Ford plans to invest an extra ZAR3bn (US$414.5m) in its operations in South Africa to ramp-up production and boost exports.
Business Day newspaper said Ford SA would increase production of its next-generation compact pick up truck and Puma diesel engine. Jeff Nemeth, chief executive and president of the South African unit, said the investment was part of Ford’s expansion plans on the African continent.
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He told the newspaper: “It ensures Ford maintains a viable and strategic presence in southern Africa.”
South Africa’s auto industry is the biggest within the manufacturing sector. Earlier this week the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers said the country’s total industry new vehicle sales had posted its third straight annual increase.
Other vehicle manufacturers in South Africa include BMW, Toyota, General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen and Daimler.
Nissan South Africa said last year it would boost production and was exploring further opportunities in countries such as Angola and Nigeria.
