Ford South Africa has just begun exporting the new-generation Ford Ranger to the overseas market from its Silverton plant in Tshwane.
The American carmaker announced that the pick-up truck is shipped to more than 100 markets and the leader is European which is the largest destination.
The pick-up is being shipped to more than 100 markets, with Europe as the largest export destination.
Late in 2022, BusinessTech Africa reported that the Silverton plant became the third manufacturing hub across the United States car maker’s International Markets Group to start production of the Ranger.
The vehicle maker also pronounced that the 4×4 Ford Ranger went on sale in South Africa in mid-December.
Ford South Africa’s operations vice president Ockert Berry said they are proud of their achievements.
“We are proud to commence with next-gen Ranger exports to customers around the world from our world-class manufacturing facility in South Africa,” said Berry.
“Having modernised local production and increased the installed capacity to a record 200 000 units a year, we remain committed to delivering quality Rangers.”
BusinessTech Africa understands that monthly export volumes from Ford’s operations in South Africa are anticipated to reach around two-thirds of total production, with these units to move through the Durban and Gqeberha ports.
“We…continue to work with authorities to address bottlenecks such as the high level of congestion at Durban’s roll-on roll-off vehicle terminal, as well as the lack of rail infrastructure for Ford to direct most of its exports, as well as imports, through Gqeberha,” added Berry.
Per the report, the two-port strategy is essential for what the automobile maker expects to be higher export volumes for the new model.
Additionally, the Gqeberha route is set to play a more instrumental role once a more efficient and reliable rail corridor between Gauteng and the Eastern Cape has been established.
