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Tinashe Makichi JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
Ford Motor Company on Wednesday unveiled its eight brands that are expected to drive the company’s competitiveness in the Sub-Saharan region in the next two years.

The vehicles were at the second annual Go Further Africa 2015 conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

They include the new Ford Everest, Focus RS, Ford Ranger, Ford Figo, Ford Mustang, Ford B-MAX and Explorer Police Interceptor

The all-new Ford Everest was shown for the first time in Africa featuring bold design, advanced technology, stunning off-road and on-road capabilities and a refined, premium interior for up to seven occupants.

With a rugged, sculptural design that reflects its unshakeable toughness and technological prowess, the new Everest blends strength, smart features and style to bring consumers a tough and versatile SUV with true off-road capability.

One of the toughest SUVs in its segment, the Everest has a body-on-frame design, assuring the torsional strength required for challenging terrains. Together with an intelligent four-wheel drive system, an active transfer case with Torque on Demand, the vehicle’s terrain management system, ground clearance of 225 mm and water-wading capability of 800mm is going to help drivers navigate difficult terrain with ease.

“The all-new Ford Everest is one of the most technologically advanced off-road SUVs available, and boasts SYNC 2, Curve Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Roll Stability Control, Electronic Stability Programme and Active Park Assist,” said Mr Jeff Nemeth,Ford Motor Company chief executive for Southern African region during the vehicle unveiling.

He said the new Everest will arrive at dealerships across Africa in the fourth quarter of this year.

The undisputed star of Go Further Africa 2015 was the all-new Ford Focus RS which is expected to make its Southern African debut in 2016.

Mr Nemeth said Ford Focus RS introduces advanced performance technologies and is the first RS equipped with selectable drive modes including an industry-first drift mode, as well as launch control.

With a 2,3-litre Eco-Boost engine delivering 257kW of power and 440Nm of torque, the high-performance road car also features the most powerful Ford RS braking system ever.

The Ford Ranger was also among the vehicles on show and is expected to further drive the company’s sales this year.

Tougher and smarter the new Ranger set a new benchmark in the pickup truck segment with an uncompromised blend of robust capability, craftsmanship and advanced technology.

Due to be launched in Sub-Saharan Africa in the fourth quarter of 2015 it will once again be produced at Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria and exported to 148 markets.

Featuring a new look front end, and a stylish, smart and functional new interior, the new Ranger builds upon a reputation of capability, innovation and comfort that has helped the car to stand apart from traditional pickup trucks.

It also boasts an array of new cutting-edge technologies that enable more practical solutions to everyday challenges.

The new Ranger’s impressive power, capability, payload and towing capacity are made possible thanks to powerful and now more efficient engines paired to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

All the engines available provide Ranger customers a winning combination of power and efficiency in all conditions, and help to underscore Ford’s fun-to-drive promise. The highly anticipated Ford Mustang is one step closer to being launched in right-hand drive in Sub-Saharan Africa markets. The stylish Mustang made its debut on Tuesday along with the sophisticated Fastback previewed last year.

Loaded with innovative technologies and delivering high levels of performance and style, the all-new Mustang is the next chapter in the life of one of the world’s most iconic cars.

The all-new Ford Figo, due in Southern Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa markets in the fourth quarter of 2015 was also unveiled and is destined to be a compact car champion by offering unprecedented levels of style, feature-rich smart technologies and high levels of safety, while retaining the Figo’s established reputation for superb fuel efficiency and overall value.

For the first time, the Figo will be available in two body styles, including a five-door hatchback as well as the new four-door sedan shown at Go Further.

The new Ford B-MAX, to be launched in South Africa imminently also made its debut and it features a unique design, superb fuel economy and unrivalled small car technology, making it among the most advanced compact cars on the market.

B-MAX presents the company’s vision for a premium compact multi-activity vehicle combining outstanding space and versatility within a smart and stylish exterior.

The all new Ford Edge also made its debut. It features a unique design, superb technology and unrivalled comfort – all of which set new benchmarks for Ford utility vehicles.

The vehicle will be available in selected Sub-Saharan Africa markets in 2016.

The Ford Explorer Police Interceptor was also unveiled. It has been the top selling law enforcement vehicle in the United States.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufacturers or distributes automobiles across six continents.