Latest news with #FordTransits
IOL News
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Ford partners with Nelson Mandela Children's Fund to boost community outreach efforts
Ford South Africa has entered into a partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, supplying a fleet of 19 vehicles. Image: Supplied Ford South Africa has entered into a partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, supplying a fleet of 19 vehicles to improve the Fund's outreach and community-driven initiatives across the country. The fund is celebrating its 30th anniversary. 'As a brand that recently celebrated its own centenary, Ford understands the importance of giving back and forging enduring partnerships that drive meaningful progress in society. "We believe that real impact is achieved when strong partnerships are rooted in shared purpose,' said Neale Hill, president of Ford Motor Company, Africa. 19 vehicles The vehicles, comprising four Ford Transits, 13 Tourneos, and two locally assembled Rangers, will be provided to the Fund for three years, with full ownership transferred as a donation at the end of the term for vehicles still required by the Fund. They have been carefully allocated, and, where required, tailored to support the Fund's operational needs, including fieldwork, mobile services, and community outreach. Some of the vehicles will undergo specialised modifications through Ford South Africa's newly launched Ford Pro Convertor programme, providing custom-built solutions designed to help the Fund deliver services more effectively and reach communities more easily. The programme enables Ford-approved conversions while still preserving the original factory warranty. Programmes Vehicle support will be provided through various programmes, with vehicles allocated based on the project's specific focus areas and mobility requirements. Assistance includes: Child survival, development and thriving: Through this programme, the NMCF addresses high mortality rates for children under the age of five by delivering essential health services to vulnerable communities. A Transit has been converted into a fully equipped mobile clinic featuring visitor seating, an examination room, a toilet, solar-powered systems, electrical infrastructure and accessibility features. Additional support includes a Ford Ranger Double Cab and three Tourneo units to assist with outreach and transport. The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital receives a dedicated Tourneo for operational support. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Child safety and protection: In response to rising incidents of child abuse and violence, the programme drives proactive outreach, education and protection campaigns in schools and communities. It will be supported by three Tourneos and a Transit converted into a mobile workshop. The workshop features retractable storage, a power supply for roadshow equipment, and infrastructure to support violence prevention initiatives on the ground. Sustainable livelihoods programme: This programme aims to reduce poverty and improve household stability by supporting income-generating initiatives. A Transit panel van has been converted for egg distribution, featuring shelving, non-slip surfaces, secure egg dividers, shock-absorbing padding and ventilation. Five Tourneos will also support this programme. The Fund's core operations will be strengthened through the use of a Transit, two Tourneos and a Ford Ranger to ensure logistical flexibility, support stakeholder engagement, and facilitate coordination across programme areas. 'By enabling mobility for those doing critical work on the ground, Ford is translating purpose into progress, connecting communities with essential services and creating opportunities for a better future,' said Hill.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
JTA launches autonomous innovation center as it prepares to buy 100 high-tech shuttles from Holon
Thursday is a major milestone for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. It'll open its Autonomous Innovation Center. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The retrofitted Ford Transits are not a forever answer. Just Tuesday, JTA's board approved the purchase of up to 100 new autonomous shuttles from Holon, a company coming to Jacksonville. The shuttles come with a big price tag, and some people questioned the use of tax dollars for these shuttles. Action News Jax got video of one of the existing shuttles around downtown Jacksonville. But in a couple of years, they could be replaced with something entirely new. Up to 100 autonomous vehicles are set to be ordered by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority from Holon. 'I think it would be good for residents because it would cut down on a lot of traffic downtown. It would be convenient for people to go back and forth,' said Edward Lowry, who lives in Jacksonville. The price tag for the initial batch of Holon shuttles? $409,000 per shuttle. 'That's a lot of money for shuttles. But the idea of it is terrific, you know, compared to the way the city is built and stuff. But yeah, that's a lot of money,' said Jody Thomas, who lives in Jacksonville. 'I think that will improve efficiency. We have a lot of venues here. So it's very great for that. Yeah. Very good for venues because I work at them, and we always complain about parking. I work in all the venues, the arena, the performing arts, the convention center, the stadium and, yeah, it is very good if they offered that,' said Thomas. But Thomas will have to wait years before she can ride one of the Holon vehicles. JTA said those vehicles won't be available until 2027. That's because Holon doesn't even have a manufacturing facility in town yet. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
