Ford Motor Company is charging ahead with a bold expansion plan in South Africa, marking a major milestone for its presence in the region. The company revealed it will open new dealerships, upgrade existing locations, and introduce exciting vehicles to South African roads. This investment shows Ford’s deep trust in the future of its brand and customers across the country.
According to Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa, the expansion represents Ford’s continued commitment, even while other brands are pulling back. Over the next three years, dealer partners will invest more than R900 million to upgrade and build dealerships. This rollout includes 20 new dealership projects and renovations already underway in 2024.
Ford’s network of 118 dealerships spans South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Eswatini and supports over 10,000 direct jobs in South Africa. The expansion will help Ford meet modern customer expectations, offering quicker service, advanced technology, and a more personal touch. It also ties into Ford’s broader vision of creating more connected, customer-friendly spaces, with its new “social hub” dealership design that feels less like a showroom and more like a lifestyle center.
As part of Ford’s 100-year celebration in South Africa, the brand unveiled fresh additions to its local lineup. These include the Territory SUV, the electric Mustang Mach-E, and the Mustang Dark Horse, designed for thrilling performance. New versions of the Tourneo and Transit vans will also join the fleet. According to Kay Hart, President of Ford International Markets Group, these vehicles reflect Ford’s focus on smart and eco-friendly choices for South African drivers.
Ford’s success in the region is already clear. The Ranger Double Cab remains South Africa’s best-selling bakkie and was crowned Car of the Year in 2023. Meanwhile, the high-performance Ranger Raptor grabbed the “Ultimate Double Cab Bakkie” award in 2025. Exports of the Ranger also help place Ford among the top three vehicle exporters in the country.
In manufacturing, Ford continues to invest heavily. Its Silverton Assembly Plant outside Pretoria recently added a battery facility capable of producing up to 62,000 battery packs annually. This development supports Ford’s shift toward electric mobility and strengthens South Africa’s role in the global automotive supply chain.
The Africa Mirror, state that Ford’s new models are also making waves. The Territory SUV, powered by a 1.8L EcoBoost engine, offers smart technology and a spacious cabin with a panoramic display that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. The Mustang Mach-E GT, arriving in 2025, promises thrilling acceleration and zero-emission driving, while the Tourneo Custom and Transit Custom vans are designed to boost productivity for small businesses with flexible seating and improved access features.
All of these moves point to a brand that’s not just selling cars, but building long-term relationships, creating jobs, and shaping the future. As Neale Hill put it, “We are not waiting for the future. We are building it in every showroom, with every partner, for every customer.”
Ford is clearly shifting gears, and it’s doing so with confidence, innovation, and heart.
