Ford South Africa recently reached a significant milestone as they celebrated the production of their one millionth Ranger bakkie at the Silverton factory in Tshwane. The popular one-tonne pickup has been a staple in the country for 24 years over three generations and is a favorite among South Africans.
The sheer scale of this achievement is evident as Ford mentioned that one million Rangers lined up bumper to bumper would stretch from Pretoria to Egypt’s southern border, spanning 5,300km. This vehicle has not only made a mark in South Africa but has also been exported to over 100 countries, showcasing the excellence of the country’s automotive industry on a global platform.
Neale Hill, Ford Motor Company Africa president, expressed his pride in reaching this milestone, especially during Ford’s centenary year in South Africa. The company has made substantial investments in their production facilities, including a recent R5.2bn investment to produce the Ranger plug-in hybrid in Silverton.
The third-generation Ranger, which debuted at the end of 2022, marked an expansion in production capacity, cementing Ford’s position as the highest-volume vehicle manufacturer in the country. With thousands of employees and a vast network of suppliers in the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, Ford continues to drive growth in the automotive sector and beyond.
Furthermore, the new Ranger has already made waves by winning the prestigious 2023 South African Car of the Year title, proving its appeal and excellence in the market.