WeeklySA_AdminMILESTONE: Launch of third and current-generation of the model in 2022 followed massive investment and expansion program increasing capacity to 200 000 vehicles per year – 720 vehicles per day…
By Ali Mphaki
A million of anything is a huge number. Now imagine one million Ford Rangers being lined up bumper-to-bumper, starting at Ford South Africa’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant in Pretoria and heading due north through Africa. Ford’s segment-defining pick-ups, or bakkies in South African vernacular, would reach all the way to Egypt’s southern border – some 5 300km away.
That provides a rather mind-boggling visual representation of Ford’s latest milestone in the local production of the Ford Ranger over the past 24 years, as the Silverton plant celebrates the one-millionth unit having recently come off its modern assembly line.
The Ranger’s legacy in South Africa encompasses three generations, with a tale of constant evolution and innovation of this trusted and much-loved nameplate that has become a cornerstone of Ford’s local line-up, and one of the country’s most popular vehicles.
It has racked up an impressively long list of awards along the way, and made an incalculable and indelible impact on businesses, communities and individuals, while helping elevate South Africa’s automotive industry onto the global stage.
Three generations spanning 24 years
The first-generation Ranger was produced between 2000 and 2011, which included Ford South Africa’s first significant foray into export markets which commenced in 2008, with right-hand drive and left-hand drive models shipped from the Silverton Manufacturing Plant to markets across Africa.
The second-generation Ranger chapter drew to a close in November 2022 with a total of 873 751 units produced in South Africa – with around two thirds making their way to export markets.
The launch of the third and current-generation Ranger at the end of 2022 followed a massive investment and expansion program for the Silverton Manufacturing Plant to increase installed capacity to 200,000 vehicles per year – or 720 vehicles per day, which is the highest volume of any vehicle manufacturer in South Africa.
The Ford Ranger revolutionised the pick-up, or bakkie, market in so many ways over the years, bringing entirely new levels of car-like comfort and features, dependable all-round capability and trusted durability to the game.
Global praise was heaped on the second-generation Ranger, and it received the acclaimed International Pick-up Award in 2013 from the International Van of the Year jury. Ranger repeated the feat in 2020 with the updated version of this model, and then the all-new Ranger took the prized title once again in 2023 following its global launch.
Notably, the new Ranger won the South African Car of the Year title in 2023, becoming the first pick-up to win the local motoring industry’s most revered award. And it was selected as the Best 4×4 & Pick-up in the Women’s World Car of the Year competition.
Ford’s trophy cabinet is stacked with a multitude of other major awards for the Ranger, including being selected as CAR Magazine’s Best Double Cab Bakkie in its prestigious Top 12 Best Buys awards every single year since 2011 – an impressive record! Ranger was also CAR Magazine’s Bakkie Shootout winner in 2021.
The Star Readers’ Choice Awards placed Ranger as the Best Bakkie Brand in 2021, and it has consistently been a leading contender and finalist in the Double Cab segment of the annual Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.
And, most recently in May 2024, it was announced that Ranger was awarded the South African Used Car of the Year title in the AutoTrader Dealer Awards, signifying the continued impact and success of Ford’s most popular model amongst customers of new and pre-owned models.
“It’s fitting that we celebrate reaching and now rapidly surpassing the one-millionth locally produced Ranger during Ford’s Centenary year in South Africa,” says Neale Hill, president, Ford Motor Company Africa.
Motoring: Briefs
MINI MINI MORE
The latest Mini Cooper 5 Door has arrived, maintaining its compact dimensions while offering a significant boost in functionality and performance. With a length of 4 036 mm, width of 1 744 mm, and height of 1 464 mm, the new model closely mirrors its predecessor’s dimensions but provides more interior space.
The new 5 Door promises to accommodate up to five passengers, thanks to a wheelbase that is 72 mm longer and a body that is 172 mm longer compared to the 3 Door version. This extension enhances both comfort and space for occupants. The design features short overhangs, clear surfaces, and expressive accents, giving the new hatch a distinctive charisma which carries over into the cabin.
HILUX RAIDER FACELIFT
Toyota South Africa has introduced fresh front- and rear-end styling to its Hilux Raider double and extended cabs. Here’s what you need to know.
While Toyota introduced a facelifted Hilux abroad in February, the Raider trim level is the first local Hilux to receive the updated look. It remains unclear as to when or if the update will be applied to other Hilux derivatives.
The new Raider has undergone several styling updates, focusing primarily on the vehicle’s front end. The new design features a matte-black grille and front bumper, integrated into an octagonal grille, a trapezoidal lower section, and bold outer bumpers. This new layout replaces the previous model’s chrome surround, incorporating fewer reflective materials.
BMW ON A ROLL
BMW is on a roll with its model updates at the minute. In the past two months, we’ve seen refreshed versions of the 3 Series saloon, 4 Series coupe and 1 Series hatchback. Now, though, BMW has followed those launches up with a revised version of one of our favourite cars in its range – the M2 Coupe.
It’s important BMW gets this update right, too, because it hasn’t exactly bathed adulation for its most recent work. The facelifted 1 Series, for example, was mocked by enthusiasts for dropping its manual gearbox and aping the styling of a Kia Ceed.
The company’s designers should at least get an easier ride with the M2, though, mostly because they haven’t done very much. The biggest changes to the car’s exterior are some new black badges, a few new paint options and a fresh set of lightweight alloy wheels, measuring 19 inches on the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. That’s it.
Instead of fiddling about with cosmetics, BMW played to the M2’s strengths. So, rather than choking down its engine (like it did with the revised version M135 hot hatchback), BMW boosted its output by 20bhp. Plus, unlike the 1 Series, BMW will still offer the M2 with a manual ‘box. Praise be. Scroll down to learn everything we know about the car.
SCREECHING NOISES AT
TOYOTA
Toyota has admitted to providing incorrect or manipulated safety certification data in its home country of Japan.
The news originally came to light on 26 January 2024, when Toyota received instructions from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to conduct investigations into its model certification application.
On 3 June 2024, Toyota Motor Corporation reported six instances involving seven models produced since 2014, including some discontinued ones, where testing methods deviated from national standards.
On 4 June 2024, Japan’s transport ministry raided Toyota’s headquarters, which had already resulted in the suspension of three of the firm’s car models from production.
The company has subsequently halted the production of three car models only available in Japan: the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and the Yaris Cross manufactured in Kanegasaki.
Toyota has also faced further allegations of using modified vehicles in safety collision tests for models that are no longer being manufactured.
