Ford Reveals African Vision at First ‘Go Further’ Event
- Ford details its vision for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa at inaugural ‘Go Further’ event
- Fusion, new Focus, Transit and Tourneo Connect shown ahead of their local debuts
- 2015 Mustang shown for first time in Africa
PRETORIA, South Africa, 18 July 2014 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) showed off four new models that are destined for African shores, and detailed its future plans for the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region at its first African Go Further event held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Go Further is Ford’s brand promise and the name of product events it has held in Australia, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. The inaugural South African Go Further event marks the first time it is hosted on the African continent.
With nearly 1,000 media, stakeholders, suppliers and VIPs in attendance, Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO for the Sub Saharan Region, outlined the company’s vision for driving growth in existing markets on the continent as well as entering new ones.
“South Africa remains our engine of growth for the continent, and moving forward, Sub-Saharan Africa will be a key market for Ford,” says Nemeth. “Our vision is to become the first choice for mobility in Africa, and our event underscores our commitment to serve customers throughout Africa.”
“The next two years will see an unprecedented expansion of Ford’s vehicle and technology line-up in the Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) region. In total, 17 vehicles will be launched or refreshed, including the new Focus, Fusion, Ranger XL-Plus, Transit and Tourneo Connect – which will be on show for the first time at Go Further – and of course, Mustang.
SYNC® connectivity will feature in many of the new vehicles. SYNC with AppLink will bring voice commands to select smartphone applications, and SYNC 2 will offer a new, interactive version of SYNC boasting a touch screen as well as voice command functionality.
EcoBoost drivetrain options will also be expanded. EcoBoost is a turbo direct-injection technology that significantly improves power and fuel economy while reducing emissions. Globally, EcoBoost is offered in 80 percent of Ford’s nameplates, and 30 percent of vehicles available in South Africa. By the end of 2015 this will increase to 33% in South Africa and 55% in SSA.
“Our products are more than just nameplates,” adds Nemeth. “The smart technologies, high safety, design and quality of engineering in Ford products are what people want and value. EcoBoost engines will power the new wave of modern vehicles, and SYNC connectivity will feature in 70 percent of our line-up by the end of 2015.”
Fusion to lead the charge for smart, connected motoring
The Ford Fusion offers the best of all the technologies from Ford and will go on sale in South Africa in early 2015.
Fusion comes with EcoBoost petrol engines, and will be the technology flagship for Ford in SSA, offering SYNC 2, Active Park Assist, Active City Stop, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear View Camera, and Lane-Keeping System. In addition, Ford’s award-winning rear inflatable seat belt safety system will debut on the Fusion.
“With Fusion, consumers will get to experience the leading technologies Ford has developed over the last few years,” says Nemeth. “A smart family car that boasts innovative active and passive safety features, connected technologies, and environmentally-friendly engines.
New Focus makes the best even better
The world’s best-selling car* – the Ford Focus – is also one of the highlights. First announced in February this year, the new Focus makes its African debut at the Go Further event.
Going on sale next year, the new Focus will feature an all-EcoBoost engine lineup, as well as a host of new safety and driver-assist technologies.
“In 2015 Focus will be updated to include the latest technologies we have on offer, giving buyers more reasons to consider the world’s best-selling passenger car,” says Nemeth.
Ford Mustang to cement commitment to One Ford
Ford’s iconic Mustang performance model is also on show at Go Further. The all-new Mustang, which will be available with both an EcoBoost engine as well as its hallmark V8 powertrain, will go on sale in South Africa and SSA markets next year.
“The Mustang is out of the stable and here in Africa,” says Nemeth. “The One Ford plan means that we can finally bring a global Mustang to our local fans. This vehicle is incredibly special to us; it shows our local fans and customers that we are committed to bringing in the best Ford has to offer while also celebrating the brand’s rich heritage.”
Africa on the horizon
As Ford continues to expand its presence in the SSA region, the company will embrace a philosophy of African ingenuity by going further to bring smart products that are safe, environmentally friendly, and high quality to customers in Africa.
In many ways ‘Go Further’ is a modern interpretation of Henry Ford’s vision to “open the highways to all mankind…” and the freedom that comes with both personal transportation and economic development. Ford is helping realise his vision throughout Africa.
“The ‘One Ford’ philosophy of a global company building and designing cars for a global audience continues to be the driving force behind the brand. Go Further has provided us with a unique opportunity to share a taste of what’s to come for Ford in the Sub Saharan Africa region in the near future. We hope that everyone in attendance yesterday was as excited as we are about what’s to come in the coming months and years,” concludes Nemeth.
