The Automotive Aftermarket Guidelines or ‘Right to Repair’ came into effect on 1 July 2021 and Ford South Africa has now unbundled its Ford Protect Service Plans from the purchase price of Ford vehicles.

Ford South Africa has announced that as of 1 November 2021, the previously-inclusive Ford Protect Service Plans have now been unbundled from the pricing of a new Ford vehicle, in line with the Automotive Aftermarket Guidelines (Right to Repair) which came into effect on 1 July 2021.

This essentially means that buyers now have the choice to purchase a Ford Protect Service Plan separately, much like purchasing an optional maintenance plan or extended warranty. More so, buyers can either have their Ford vehicle serviced at a Ford dealer or, alternatively, at an Independent Service Provider (ISP). Ford, however, states that “Servicing at a Ford dealer guarantees quality workmanship using factory-trained and certified technicians, genuine Ford parts and lubricants, and access to the latest diagnostic equipment.”

Also see:Service- and Maintenance Plans: The differences

However, consumers are urged to familiarise themselves with the guidelines as advised by Neale Hill, President, Ford Motor Company Africa.

“Customers have the option of selecting where to service their vehicle, but it’s important that they familiarise themselves with the guidelines. For example, if you choose to service your vehicle outside of the Ford dealer network while you have a Ford Protect Service Plan in place, Ford is not obliged to pay the Independent Service Providers (ISP) for any services rendered. The ISP cost will be for your own account – and although the Ford warranty remains in place, should there be a failure as a result of the parts used or the workmanship of the ISP, that portion of the repair may not be covered by the Ford warranty.”

Consumers must also take note that only authorised Ford dealers can conduct recall repairs (no cost to the owner) and factory warranty repairs.

While the service plan is now an added-cost option, the standard Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) warranty, or Ford Protect package, remains in place, comprising a 4-year/120 000km warranty, 3-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and a 5-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty.

If a consumer chooses to use an ISP for servicing and maintenance, the vehicle warranty will not be affected. However, if there is a failure as a result of a part or the workmanship, that portion of the repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Ford also highlights that services need to be done according to the applicable manufacturer service intervals.

Read more about the new Right to Repair Guidelines here

Buy a used Ford on Cars.co.za

Related Content

Ford Bantam to make a comeback?

New Ford Ranger Shown Offroad Testing