I doubt if there was any Dearborn influence. Clearly, the Volvo FH from a decade ago was a major source of inspiration…
The european Ford truck.
Do you know how the Ford F-150 sells in Europe compared to other truck brands?.
Not, as in marginal sales numbers. The Ford F-150 can only arrive here through grey import channels. Unlike the smaller Ford Ranger pickup, which is officially imported and distributed.
The four Transit models, that’s where it’s at.
Impressive what this Turkish JV has developed in-house.