By MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG – FORD Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is “grateful” and “encouraged” by the reported customer confidence in the Ford brand despite the challenges around the safety recall for the Kuga in South Africa.
The recall, over engine overheating issues, is for the 1.6 litre version sold in the country in 2013 and 2014. A total of 4 556 vehicles are affected by the safety recall.
“Ford is actively addressing the issue of the Kuga 1.6 safety recall, and we are absolutely committed to doing right by our customers in South Africa. We will do what it takes to address customer concerns and maintain confidence in our products and the company,” says Gerhard Herselman, FMCSA General Manager for Sales.
“We appreciate our customers standing by us through this difficult period, as we focus on resolving these issues and delivering vehicles that are designed and manufactured with the highest standards of safety, technology, reliability and value for money.”
Meanwhile, FMCSA wrapped up the first month of sales for 2017 with strong showings from its locally produced Ranger bakkie (2 677 units sold) which dominated the market in January, as well as the expanded Everest range (365 sold), which achieved its second-highest sales to date.
The Mustang enjoyed another record-breaking month on 128 sales, as strong demand outstrips supply.
The Fiesta sold 1 707 units sold, while the EcoSport maintained its unrivalled class dominance on 828 units in January.
–Guardian