A new era for Ford’s Struandale Engine Plant

Production of the latest generation Duratorq TDCi engines – which will power the new-generation Ford Ranger – has begun at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant.

The new Duratorq engines – in both 2,2-litre four-cylinder and 3,2-litre five-cylinder capacities – will feature 80 new parts, with the main changes applied to the cylinder head to improve emissions and fuel efficiency.

The upgrades include a new exhaust gas recirculation system, new variable nozzle turbine (VNT) turbochargers and revised oil specification, matched to changes to the valve seat angle and optimised injector nozzles.

Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company of sub-Saharan Africa, says: “The changes introduced to the new-generation engines will ensure that the Ranger offers even better performance and fuel economy than before. The changes complement the more refined and sophisticated nature of this exciting new model, which goes on sale later this year.”

Capacity at the plant will be increased from 75 000 to 110 000 on the engine assembly line. The new programme will also supply engines to the Ford Chennai plant in India and JMC in China, while engines will continue to be exported to Ford’s Kansas City assembly plant for the North American Transit.

The new engines will also be used in the Ford Rangers assembled in Nigeria from semi-knock-down kits shipped from Ford South Africa’s Silverton Assembly Plant.

South African-built Rangers will be exported to 148 markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.