They may have the men’s Rugby World Cup title, but New Zealand is taking something from South Africa; the Ford Ranger PHEV ute.

Ford NZ made the announcement as its South African counterpart celebrated 100 years of manufacturing in that country.

Parent company Ford Motor Company is giving Ford South Africa a very large birthday present, US$$272 million. That is to go towards operations at its Silverton plant that will produce the first-ever Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

The investment for the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger incorporates a new battery pack assembly plant that is being constructed within the Silverton plant for the PHEV system. Ford’s Chassis Plant in the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is also being upgraded to accommodate the chassis configuration for this model, including changes to the robots, welding equipment, control systems, conveyors and skids.

“This is a momentous occasion as we celebrate Ford’s Centenary in South Africa,” said Elena Ford, Chief Dealer Engagement officer, Ford Motor Company. 

“From humble beginnings that established Ford in South Africa in November 1923, our team and facilities here have grown into a world-class operation that delivers the highest-quality vehicles to our customers in South Africa and around the world.”

Ford New Zealand announced in September that the PHEV Ranger will be launched in 2025, with a fully electric range of 45kms and a towing capacity of 3500kg.

The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will deliver more torque than any other Ranger, thanks to a 2.3-litre Ford EcoBoost turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system.