Ford Celebrates 100 Years in South Africa, Announces Ranger PHEV Investment, New Products and Legacy CSR Projects

Today, Ford South Africa is celebrating its 100^th anniversary!

Two live celebration events took place at Silverton Assembly plant with employees, dealers, suppliers, media, and key partners. Elena Ford, Chief Dealer Engagement officer and Mary Culler, president of the Ford Fund joined the team for the celebrations.

“It reinforces our family-company beliefs and values that continue to guide our business and are a source of pride for the families who have worked here for generations, the dealers who have been the face of the brand for decades, and our loyal customers who embody the enthusiasm for the Blue Oval,” Elena Ford said.

As well as looking back, the anniversary event is a good chance to look forward to the next 100 years.

Future products and CSR programs

We marked this historic milestone with the reveal of an expanded product range that will soon be available to South African customers. The line-up comprises the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, the exciting seventh-generation Mustang range (which will include the most powerful naturally aspirated Mustang ever – the Mustang Dark Horse), the all-new Territory five-seater SUV, new Puma, and the next-generation Tourneo and Transit Custom.

Additional derivatives of the country’s top-selling double cab pickup and current South African Car of the Year are being previewed prior to their upcoming local launch, comprising the adventure-oriented Ranger Tremor and the Ranger Platinum – the most luxurious Ranger ever.

Along with continuing to invest in vehicles and facilities in South Africa, we are deeply committed to building a better world. Empowering and uplifting communities is central to this ethos.

In keeping with the 100th anniversary celebration theme, Ford and its project partners are creating 100 maths and science laboratories for primary schools around the country, building 100 early childhood development (ECD) centres, and funding 100 youth scholarships to promote learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Investment for Ranger Plug-in Hybrid

We are also investing R5.2 billion (US$272 million) in the Silverton Assembly Plant for production of the first-ever Ranger Plug-in Hybrid, commencing in late 2024.

The investment for the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger incorporates a new battery pack assembly plant that is being constructed within the Silverton plant for the PHEV system. Ford’s Chassis Plant in the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is also being upgraded to accommodate the unique chassis configuration for this model, including changes to the robots, welding equipment, control systems, conveyors and skids.

Furthermore, the vehicle assembly operations are being adapted to accommodate the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid, specifically on the Trim, Chassis and Final (TCF) line. This includes changes to the handling equipment, turnover fixtures, charging systems, leak detection and testing equipment, as well as a new repair area.

“As with the current Ranger models, the new Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will be exported to Europe as part of our commitment to offer a wide range of powertrain options for customers in this important mid-size pickup segment,” Cavallaro says. “For the first time in about two decades the Silverton plant will also be supplying vehicles to Australia and New Zealand, as it will be the source market for the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid for these countries.”