Ford Invests R5.2 Billion in South Africa Plant for First-Ever Ranger Plug-In Hybrid

How does Ford’s investment in the Ranger PHEV showcase its commitment to South Africa and its dedication to offering a wide range of powertrain options to customers?

Ford Motor Company is making a massive R5.2 billion investment in its Silverton Assembly Plant in South Africa to prepare for the production of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) in late 2024.

Ford Motor Company is making a substantial R5.2 billion investment in its Silverton Assembly Plant in South Africa to prepare for the production of the first-ever Ranger Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) starting in late 2024.

The investment includes the construction of a new battery pack assembly plant within the Silverton facility. Additionally, the Chassis Plant is receiving upgrades to accommodate the unique chassis configuration of the Ranger PHEV, including changes to robots, welding equipment, control systems, conveyers, and skids.

The Vehicle Assembly Operations are also being adapted to handle the specific trim, chassis, and final line aspects of the Ranger PHEV. This will involve modifications to the handling equipment, turnover fixtures, charging systems, leak detection and testing equipment, as well as the addition of a new repair area.

In addition to the battery plant and plant upgrades for the Ranger PHEV, the Silverton Assembly Plant’s Paint Shop is also being upgraded to ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction for all vehicles produced at the facility.

The Silverton Assembly Plant currently has the capacity to produce 720 vehicles per day over three shifts or 200,000 vehicles per year. With this investment, Ford’s total manufacturing investment in South Africa over the past 14 years reaches approximately R33 billion.

Andrea Cavallaro, Ford International Markets Group operations director, highlighted that the investment demonstrates Ford’s commitment to South Africa, its employees, and the extensive supplier network. Ford currently employs around 5200 people in South Africa, supporting an estimated 60,000 jobs across the total supply chain and contributing to more than one percent of the country’s GDP.

The Ranger Plug-In Hybrid, like the current Ranger models, will also be exported to Europe, and for the first time in two decades, it will be supplied to Australia and New Zealand. This highlights Ford’s dedication to offering a wide range of powertrain options to customers in the mid-size pickup segment.

The Ranger PHEV combines a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, similar to the one found in the Mustang and other Ford models, with an electric motor to provide additional power and torque. It also offers up to 45km of all-electric driving. This hybrid system allows the Ranger PHEV to be driven purely on electricity for shorter trips or serve as a power source on job sites or camping adventures.

The decision to go with a plug-in hybrid system for the Ranger PHEV was driven by customer needs. It enables the vehicle to tow heavy loads, travel long distances, and tackle off-road adventures without relying on charging infrastructure. The model retains the Ranger’s impressive 3500kg braked towing ability.

The 2024 Ford Ranger PHEV forms part of Ford Australia’s plan to introduce five electrified vehicles before the end of next year, showcasing the brand’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

• New battery pack assembly plant being constructed
• Chassis Plant receiving upgrades to accommodate unique configuration
• Vehicle Assembly Operations being adapted for Ranger PHEV
• Paint Shop also being upgraded for all vehicles
• Total manufacturing investment in South Africa reaches R33 billion
• Ranger PHEV to be exported to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand
• Combines petrol engine with electric motor for power and efficiency
• Part of Ford Australia’s plan for five electrified vehicles

With a significant investment in its South African plant, Ford Motor Company is gearing up for the production of the Ranger Plug-In Hybrid. This move not only demonstrates Ford’s commitment to South Africa but also supports local jobs and contributes to the country’s economy. The Ranger PHEV’s plug-in hybrid system offers power, efficiency, and the ability to tackle various driving needs without relying solely on charging infrastructure. It is part of Ford Australia’s broader plan to introduce more electrified vehicles in the near future.