Our cars became much more fun to drive and much more technologically advanced.
That’s very much in line with our brand’s pillars, which are, Quality, Green, Safe and Smart.
see how it shapes up. I didn’t
want to quote a number that
didn’t hold up as far as economy goes. He took it, and at the
end of the week he asked me
how quickly I could organise
him 150 of these vehicles for his
fleet. He turned his whole fleet
into Rangers overnight.
It’s fuel economy, it’s great looks,
it’s built Ford-tough, it’s the first
Ranger that has truck DNA in it.
If you’d told me five years ago
that we’d have the best selling
vehicle in South Africa, I would
have said you’re dreaming.
And yet, here we are. The new
one that’s coming out will have
new technology such as SYNC,
cruise control, lane assist, stuff
you normally get in luxury cars, so
we are staying one step ahead
of the competition.
MWD: We have a theory that
the Ranger has a not-so-subtle
appeal of Americanism in terms
of its styling. Would you go along
with that?
JN: I think that comes from its
Ford truck design DNA. It definitely has that stronger stance
and a more formidable look to it,
which a lot of people associate
with America.
rooms, lots more product choice,
there’s much more visibility for
the brand, and yes, it’s racing.
We seem to be everywhere. Ford
performance has always been
part of the whole thing, where
people say they have petrol in
their veins. I guess people like to
think they are driving something
faster than what their neighbours
are driving.
MWD: Is Ford vying consciously
for the Number One sales position in South Africa?
JN: We don’t make that decision, the customers do. We’re
going to keep doing what we
are doing, as well as we can.
It’s really about giving the customers what they want. Who
knows? We’ll see.
MWD: Ford has tapped into its
motorsport heritage in South Africa in a big way. How much of a
part has this played in your
accessing the Number Two
spot in South Africa?
JN: Everything contributes,
right? You can’t put your
finger on one thing, we
have better-looking show-
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