Ford to invest $211 million in South Africa to meet pickup truck demand

Ford stated it would invest 3 billion rand ($211 million) in its South African assembly plant to fulfill increasing domestic and worldwide demand for its Ford Ranger pickup truck, the automaker stated on Friday.

“This significant investment declares Ford’s ongoing commitment to South Africa as a regional manufacturer, exporter and key employer in the automotive sector,” stated Ockert Berry, vice president operations for Ford Middle East and Africa.

In Africa, Ford’s market existence has traditionally been strongest in South Africa and neighboring nations, with only trucks being sold elsewhere on the continent. Ford in South Africa started by importing kits from North America to be assembled at its Port Elizabeth facility.