Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
South Africa’s well-established automotive industry received another boost after the Ford Motor Company announced a $1.05 billion (R15.8 billion) investment in its auto manufacturing plant in Silverton, Pretoria, as part of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ).
According to Andrea Cavallaro, Director of Operations for the Ford International Market Group, the investment will include upgrades to expand production of its Ford Ranger pick-up truck, increasing current units from 168 000 to 200 000 annually.
“This is the biggest investment in Ford Motor Company’s South African history since local operations were first established in 1923, almost 100 years ago,” Cavallaro said. “We believe it is also the largest ever investment into the domestic automotive industry to date, thereby showcasing our commitment to a better future for all South Africans.”
According to Cavallaro, approximately 10 000 new jobs will be added to supplier companies, contributing to the approximately 60 000 jobs Ford supports within the total value chain. More than 1 200 new jobs are expected at the plant itself, complementing the current existing workforce of 4 300.
Apart from the $686 technology upgrades to increase production volumes and efficiency, the Silverton plant will be transformed into a modern, state-of-the-art production facility with a brand-new body shop, paint facility and an improved vehicle flow with increased container and vehicle yards.
Cavallaro said the Silverton plant will be one of only five in the world (two in Thailand, and one in each of Argentina and the US) where the Ranger will be manufactured and will be the largest of its kind outside of the US.
According the Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, the expansion of the plant at Silverton will include 12 automotive component manufacturing suppliers, proving to be a clear statement by Ford to emphasise its confidence in the development of the manufacturing industry in South Africa and building economically sustainable local communities.
“The auto manufacturing plant will also affect and expand the travel corridor between Gauteng and Port-Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape from where the vehicles will be exported,” Ramaphosa explained. “The way economic activities across the country, the continent and indeed the world join up, is a clear part of the Master Plans developed by Government.”
It is expected that the new plant will increase auto manufacturing in the country by 20%, thereby boosting total exports with at least 22 000 vehicles a year. Taking load shedding into consideration, it is planned to run off the grid by 2024.
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
JAC Motors added ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to its X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-tonne single-cab, enhancing safety for both the crew and cargo. This latest upgrade complements the ABS-equipped X200 1.3-tonne double-cab targeted at organisations with labour-intensive crews.
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