Ford Motor Company is celebrating its 100-year legacy in South Africa with the announcement of a R5.2 billion ($272 million) investment in its local operations for the production of the first-ever Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) later this year.

Ford is also marking this historic milestone with the reveal of an expanded product range that will soon be available to its 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, 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 before their upcoming local launch, comprising the adventure-oriented Ranger Tremor and the Ranger Platinum – the most luxurious Ranger ever.

Chief Dealer Engagement Officer, Ford Motor Company, Elena Ford, said: “This is a momentous occasion as we celebrate Ford’s Centenary in South Africa.

“From humble beginnings at Ford in South Africa in November 1923, our team and facilities here have grown into a world-class operation that delivers the highest-quality vehicles to our customers in South Africa and around the world.

“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.

Along with continuing to invest in vehicles and facilities in South Africa, Ford Motor Company is deeply committed to building a better world. Empowering and uplifting communities is central to this ethos and it’s a topic that is very important to Ford Motor Company and its philanthropic arm, the Ford Motor Company Fund. Mary Culler, president of the Ford Fund, said: “Along with our already extensive range of community projects in South Africa, I am proud to launch three far-reaching education projects as part of the Centenary celebrations that will create a lasting legacy for thousands of young people in this wonderful country.”

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.

Ford Motor Company is 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.

Operations director, Ford International Markets Group, Andrea Cavallaro, said: “The additional investment in the Silverton Assembly Plant for the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid takes our total manufacturing investment in South Africa over the past 14 years to around $1.72 billion, or nearly R33 billion.”

“It signals our commitment to the country, our employees and our extensive supplier network.”