- Mining Sector a Focus for Ford’s Commercial Line-up
- Mining-hardened Ranger XL-Plus offers toughness
- Transit line-up offers versatility across many models
- RMA partnership assures quality aftermarket modifications
PRETORIA, South Africa, 15September 2014 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) will show off its commercial vehicle line-up at the Electra Mining Africa 2014 exhibition this week, hosted at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, between 15 and 19 September.
On show will be Ford’s new Transit range, as well as an entry-level version of the Ranger, the Ranger XL-Plus, that has been designed to deal with harsh mine site environments.
Visitors will also be able to experience the 2.2-litre and 3.2-litre Ranger variants throughout the day on a custom 4×4 course, to put the vehicles through their paces in a controlled environment.
“Our presence at Electra Mining is to reiterate our commitment to the mining community,” said Dawid van der Merwe, Fleet Operations Manager at FMCSA. “We worked with mining companies to develop the Ranger XL-Plus, ensuring they have access to dependable, high-quality vehicles that meet strict safety requirements.”
Ranger XL-Plus meets stringent safety rating standards, along with a number of enhancements that helps it withstand the punishing environments at mine sites. These include a frame that has been tested to safely tow a maximum load of 3 500kg, and an additional 300kg payload. Mud flaps for front and rear wheels, as well as stone guards for the rear suspension, mitigate damage from flying debris, and the revised universal joints are optimised to work in heavy mud environments.
Recognising that mine operators often require additional equipment, the Ranger XL-Plus is also fitted with a second, heavy-duty battery and an expanded wiring harness coupled with a Crew Chief bracket. This allows for easier fitment of radios and external lighting modules.
RMA, Ford’s approved quality vehicle modifier (QVM), has assisted in modifying a Ranger XL-Plus for the stand display. Working closely with Ford, at the Silverton Assembly Plant, RMA is able to fit aftermarket accessories at the factory, reducing complexity and waiting times for customers who require vehicles in fleet as soon as possible.
Transit range the backbone of business
Recently-launched Transit models will also be on show, alongside Ranger. The Transit Panel Van, Transit Chassis Cab and Tourneo Custom offer business a versatile range of vehicles for their fleet requirements.
Transit Panel Van can accommodate up to 14.8 cubic metres or 2.6 tonnes, while the Transit Chassis Cab offers a customisable option for businesses that have specific needs. Ford also offers a full size Tourneo, with seating for between 12 and 18 passengers depending on the model.
“The new models are part of our expansion into the commercial vehicle market,” said van der Merwe. “Ford has grown from strength to strength over the last 18 months, with successful passenger vehicles and Ranger, and now we want to offer the same excellent products to our business customers.”
Also on display will be the Transit Connect, 2014 International Van of the Year, which is due for introduction in South Africa early in 2015. The compact panel van is the perfect choice for inter-city deliveries and small businesses. Transit Connect will be joined by the Tourneo Connect MPV, which seats between five and seven passengers.
Transit, Ranger XL-Plus, and Transit Connect will join other Ford commercial models at Ford’s specialist commercial vehicle dealerships, which will assist business with their requirements as well as catering to fleet customers.
