Job 1 for Everest production commenced on Tuesday, signalling the start of a new era for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) as it now becomes a two-vehicle assembly facility that also produces the Ranger for export to 148 markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
The Everest will be produced for the South African market, and exported to countries across sub-Saharan Africa. This follows a combined R2.5-billion investment in Ford's local operations for the Everest and Ranger programmes, creating approximately 1,200 new jobs at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA), and within its supplier network.
"The Ford Everest has been a very popular addition to our local line-up, but thus far has only been available in the two high-specification 4x4 models which were fully imported from Thailand," says Tracey Delate, general marketing manager, FMCSA. "Local production has now enabled us to expand the offering with an additional six model derivatives, two engine choices, three trim levels, the option of manual and automatic transmissions, as well as two and four-wheel drive versions.
"The addition of the 2.2 TDCi XLS and XLT models in particular will appeal to family and lifestyle buyers, offering exceptional value for money matched to an outstanding level of standard safety features, smart technologies and proven all-terrain capability," Delate adds.
While the 147kW 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine remains at the pinnacle of the range for this seven-seater SUV, the revised Everest line-up will be enhanced with the economical 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine also found in the Ranger. It produces 118kW and 385Nm of torque, and can be specified with a manual or automatic gearbox.
Along with the existing 3.2 TDCi Automatic four-wheel drive derivatives - in XLT and Limited specification levels - a third 4x4 model is set to join the mix in the form of the 2.2 TDCi XLS, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.
Five all-new two-wheel drive Everest models will join the line-up for the first time. This includes a total of four 2.2 TDCi versions in a choice of either manual or automatic, as well as the option of the mid-level XLS trim or the luxuriously appointed XLT. Topping the 4x2 range is a new 3.2 TDCi XLT Automatic.
The expanded Everest range will go on sale locally in November this year.
