Ford has announced plans to assemble its Ranger pickup truck in Nigeria in conjunction with its local dealer, Coscharis Motors.
The move forms part of the US automaker’s strategy to expand its activities in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
From Q4 2015, Ranger models will be assembled at Ford’s Ikeja facility, located 750km southwest of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.
Commenting on the news, Jim Benintende, president of Ford Middle East & Africa, said: “Assembling Ford Ranger trucks in Africa’s largest economy is an important milestone in our Middle East and Africa growth plan. With Coscharis, we have the right partner, and with the Ford Ranger, we have the right product to deliver a world-class truck that Nigerian customers want and value.”
Ford will assemble the vehicles at a semi-knockdown level, using body parts and components imported from South Africa for the new Ranger. The manufacturer’s Ikeja plant is expected to generate 180 jobs directly and indirectly, and has the capacity to assemble up to 5,000 units annually.
Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company’s Sub-Saharan Africa region, said: “WNigeria is a priority market for us in Sub-Saharan Africa, and today’s announcement will allow us to better serve our customers from both a retail point of view, and in terms of vehicle and parts availability. We are committed to supporting Nigeria’s developing automotive industry and economy together with Coscharis, and are looking forward to being active in the community. New assembly operations, even on a smaller scale like this one, have very positive ripple effects in the local economy and workforce.”
Dr Cosmas Maduka, president of Coscharis Motors, added: “We value our partnership with Ford immensely, and we are looking forward to having the opportunity to assemble world-class Ford Rangers in Nigeria. This partnership will boost Nigeria’s much-needed march towards industrialisation, and create an important step in the development of the automotive industry.”
In line with operating procedures for the automaker’s plants around the world, experienced employees will be dispatched to Nigeria to assist with the implementation of the ‘Global Ford Production System’, which focuses on standards of safety, quality, and delivery.
Nigeria will become the second African country where Ford vehicles are produced, South Africa being the first.
Vehicles assembled at Ford’s Ikeja facility are to be sold exclusively in Nigeria.