By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
    May 9, 2025
    Toyota Expands Commitment to Hydrogen Society with Fleet, Infrastructure and Next-Gen System Debut
    April 30, 2025
    Ford is Ready to Tackle the Simola Hillclimb with Over 6 000 Horsepower
    April 30, 2025
    LDV (Maxus as Known in China) Makes a Bold Statement at Shanghai Motor Show
    April 30, 2025
    Upcoming OMODA C3 redefines the crossover with cyber-mecha aesthetics
    April 29, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
    Honda NC750X Named Winner in 2025 Red Dot Design Award
    April 10, 2025
    The Panigale V4 honoured with the prestigious iF Design Award
    March 30, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 12 G/S
    March 29, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    SEAT S.A. celebrates 75 years
    May 9, 2025
    Lucid Strengthens Leadership Team as Company Prepares for Growth
    May 8, 2025
    GWM Sells Over 100,000 Vehicles in April, Up 5.55% Year-on-Year
    May 8, 2025
    296 LMGT3s head to Belgium for 2025 6 Hours of Spa
    May 8, 2025
    Toyota Announces April Through March 2025 Financial Results
    May 8, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line
    April 5, 2025
    Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play
    April 4, 2025
    BMW Group reveals revolutionary electric drive concept with 800V technology for the Neue Klasse
    February 24, 2025
    Audi unveils Q6 e-tron offroad concept
    January 28, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    Enviro Automotive Unleashes Cutting-Edge 4×4 EVs and Unprecedented Price Reductions
    May 9, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz and The Mobility House Launch Europe-Wide Partnership for Smart Home Charging
    May 9, 2025
    Coming soon: the new Volvo XC70
    May 8, 2025
    Isuzu begins production of D-MAX EV pickup truck in Thailand
    May 2, 2025
    Rethinking the way we perceive, design and use electric LCVs with Renault Trafic, Goelette and Estafette
    May 2, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    Ferrari in action at Laguna Seca, Nürburgring and Indonesia
    May 9, 2025
    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing gears up for gruelling gravel rallies
    May 9, 2025
    Porsche Penske Motorsport aims to maintain IMSA winning streak in the USA
    May 9, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES: ARCHIE RUTHERFORD ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THE W2RC TO SOUTH AFRICA
    May 9, 2025
    TGR ready for South African Safari Rally as W2RC resumes
    May 8, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    Successful together: representatives of the 12 project partners of the ATLAS-L4 project at the closing event in Penzing with Ernst Stöckl-Pukall, Head of the “Digitalization and Industry 4.0” department at the Federal Ministry of Economics (first row, second from right) and Georg Grüneißl, Head of Product Strategy and Planning at MAN Truck & Bus, representing the project consortium leader (first row, center)
    Goal achieved: the driverless truck on the road becomes reality
    May 8, 2025
    Volvo’s gas-powered trucks on the rise – enabling up to 100% CO2 reduction
    May 5, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to win a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title with eActros 600
    May 2, 2025
    MAN again with rising order intake
    April 29, 2025
    Volvo reaches milestone with 5,000 electric trucks sold worldwide
    April 29, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    Sporty meets efficiency: the new Audi A6 plug-in hybrid models
    May 7, 2025
    THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM AT 100 YEARS
    May 4, 2025
    Introducing the 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring
    April 16, 2025
    TGR to Launch Evolved GR Yaris
    April 14, 2025
    Connected development: the Audi A6 Avant as the perfect travel companion
    April 9, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Hyundai Motor Group Delivers Enhanced In-Car Experience Through Equinix Data Centers Globally
    May 8, 2025
    Artificial intelligence as a quality booster
    April 28, 2025
    Kia Introduces AI Voice Assistant to Enhance Connectivity and Driver Experience
    April 16, 2025
    Bentley employs pioneering AI technology in the quest for leather perfection
    April 15, 2025
    Bandai Namco, AirConsole and Volkswagen bring PAC-MAN into the vehicle
    April 15, 2025
Hot News
Ferrari in action at Laguna Seca, Nürburgring and Indonesia
SEAT S.A. celebrates 75 years
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing gears up for gruelling gravel rallies
Enviro Automotive Unleashes Cutting-Edge 4×4 EVs and Unprecedented Price Reductions
Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
ReviewsTrucks & Buses

MAN TGE: Excellent basis for motorhomes

Latest News

SUBARU BRZ SECURES THIRD-CONSECUTIVE CAR AND DRIVER 10BEST AWARD

Trucks & Buses

MAN prepares start of series production of the electric truck

Motosport

Jaguar’s Formula E Commitment: Implications for South Africa’s EV Market

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Reviews

The Hidden Hands-On Inspection All Ford Rangers Must Pass

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: February 26, 2025 11:04
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
274 Views
5 Min Read
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE
  • Ford’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant, based in Pretoria, is one of five Ranger manufacturing hubs globally
  • One million Rangers were produced in South Africa between 2000 and 2024
  • Every Ranger must pass through a six-step process before being shipped around the world

The Ford Ranger is one of the leading contenders in its segment in South Africa and has established a solid reputation for quality, reliability, and durability. Ford’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant, based in Pretoria, is one of five manufacturing hubs of the Ranger around the world. 

The Ranger’s legacy in South Africa spans three generations, marked by continuous evolution and innovation. As a trusted and beloved bakkie, it has become a cornerstone of Ford’s local lineup and the top-selling double-cab in 2024, with 20 078 Rangers sold.

- Advertisement -
Ad image

Over the years, it has earned numerous accolades and left a lasting impact on businesses, communities, and individuals alike, while also playing a key role in positioning South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry on the global stage.

Just over one million Rangers were produced in South Africa between 2000 and early 2024 for the domestic market and export around the world; a feat that sees a Ranger roll off the production line on average every two minutes. 

To ensure the highest standards for quality, every Ranger produced must pass through a six-step process on the Customer Acceptance Line before being shipped around the world. It involves artificial intelligence checks, paint and panel inspection, interior and lighting, electrical and a run around a 320-metre long, seven surface squeak-and-rattle track.

“The trained eyes and precise hands of Ford’s Customer Acceptance Line (CAL) inspectors are essential in ensuring every Ranger meets the highest standards. Their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality provide the final seal of approval before the vehicle reaches its new owner,” says Suresh Babu, Plant Manager, Silverton Vehicle Operations. 

Customer Acceptance Line: 

1.     Dark Room

With all the lights switched off, inspectors check head and tail lamps, the instrument cluster, SYNCÒ screen and all interior lighting for brightness and alignment.

2.     Hands-On Inspection

Inspectors run their hands across every surface, tracing the contours for any imperfections, while also ensuring precise panel alignment. Every button, switch, and control is pressed, poked, clicked, and pulled. 

3.     Systems Check

Comprehensive diagnostic checks ensure the electrical components are connected correctly. 

4.     AI Eyes

Ford’s mobile artificial intelligence vision system (MAIVS) uses advanced algorithms to scan the exterior of the vehicle for any flaws, like missing or crooked badges.

5.     Rainstorm Simulation

The Leak Test stimulates a five-minute monsoonal downpour. High-pressure water jets blast the vehicle from every angle. Every light and seal is inspected for water tightness. Every door is opened, and rubber seals are carefully checked for any signs of water ingress. The water used is collected, treated and reused for subsequent tests in line with Ford’s sustainability practices. 

6.     Squeak-and-Rattle Track

Paying a visit to Silverton Assembly Plant the first thing that’s noticed are the Ranger’s being put through their paces on the Squeak-and-Rattle Track. Featuring everything from uneven cobblestones to angled irons, the squeak-and-rattle track simulates a variety of real-world driving surfaces to ensure there are no unwanted noises, and that the suspension and steering operates exactly as it should. 

The Ford Ranger has redefined the bakkie segment over the years, setting new benchmarks in quality, comfort, technology, capability, and durability. Its impact is reflected in an exceptional track record of accolades, including the prestigious 2023 South African Car of the Year title – the first bakkie to achieve this honour. 

Ford’s trophy cabinet is filled with many Ranger accolades, from CAR Magazine’s Best Double Cab Bakkie every year since 2011 to winning the CAR Bakkie Shootout in 2021. It has also earned top honours in The Star Readers’ Choice Awards and remains a consistent finalist in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. These achievements reinforce the Ranger’s reputation as a leader in its class, proving time and again why it is one of South Africa’s most trusted and celebrated vehicles.

TAGGED:Ford RangerSilverton Manufacturing PlantSouth Africa

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Latest News

Ford Africa celebrates its partners

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 3, 2024
Motosport

Jaguar’s Formula E Commitment: Implications for South Africa’s EV Market

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
July 10, 2024
Latest News

Volkswagen opens new dealership in Mthatha

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 6, 2024
Motosport

DEMANDING ROUTE RECCE SETS HIGH BARFOR SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY COMPETITORS 

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 14, 2025
Latest News

Mahindra South Africa and IDC Sign MoU

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
February 25, 2025
Auto Shows

The Chequered Flag falls on ‘South Africa’s Most Beautiful Drive’

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 24, 2025

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner