We had reported before that Ford Motor Company intended to shut down its businesses in Brazil before 2022, including the Horizonte factory where Troller off-roaders are produced. Apparently, the government now wants to rescue the country’s only automotive brand.
Brazil authorities are now actively looking for potential buyers of the factory and the Troller marque, promising tax benefits in return. Unofficial sources claim that three companies have already expressed interest in the deal, although it remains open which ones these are. With the economy in Brazil being in a state of collapse, major international corporations probably won’t be interested.
Troller used to produce around 1,000 SUVs per year, outfitting each one with a tube frame and GFRP bodywork. The Troller T6 featured in our gallery and the video here uses Ford Ranger T6 frame and powertrains, but can also be obtained with a 3.2-liter Ford Duratorq diesel.
Businessman Rogerio Farias founded the company to produce SUVs, pickup trucks and trailers in 1995. In 2007, it was acquired by Ford. Troller is Ford’s last factory still remaining in Brazil after two others were closed at the beginning of the year.