How Ford ensures complete quality in every Ranger built in SA
Ford South Africa has a stringent batch of quality checks with its Ranger bakkie as the automaker aims to be the best quality-built Ranger in the world. Here's a little look behind the scenes in its Silverton Plant outside Pretoria.
The biggest bakkie rivalry in South Africa is undoubtedly between the most popular Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger.
Both are firm favourites in SA, both in the new vehicle market and the used car department. While the new Hilux will make its highly anticipated arrival in 2026, the Ranger currently leads in terms of features, tech, and quality control. And, where Hilux dominates as the best single-cab bakkie, the South Africans rate the Ranger as the best double-cab, making it a great lifestyle and family vehicle.
But just how does the Blue Oval brand commit to such a high-quality standard at its Silverton Assembly Plant outside Pretoria? The automaker says it aims to deliver a product that employees and customers can be proud of, which is why each Ranger has a 'Proudly built in SA' sticker on its tailgate to emphasise that promise. From digital quality control to real-time customer support, the automaker's approach is data-driven, efficient, and focused on exceeding the highest global standards.
Ford aims to create a manufacturing culture where zero defects are achievable and to be the world's best Ranger plant.
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The automaker uses the following manufacturing quality proof points to ensure each bakkie has its stamp of approval:
Quality checks: Precision equipment and sensors have replaced paper-based quality checks, offering real-time, data-backed insights. Thousands of sensors feed into a central Factory Information System, streamlining fault detection and resolution.
Visible performance metrics: Every department is equipped with digital display boards that automatically update with built-in performance data. This ensures complete transparency and alignment across teams around targets and results.
Significant quality gains: Repairs per thousand vehicles have dropped dramatically, now averaging fewer than five repairs per 1 000 units.
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Rapid issue resolution: With the newly established 'Rapid Hubs' network, Ford's technical team reports issues directly to the plant in real time. This proactive approach reduces response time from weeks to hours, keeping vehicles on the road and customers satisfied.
Vision for the future: The plant's objective is to be the best-quality Ranger plant globally. Employees feel empowered to take ownership and pride in their work and to grow Silverton's success for future generations.
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