By introducing this kind of technology Ford plans to get customers back on the road faster. From a dealership perspective this technology leads to increased productivity and a reduction in the repair orders that would go through the dealership.

What’s behind the technology?

The RealWear HMT-1 virtual reality set consists of a high-definition camera, flashlight, array of microphones and voice-activated controls. With it, dealership service technicians can safely demonstrate technical issues to the engineer and get immediate real-time support.

Engineers can also control the direction of the camera, take photos and notes and even share screens from service bulletins and wiring diagrams with the technician via the built-in display on the headset, thereby allowing them to remain hands-free while conducting the repairs.

According to Pieter Verster, SEO director for Ford Middle East and Africa, big dealerships around the country will be prioritised for the rollout of these devices which they plan to complete by the end of Q2/beginning of Q3. Each dealership will receive one RealWear HMT-1 headset and accompanying training.

This strategy also complements the recent launch of the Ford Repair Centre concept, which supports Ford dealers in their vicinity should they have a vehicle that is difficult to repair.

The tyre size (LT 285/70 R17 116/113 S) remains unchanged for the Ranger Raptor, with the LT (light truck) specification incorporating additional reinforcement for heavy-duty applications. According to Continental, this additional size was added to the local Grabber AT3 range during the development process with Ford, which bodes well for the replacement market as this identical tyre is also readily available off the shelf.

Both the Ford Ranger Raptor and Continental’s General Grabber AT3 are produced in Mzansi.

Technologies that make the Grabber AT3 stand out

• TracGen incorporates an open shoulder design, traction ridges for improved grip on all surfaces, and sipes arranged at different angles to enhance water dispersion properties for optimal wet grip and braking performance.
• DuraGen is a robust rubber compound that provides excellent cut and chip resistance and increases mileage in rough terrain, while reinforced tread blocks reduce deformation. This improves tread life in rugged terrain and maximises stability under load.
• ComfortBalance successfully overcomes the conflicting interests of on-road ride comfort and good off-road grip. T

Meet the Ford Ranger Thunder.

Announced this week, the performance bakkie borrows its brother’s (the Wildtrak) style and off-road ambition, but with high specification, optimised load hauling and tough four-wheel drive capability. Ford has made a few unusual decisions along the way with the Ranger Thunder, however: here are five facts you need to know (and most probably love).

There’s no huge petrol engine under the bonnet

For a sports bakkie, the Ranger Thunder sure does have a small engine. Ford has eschewed V6 or V8s, and opted instead for a mere 2.0-litre engine. Still, as you might have predicted, this is no ordinary engine.

It’s a bi-turbo, good for 157kW of power and 500Nm of torque. Ford has paired it with the same, 10-speed automatic transmission as in the Range and Raptor, with paddle-shifters and a manual override mode.

Those twin-turbos are mighty interesting

The usual formula with turbocharging is pretty straightforward: pump more air into the engine using a compressor, and increase efficiency and power output along the way. What Ford is doing in the Ranger Thunder, though, deserves some extra attention. It could well have some interesting implications for future EcoBoost models, after all.

Ford fits not one, but two to its 2.0-litre engine. The first is a smaller, high-pressure unit; it’s connected in sequence to a larger, low-pressure version. In-between there are bypass valves, and by opening and closing those, Ford can control which turbo is active at any point.

When the engine speed is low, both turbochargers can be active to boost torque and help avoid turbo-lag. It should make the Ranger Thunder more responsive, Ford says. When engine speeds are higher, however, the bakkie can bypass the smaller turbo, getting more power as a result.

The Ranger Wildtrak is its closest cousin

The 2020 Ranger Wildtrak is one of several trims that the bakkie is offered in, and it comes close to the Ranger Thunder in a number of ways.

Starting with a revised honeycomb-style front grille incorporating red accents for the side “nostrils”, which gives this new derivative a distinctly performance-oriented demeanour inspired by Ford’s sportiest models.

This is complemented by black detailing for the side mirror housings, and bold three-dimensional “Thunder” nomenclature at the base of the front doors and on the rear tailgate. The new 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels are finished in black which adds to the Ranger Thunder’s assertive and sporty character. Additionally, the integrated sports hoop fitted as standard on Wildtrak models now gains a striking red insert that adds further stylistic flair.

It’s going to have some strong competition

If there’s one thing South Africans know, its how to appreciate a bakkie. They are big business, and performance bakkies make for a lucrative segment. So, the Ranger Thunder has some natural competition.

Probably the most obvious foe is the Toyota Hilux followed by the Mercedes X-Class, Volkswagen Amarok, Nissan Navara and Fiat Fullback.

Its priced competitively

The Ranger Thunder is priced at R711 600 for the 3.2l 4×2 while the 2.0l BiT 4×4 will set you back R787 000. Only in the double cab version.

• Could you please tell us a bit about yourself? Who is Atloli Lesela?

I’m the Brand Manager for Passenger Cars at Ford South Africa, looking after iconic nameplates like the Ford Mustang, Focus, Fiesta, Figo, Kuga, and Ecosport.

Working for a company like Ford, with its rich heritage, has turned me into an avid motoring enthusiast. But to my wife and two daughters I’m just Atloli Lesela.

• Prior to joining Ford Motor Company South Africa, can you please let us know about your previous roles?

I deem it as a privilege that I was able to join Ford straight from varsity upon completing my studies at Vista University, which is now the University of Johannesburg, where I obtained my BCom, majoring in Accounting and Business Management.

Most of my 22 years at the Blue Oval were spent at Ford Credit, the financial services arm of Ford Motor Company, were I started as a Credit Analyst in 1996.

I progressed up the ranks over the years from my initial position, to Financial Analyst, Dealer Account Manager and Credit & Risk Manager.

While I was still with Ford Credit, I took somewhat of an “off-ramp” in 2016 by accepting a position as Marketing Manager.

That decision proved to be a catalyst that completely changed my career at Ford because just a year later I was appointed as Brand Manager within the bigger Ford Motor Company of South Africa.

It was a great career growth opportunity that I was offered by the company. It took me out of my comfort zone and literally opened up new possibilities for me.

As a result, I now probably have one of the best jobs in the world that puts me at the pulse of what’s happening in the world of motoring, and of cause grants me the opportunity to experience some of the best cars on offer.

• What attracted you to FMCSA?

With my education background in finance, I could have ended up anywhere but as luck would have it, I saw an advertisement for a position at Ford, applied and got the job.

And if I had to do it all over, I would choose the very same path.

• With so many great vehicles Ford currently has in its stable, which one would you say is your favourite and why?

The Ford Focus ST remains my all-time favourite car. It’s exhilarating performance, precise handling and every day practicality make it a very difficult option to beat for someone looking for an all-round great vehicle. In fact, over the years, I’ve driven six Focus ST’s in various colours.

I currently drive the similarly iconic Ford Ranger that is built right here in South Africa. It’s consistently one of the best-selling vehicles in the country, which speaks volumes about its reputation as a reliable, go-anywhere bakkie that also offers the comfort one would typically only expect in a passenger car.

If I’m lucky enough, though, I might even get to sample the new Ford Ranger Raptor, which has really raised the bar in terms of off-road capability, handling and ruggedness. It is for me the ultimate bakkie.

• We were lucky enough to form part of the fantastic EcoSport #GoWander experience, does Ford plan on doing more of such experiences going forward?

Indeed. We always aim to be innovative not only in our vehicle design, build and use of new technology, but also in how we market our various products. So you can always be assured of amazing marketing concepts from Ford in South Africa and around the world.

• If possible, could you please let us know what your plans are for Ford SA both in the immediate and distant future?

There are several big reveals that are coming down the line in the next few months. We are looking forward to the local launch of the next generation Mustang that is due to land on our shores in 2019, and the Ford Kuga ST-line that is sure shake up things in the SUV market with its striking looks. Then there’s the new Everest, Ranger and Ranger Raptor that will all debut in South Africa next year.

Special thanks to Mr Lesela as well as Ford SA for the great and rare interview.

While we are probably still ages away from mass-produced highly customisable cars, Ford is going to offer Mustang fans a compromise. With the new 2018 Mustang coming out either later this year, or early 2018, buyers will be able to choose from a new range of colors, a dozen wheel options and, inside, their own personalized instrument cluster.

That last bit is thanks to the 2018 Mustang’s new 12-inch, all-digital dashboard screen. The display offers three different views, one for normal, another for sport, and a last one for track. For each view, you can personalize everything you see and then, courtesy of Ford’s intelligent MyMode feature, the system remembers all those settings, including suspension and steering, to reload them on your next drive.

The freedom of choice extends to the outside, with a choice of twelve alloy wheel designs and three new exterior colors. One of them, Orange Fury, seems aptly named. In addition to the new Mustang’s lowered and redesigned hood and fascia – already proving controversial among pony car fans – an all-LED front lighting, a first in any Mustang, the car looks like a themed prop from Kill Bill.

Carrying on the tradition of performance, the new Mustang offers a line-up of new engines and new transmissions. Don’t let the displacement fool you, since Ford says the new 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine (more #EcoBoostDayChallanges?) trumps the soon to be retired 3.6-liter V6. For those who want an even bigger roar, meanwhile, the newly reworked 5.0-liter V8 promises the most power in a production Mustang GT ever. That’s all thanks to Ford’s dual-fuel, high-pressure direct injection and low-pressure port fuel injection, applied for the very first time on a V8 engine. Speaking of roars, an all-new active valve exhaust system is an optional add-on to the Mustang GT, making the car roar like a lion or purr like a cat at your discretion.

Both engines’ manual transmissions have been upgraded for better torque, and the V8, in particular, now sports a twin-disc clutch and dual-mass flywheel. Opt for the new 10-speed automatic, however, and Ford is boasting of shorter shift times and fewer friction losses.

No car these days would be without the trappings of modern technology, and this year’s new Mustang is no different. In addition to the advanced, customisable instrument dash, the car also gets Ford’s latest driver-assistance technologies, like a new Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection, distance alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and Driver Alert System. For the first time, the Mustang supports remote lock, locate, and starting the car using a smartphone and the Ford SYNC system.

Ford says the 2018 Mustang Coupe will go on sale in North America sometime this September with further details such as pricing expected closer to launch. No comments have been issued on its local launch, with industry peers citing early 2018 introduction to the SA market. 

This follows Ford SA’s  investigation to the incidents as they have been reported to them,  prompting Ford to remove many parts for detailed examination in their engineering facilities in Europe and North America. While Ford continues to investigate the Kuga 1.6 engine compartment fires, based on the current data they have determined that the fires are due to engine overheating. This is caused by a lack of coolant circulation which can lead to a cracking in the cylinder head and, therefore, an oil leak. If the leaking oil reaches a hot engine surface, it can potentially catch fire.

If you’re a Kuga owner/driver and you suspect your Kuga might be affected, here’s what you should do;

• Take your vehicle to a Ford dealership as soon as possible. The first stage involves replacing affected components on the cooling system, verifying and updating the software and conducting an oil leak check on the cylinder head.
• If any Kuga 1.6 owner sees any indication that the engine may be overheating or experiences warnings on the instrument cluster, they should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, switch off the engine and ensure all occupants are safely out of the vehicle. For safety reasons, the bonnet must not be opened.
• The emergency services should be called first, if required, then Ford’s Roadside Assistance on 0861 150 250. Supported through the AA, this service is available 24/7
• Should a customer experience any engine overheating problem with their 1.6 Kuga, or delays in the repair due to a shortage of parts, arrangements will be made through the nearest Ford dealer and Ford Customer Service to provide a courtesy car while the vehicle is repaired.

Ford said in a statement issued that they are not aware of any injuries resulting from the engine compartment fires.