The launch of the new model has attracted great interest. (Photo: Ford)
On Tuesday, on the first day of the Nampo Harvest Day, Ford unveiled a brand new bakkie, the Ranger Super Duty. It is a heavy-duty pick-up that, according to the manufacturer, is designed to “do more, carry more and tow more” than any other Ranger yet.
The launch of the new model has attracted great interest.
According to Ford, the Ranger Super Duty is much more than just a new version of the popular Ranger series. The manufacturer describes it as a “completely new segment” for South Africa and says the vehicle has been specifically developed for industries such as agriculture, mining, emergency services and other industries that require heavy-duty vehicles.
The new bakkie is expected to be available in South Africa early next year.
(Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
‘Vehicle that did not exist in the market’
Neale Hill, president of Ford in Africa, said at the launch that there has long been a need among farmers, businesses and other customers for a stronger, tougher bakkie that can handle larger loads.
Neale Hill, President of Ford in Africa. (Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
“We talked a lot about the gap between high-level economic ambition and the practical reality of the people doing the work. Farmers, emergency services and miners told us they needed a vehicle that simply didn’t exist in the market right now.”
According to Hill, customers wanted a vehicle that “literally could do more, tow more and carry more”.
He says the Ranger Super Duty is “not just a new trim level”, but a vehicle designed from the ground up for extreme working conditions.
“It’s a bigger, tougher pickup built for one purpose: to tow more, carry more and do more. The Ranger Super Duty was born from direct collaboration with our customers.”
Make difficult work easy
Hill says the new model is specifically designed for people who rely on their vehicles daily in difficult conditions.
“It’s for the farmer who has to haul heavy equipment across muddy country; for the emergency worker who needs a rock-solid platform; and for the overland traveler who refuses to leave any equipment behind.”
The vehicle will be available in single cab and double cab versions.
Although full technical specifications will only be revealed closer to the vehicle’s launch, it has already been confirmed that the Ranger Super Duty is powered by a 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel engine.
The vehicle also has an impressive towing capacity of 4,500 kg and a reinforced chassis designed for extremely demanding commercial, agricultural and mining applications.
(Photo: Ford)
Hill further emphasized that the vehicle will be fully supported by Ford and will be available under warranty.
“You get the ultimate capability you need with the peace of mind of a Ford warranty.”
Investment in productivity
Hill believes the Ranger Super Duty is much more than just a new vehicle and describes it as a direct investment in South Africa’s productivity.
(Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
“The unveiling of the Ranger Super Duty at Nampo 2026 is a transformative milestone for Ford South Africa. This vehicle has been specifically designed to exceed the most demanding requirements of our agricultural and industrial sectors.”
According to Hill, the Ranger Super Duty is an important tool that helps transform major development goals into practical progress at grassroots level.
“By equipping farmers and businesses with better tools for productivity and efficiency, we help support the goals for growth and modernization in the agricultural sector.”
He says the vehicle will help local producers to expand their operations and remain internationally competitive.
“This vehicle ensures that local producers have the heavy-duty capability needed to take their operations to the next level and remain globally competitive. It proves that when policy vision and the right technical innovation come together, the potential for national growth is limitless.”
Customizable
Ford also said the Ranger Super Duty offers extensive customization options for different industries and applications.
According to the manufacturer, the vehicle will be able to be adapted for specific industries or activities through Ford’s Ford Pro Converter program.
This means the vehicle can be adapted to specific needs for, among other things, agriculture, mining, emergency services and adventurous outdoor travel.
(Photo: Ford)
During the launch, Hill also emphasized his so-called “Ford Family Promise” – a commitment to make vehicle ownership simpler and more transparent.
“We know that buying a vehicle is just the beginning. We are committed to making ownership simpler and more transparent. Whether it’s mobile servicing, online bookings or our Ford app – we meet customers where they are.”
According to Hill, the company wants to ensure customers are ready for the work ahead.
“At Ford, we don’t just build vehicles; we build the tools that take South Africa forward.”