U.S. automotive major Ford's South African unit is set to invest 5.2 billion rand ($281 million) to manufacture hybrid vehicles in the country, advocating for swift action from the government on an electric vehicle policy. The South African automotive industry, contributing 5 percent to the nation's GDP and employing over one hundred thousand people, predominantly exports 75 percent of its vehicles to Europe. However, the impending ban on new petrol cars in the UK and Europe by 2035 poses a significant challenge, necessitating a government-led transition plan to electric vehicles.
Ford is concentrating on producing hybrid vehicles, offering versatility with both petrol and electric power and will produce the Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in Pretoria from late 2024. Approximately 70 percent of the Ranger cars will be exported to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.