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South Africa Welcomes Ford’s Investment in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Production

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Pretoria, Gauteng - South Africa's Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has expressed strong support for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa's (FMCSA) recent announcement to expand its production to include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the Ford Ranger program. This initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy.

According to South Africa Government News Agency, Industry and Competition, FMCSA's decision to invest an additional R5.2 billion (US$272 million) at the Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria represents a significant step towards sustainable transportation. This investment demonstrates Ford's commitment to producing world-class vehicles while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Minister Patel commended FMCSA for embracing cleaner energy solutions, noting that this initiative supports South Africa's national efforts to combat climate change. The move also positions South Africa as a key player in the global automotive industry's shift towards sustainable mobility.

The automotive sector worldwide has been undergoing considerable changes, with a growing emphasis on adopting cleaner technologies. The production of PHEVs is in line with the Ford+ global strategy, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey towards sustainable mobility.

The production of the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid electric vehicles at the Silverton Assembly Plant is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2024. These vehicles are expected to be exported to over 100 markets globally, including the United Kingdom and European Union member states.

Minister Patel emphasized the importance of the partnership with Ford in establishing the PHEV facility at the Silverton plant. This collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the sustainability of the automotive sector and promote a cleaner environment.

The South African automotive sector anticipates further growth with the finalization of the Electric Vehicle White Paper, expected during the current financial year. This policy will further encourage the transition from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to clean and energy-efficient alternatives.