Heels & Horsepower Magazine

WATCH: Here’s your official glimpse at Ford’s #NextGenRanger pickup

Ford South Africa has released the first official glimpse of the #NextGenRanger, which will be launched in 2022.

Ford South Africa has released the first official glimpse of the #NextGenRanger, which will be revealed later this year and which will be launch in 2022.

At its core, the next-generation Ranger will be the ideal pickup partner for work, family and play.

Embracing excellent off-road credentials and dynamic driving DNA, Ford South Africa expects that customers will rejoice at the toughest, most capable and connected Ranger pickup yet developed by the company. 

Ford South Africa says that this is not just a Built Ford Tough truck, but, the smartest, most capable and most versatile Ranger yet.

 

The Ranger Stormtrak – coming to a Ford dealership near you soon

Ford South Africa is introducing another unique and appealing iteration based on the upmarket Wildtrak – the Ranger Stormtrak.

Following the remarkable success of the limited-edition Ford Ranger Thunder in 2020, Ford South Africa is introducing another unique and appealing iteration based on the upmarket Wildtrak – the Ranger Stormtrak – later this year.

“The Ranger Thunder was exceptionally well received when we launched it a year ago, proving unequivocally that there is strong demand for range-topping models that offer something different from the norm,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.

The new Ranger Stormtrak follows the same recipe as the limited-edition Thunder, by elevating the style, sophistication and exclusivity of our most luxuriously appointed model in the Ranger line-up.

“The new Ranger Stormtrak follows the same recipe as the limited-edition Thunder, by elevating the style, sophistication and exclusivity of our most luxuriously appointed model in the Ranger line-up,” Mashinini says.

In Stormtrak guise, the Ranger seems to have gained several muscular, attention-grabbing design elements, including a striking black mesh grille with red inserts, a black insert in the lower section of the front bumper, black decals for the bonnet and doors, black roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black.

Further identifying this limited-edition Ranger’s special status are three-dimensional Stormtrak logos on the lower sections of the front doors, as well as on the rear tailgate. The upcoming introduction of the Ranger Stormtrak also sees the addition of a vibrant new paint colour, Lucid Red. It can also be specified in Sea Grey, Frozen White and Blue Lightning.

It seems it’s not just on the styling front that the Ranger Stormtrak has gained special treatment, as practicality has been elevated too thanks to the standard fitment of Ford’s new Power Roller Shutter for the rear load compartment.

This ensures that goods can be safely secured in the loadbed with ease, complemented by the tailgate locking mechanism being integrated into the vehicle’s central locking system.

Adding further versatility is the adjustable bed divider kit that makes it easy for the owner to compartmentalise the cargo area according to the size of the items being carried – thus preventing goods from shifting around when driving. A drop-in bedliner provides a useful 12-volt socket for powering accessories such as a camping fridge.

Step into the cabin and you are greeted with sumptuous luxury and attention to detail – including illuminated front scuff plates.

This theme is continued on the premium leather seats which incorporate striking red stitching, as well as the Stormtrak logo taking pride of place on the front seat backrests.

Red stitching is used throughout the leather-trimmed cabin, including on the soft-touch dashboard upper, steering wheel and gear lever, further enhancing the sporty ambience.

As with the Ranger Wildtrak, the premium level of standard features is exceptional, including the SYNC®3 infotainment system with embedded navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as FordPass functionality that allows the owner to remotely access numerous vehicle features from their phone – such as remote and scheduled starts to either cool or heat the cabin.

Also standard is an extensive list of innovative active and passive safety systems and driver aids, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Collision Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid, Driver Alert System, and Semi-Automatic Parallel Park Assist.

In line with its range-topping status, the Ranger Stormtrak is powered by Ford’s 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo engine which produces 157kW and 500Nm. It is paired with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that delivers seamless shifts matched to responsive performance and impressive fuel economy. The Ranger’s towing capacity of 3 500kg remains unchanged, along with the 800mm water wading depth and 230mm ground clearance.

Pricing for the Ranger Stormtrak will be announced closer to launch in late Q3.

Ford South Africa Supporting COVID-19 Vaccination Drive with Clinics at Manufacturing Plants

Ford South Africa is making an important contribution to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic by opening specialised Vaccination Clinics at both of its local manufacturing plants, with the cooperation and approval of the National Department of Health (NDOH).

The clinic at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria opened in June 2021, and was the second workplace vaccination site to receive NDOH authorisation, giving employees and on-site contractors convenient access to the COVID-19 vaccinations in line with the government guidelines and age groups, regardless of their medical aid status.

We are proud to be playing an important role in reinforcing the South African government’s efforts to significantly ramp up its COVID-19 vaccinations.

– Dhiren Vanmali, head of up Ford Motor Company South Africa Government Affairs

To date, over 3 600 Pfizer vaccines have been administered at the Silverton Assembly Plant, with more than 1 200 employees and contractors having received their second doses. This project is now being rolled out at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

Dhiren Vanmali and Dr Herina Grobler at the Ford Motor Company South Africa vaccine centre

“The vaccination drive, and the establishment of the Vaccination Clinics at both of our local plants, follows extensive engagement with the National Department of Health which enabled us to assist government’s efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic through the workplace vaccination programme,” says Dhiren Vanmali who headed up Ford’s Government Affairs department before assuming a new role as Sales Operations Director in June 2021.

“We are proud to be playing an important role in reinforcing the South African government’s efforts to significantly ramp up its COVID-19 vaccinations, as an essential tool in fighting this pandemic that has impact our lives in so many ways,” Vanmali says. 

Ford South Africa’s relief measures during this unprecedented health crisis began in April 2020 during the Level 5 national lockdown, when it commenced production of protective face shields at the Silverton Assembly Plant to enhance the safety of frontline medical workers. 

Over 285 000 face shields were produced, the majority of which were donated to the NDOH along with numerous hospitals, clinics and humanitarian organisations to support their crucial work. Vehicles were loaned to several non-profit organisations, and Ford Fund grants were provided to equip communities with essential goods, including food parcels, sanitisers and face masks.

In preparation for the resumption of manufacturing operations, dedicated Flu Clinics were established at both of Ford’s manufacturing plants.

In March this year, we donated R2.5-million to the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) to help fund the enhancement of the Occupational Health Surveillance System (OHSS).

The company’s committed team of nurses and health workers, headed by Dr Herina Grobler, worked closely with the NDOH in establishing protocols for the safe return of employees and contractors – including COVID-19 screening, effective handling of positive cases, and extensive training and awareness campaigns regarding COVID-19 symptoms and prevention measures.

“In March this year, we donated R2.5-million to the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH) to help fund the enhancement of the Occupational Health Surveillance System (OHSS), further reinforcing Ford’s commitment to the government’s crucial COVID-19 mitigation measures for the South African population,” Vanmali says.

The OHSS monitors workers in the public and private sectors, using data supplied by employers on COVID-19 infections in the workplace under the direction of the Department of Employment and Labour. The data helps to identify industries and occupational groups at risk of infection and analyses the impact on industries and occupational groups. The data is used to inform appropriate interventions – including policies, programs and resources.

WATCH: Ford Mustang Mach 1 Driving Shots

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is the most track-focused Mustang yet, and it has officially touched down in South Africa. 

As an exclusive limited-edition model, only 90 units are available for the South African market, making the new Mustang Mach 1 a highly sought-after car

Mustang Mach 1 TREMEC six-speed manual transmission Ford 10-speed automatic transmission
Power 338kW @ 7 250 r/min
Torque 529Nm @ 4 900 r/min
Acceleration 0‑100 km/h 4.8 seconds 4.4 seconds
Acceleration quarter-mile (400 metres) 13.0 seconds 12.6 seconds
Braking 100-0 km/h 31.8 metres 31.9 metres
Top speed 267 km/h 249 km/h

PRICING

Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 6MT R1 182 100 incl. VAT

Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 10AT R1 203 800 incl. VAT

All Mustang models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.

Touch Down! The Ford Mustang Mach 1 Is Here And Its All Muscle and Action

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is the most track-focused Mustang yet, and it has officially touched down in South Africa. 

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is the most track-focused Mustang yet, and it has officially touched down in South Africa. 

As an exclusive limited-edition model, only 90 units are available for the South African market, making the new Mustang Mach 1 a highly sought-after car that pays tribute to the original, iconic 1969 version – but with all the modern design and performance attributes that have helped make the current-generation Mustang the world’s best-selling sports car.

The Mach 1 elevates Mustang to another level in the hearts of performance car fans.

– Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa

The V8-powered Mustang GT delivers exhilarating performance, but a specially calibrated 338kW version of the 5.0-litre unit in the Mach 1 ensures even greater thrills.

Mustang Mach 1 delivers 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.4 seconds with increased downforce compared with the Mustang GT for enhanced cornering capability and high-speed stability. 

“There’s a reason Mustang is the world’s best-selling sports car, but the Mach 1 elevates Mustang to another level in the hearts of performance car fans,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. “Road or track, this is the most capable Mustang yet and is more than worthy of carrying the legendary Mach 1 badge.

Mustang Mach 1 TREMEC six-speed manual transmission Ford 10-speed automatic transmission
Power 338kW @ 7 250 r/min
Torque 529Nm @ 4 900 r/min
Acceleration 0‑100 km/h 4.8 seconds 4.4 seconds
Acceleration quarter-mile (400 metres) 13.0 seconds 12.6 seconds
Braking 100-0 km/h 31.8 metres 31.9 metres
Top speed 267 km/h 249 km/h

PRICING

Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 6MT R1 182 100 incl. VAT

Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 10AT R1 203 800 incl. VAT

All Mustang models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.