The initial batch of South African-built Ford Everest vehicles have been produced for export markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the very first vehicle is currently on its way to its new owner in Kenya.
The Moondust Silver Everest 2.2 XLT 4×4 departed the Port of Durban on 12 November, and is destined for Mombasa where it is scheduled to dock before making its way to local Ford dealer,CMC.
This follows the start of local production of the Everest range for the SSA region in October, resulting from an investment of R2.5-billion in the Ford Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria. Aside from the investment, localised production created approximately 1 200 new jobs at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and within its supplier network.
“The Silverton Assembly Plant is now operating as a fully-fledged two-vehicle production facility, assembling both the Everest and the Ranger for the domestic and export markets,” says Ockert Berry, Vice President of Operations Middle East and Africa.
Among the next batch of Everest export models due for shipment in November are vehicles destined for Madagascar, Tanzania and Cameroon, with other key markets to follow.
A total of eight derivatives are available with a choice of the 2.2 and 3.2-litre Duratorq TDCi engines, XLS, XLT and range-topping Limited specification levels, manual and automatic transmissions, as well as the option of two or four-wheel drive.
Source: Ford Motor Company SA