Ford has certainly celebrated its fair share of milestones across the globe in recent years, which is to be expected given the fact that it’s been in business for well over a century to this point. What many may not realize, however, is that Ford’s presence in countries outside of the U.S. dates back 100 years or more in many instances, and that now includes South Africa, where the automaker is celebrating yet another centennial.
Ford has invested billions expanding its lineup and production prowess in South Africa over the past few years, which makes sense given its continued success in that market. In fact, Ford accounted for 5.3 percent of the country’s total GDP and 21.9 percent of its manufacturing output in 2023, as well as 116,000 jobs – both directly employed by the automaker and in the supporting component manufacturing industry. It has come a long way from humble beginnings in January 1924, when Ford became the first auto manufacturer to set up local vehicle assembly operations, producing 1,446 Model Ts in its first year with a total staff of 91 people.
Today, Ford directly employs 5,000 people in South Africa and produces over 200,000 vehicle annually – more than any other automaker in that country. Along with massive investments in its facilities, Ford has managed to reach that point by utilizing fully automated robots, autonomous aids, and 3D printing at its manufacturing plants. Additionally, the automaker 3D scans parts and vehicles as they’re built, which helps identify any defects that can then be rectified before they’re shipped to customers in South Africa and over 100 global markets.
Along with the Model T and Model A, Ford has produced many legendary nameplates in South Africa over the years, including the Anglia, Fairlane, Escort, Cortina, Granada, Capri, Sierra, Sapphire, Courier, Bantam, Transit, Falcon, Focus, Mondeo, and Fiesta, not to mention a bevy of engines and other components. Now, Ford South Africa is looking ahead to the next century of success.
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