The first batch of South African-built Ford Everest vehicles destined for export markets in sub-Saharan Africa has been completed, with the first vehicle on its way to its new owner in Kenya.
The moondust silver Everest 2.2 XLT 4 4 departed from Durban on November 12, and is destined for Mombasa, from where it will make its way to local Ford dealer CMC.
“This is an exciting period for Ford Motor Company, as we are now seeing the fruits of the more than R2.5-billion investment programme emerge with the first locally assembled Ford Everest models coming off the line and being shipped to their new owners across the region,” says Ford Motor Company Middle East and Africa operations VP Ockert Berry.
“The Silverton assembly plant [in Pretoria] is now operating as a fully fledged two-vehicle production facility, assembling both the Everest and the Ranger for the domestic and export markets.”
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa started local production of the Everest range in October. Localised production created around 1 200 new jobs at the local Ford subsidiary and in its supplier network.
Inthe next batch of Everest export models due for shipment in November are vehicles destined for Madagascar, Tanzania and Cameroon, with other key markets to follow.
Ford produces eight Everest derivatives in South Africa, with option of the 2.2 ℓ or 3.2 ℓ Duratorq TDCi engine, the XLS, the XLT and range-topping limited specification levels, manual and automatic transmissions, as well as two-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Edited by: Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor
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