Ford South Africa has announced that production of the Everest SUV has commenced at its Silverton plant in Gauteng, South Africa.

Ford's Silverton Assembly Plant in Gauteng has started production of the Everest SUVand the big news is that the facility now produces two vehicles (Ranger and Everest),for export and local consumption. Ford South Africa exports the Ranger to 148 markets around the world.

“The start of local production for the Ford Everest is another major milestone for FMCSA’s Manufacturing division in implementing Ford’s Global Facility and Process Standards,” says Ockert Berry, VP Operations. "We are confident that the locally produced Ford Everest will deliver outstanding results for us, our employees and, most importantly, our customers,” said Berry.

Ford Everest range to expand in SA

The Everest will be produced for the South African market, and exported to countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and forms part of a R2.5-billion investment plan, which has created at least 1 200 new jobs. Now that the Ford Everest is being made in South Africa, the SUV's range will be expanded with an additional six models. Customers will have the choice between two engines, manual and automatic gearboxes and three trim levels. Both two- and four-wheel drive options will be available. You can also look forward to the Everest 2.2 TDCi XLS and XLT being introduced before the end of the year. This motor produces 118 kW and 385 Nm of torque and can be had with either a manual or automatic transmission.

“The Ford Everest has been a very popular addition to our local line-up, but thus far has only been available in the two high-specification 4×4 models which were fully imported from Thailand,” says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, FMCSA.“Local production has now enabled us to expand the offering with an additional six model derivatives, two engine choices, three trim levels, the option of manual and automatic transmissions, as well as two and four-wheel drive versions. The addition of the 2.2 TDCi XLS and XLT modelswill appeal to family and lifestyle buyers, offering exceptional value for money matched to an outstanding level of standard safety features, smart technologies and proven all-terrain capability,” Delate adds.

We'll have more details regarding pricing and specification closer to the launch before the end of 2016.

Further Reading

Read a review of the Ford Everest here

Find a Ford Everest for sale

Watch the Toyota Fortuner take on the Ford Everest here