The next two years will see an aggressive expansion of Ford’s vehicle line-up in sub-Saharan Africa.

The US auto maker will launch 25 new or refreshed vehicles in the region, of which 17 will find their way to South Africa.

These vehicles include the new Focus, Fusion family car, Ranger XL-plus for mines and farms, Transit Connect (cargo) and Tourneo Connect (people mover) small vans and the Mustang.

Ford sub-Saharan Africa CEO Jeff Nemeth said at the Go Further event in Johannesburg, on Thursday, that South Africa remains Ford’s engine of growth for the continent.

However, “moving forward, sub-Saharan Africa will be a key market for Ford. Our vision is to become the first choice for mobility in Africa”.

“The total Middle East and Africa car market is expected to grow 40% by the end of the decade, to 5.5-million vehicles,” added Ford Middle East and Africa president Jim Benintende.

“Middle East and Africa is the final frontier for global automotive growth and we are putting the infrastructure and people in place to participate in this growth with the introduction of new products.”

SYNC connectivity will feature in many of the new vehicles.

Developed in association with Microsoft, the system keeps drivers connected by integrating their smartphones and digital music players with their vehicle’s communications and entertainment system, using Bluetooth or USB.

SYNC responds to and recognises up to 150 different voice commands without training, and can also read aloud incoming text messages from compatible mobile phones.

SYNC 2 will offer a new, interactive version of SYNC, a touch screen, as well as voice command functionality, said Ford sub-Saharan Africa marketing, sales and service VP Mark Kaufman.

EcoBoost drivetrain options will also be expanded.

EcoBoost is Ford’s turbo direct-injection technology that improves power and fuel economy while reducing emissions. 

Globally, EcoBoost is offered on 80% of Ford’s nameplates, and 30% of vehicles available in South Africa. By the end of 2015 this will increase to 33% in South Africa and 55% in sub-Saharan Africa.

Soon in SA
The Ford Fusion will be on sale in South Africa early next year.

The Fusion comes with EcoBoost petrol engines, and will be the technology flagship for Ford in sub-Saharan Africa, offering SYNC 2, Active Park Assist, Active City Stop, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear View Camera, and Ford’s Lane-Keeping System.

In addition to this, Ford’s rear inflatable seat-belt safety system will debut on the Fusion, which targets the family market.

Going on sale next year, the new Focus will feature an all-EcoBoost engine line-up, as well as a host of new safety and driver-assist technologies.

Ford also on Thursday showed an image of the Figo Concept, which previews the automaker’s new global small car.

Ford global design VP Moray Callum said in Johannesburg that the global affordable B-segment is expected to grow by 35% by 2017, outperforming the industry by 12%.

He said the Figo remains a value-for-money proposition aimed at entry-level car buyers.

The all-new Mustang, which will be available with both an EcoBoost engine and its hallmark V8 powertrain, will go on sale in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa next year.

It is the first time the Mustang is available in right-hand drive.

New Ranger Aimed at Mines, Farms
The Ranger XL-Plus is a new entry-level proposition in the popular bakkie range, and is targetted at mining companies, farmers and business owners who require a tougher-than-usual bakkie.

The Ranger XL-Plus was born out of particular requirements from the mining industry, as well as other business owners whose main concerns were capability and safety, said Kaufman.

Built at Ford’s Silverton assembly plant, in Pretoria, the Ranger XL-Plus is now also exported to other markets with mining operations, such as Australia and New Zealand.

With both driver and passenger airbags, as well as side impact, curtain, and a driver-side knee airbags, the XL-Plus complies with the safety requirements determined by international mine operators.

In addition, it has an optional bullbar designed to work in conjunction with the car’s existing safety systems, thus not compromising airbag deployment.

External modifications and enhancements include a frame tested for an increased towing load of 3 500 kg, an optional heavy-duty front bumper, extruded aluminium side steps, front mud flaps and a lockable fuel filler cap.

Inside and under the skin, the XL-Plus gains a crew chief mounting bracket, paired to an expanded wiring harness for accommodating more switches and circuits, a heavy-duty second battery, vinyl floor covering and heavy-duty seat covers.

“Modifications developed for the Ranger XL-Plus came from extensive testing in real-world scenarios,” said Kaufman.

“We took feedback from our clients on what more they need from the Ranger in applications such as mining, and built a version that will take a lot more punishment, as well as offer integration with technical equipment used on sites.”

The XL-Plus is available in three body styles with two chassis-cab models in single and double-cab variations, and a double-cab model with a load box.

Power comes from the Duratorq 2.2 l diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. All models have four-wheel drive and are fitted with an electronic locking rear differential.