- Four locally built Ford Ranger XLT 2.0 double cabs, comprising two 4x4 and two 4x2 models, to support Eyewitness News’ (EWN) coverage, beginning with the 2026 Local Government Elections, then joining EWN’s news fleet.
- The vehicles will provide practical transport support, helping EWN journalists safely reach remote communities and navigate challenging terrain where important stories often unfold.
- This mobility support highlights Ford's ongoing commitment to South Africa through enabling access across society.
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 02 November 2026 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing) (Pty) Limited is providing Eyewitness News (EWN) with a new fleet of Ford Rangers to enhance their national newsgathering capabilities.
Four locally built Ford Ranger XLT double cabs, comprising two 4x4 and two 4x2 models, will support Eyewitness News’ coverage, beginning with the 2026 Local Government Elections, then joining EWN’s news fleet.
These vehicles will enable EWN journalists to safely reach remote and hard-to-access areas across South Africa, locations where many significant stories develop but where challenging terrain and road conditions often pose very real operational difficulties.
“This initiative reflects Ford’s commitment to South Africa and to the critical role independent and impartial journalism in our society. By providing reliable mobility solutions designed for the country’s diverse terrain, we are making it possible for journalists to get to where important stories are,” said Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company, Africa Operations.
Moshoeshoe Monare, Primedia’s Group Head of Corporate Affairs, emphasised the operational impact: “Reliable access to communities across South Africa is fundamental to the core mission of EWN, to deliver trustworthy, timely, and inclusive journalism that accurately reflects the diversity and realities of our nation. Many of the stories that shape our nation unfold far from metropolitan centres, in regions where infrastructure limitations often restrict reporting access.”
“Key to this partnership is that Ford understands and respects that by providing mobility solutions it is unlocking better independent journalism. We retain our absolute editorial independence but can now further enhance our reporting by being able to get to where the stories are,” he said.
"Every Ranger supplied through this mobility initiative is built by South Africans for South African conditions. By supporting EWN journalists to travel further and reach more communities independently, we are supporting greater access to the stories that matter across our country. At Ford, we are clear - we deeply appreciate the role of independent journalism. It is absolutely critical for us that EWN remains fully in control of all its editorial decisions, delivering journalism that is free, fair and uncompromised. Our only contribution is simply to help get them there,” said Hill.
“Reliable mobility helps our journalists reach communities across South Africa and report more fully on the issues shaping people’s lives. With greater access comes a stronger ability to deliver trustworthy, timely and inclusive journalism that reflects the diversity and realities of our nation,” concluded Monare.
Watch the video to follow the journey of Ford Rangers through the Silverton Assembly Plant and meet the South Africans who build them: Built in South Africa. Driven by the stories that matter.
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For further information, press images and news releases, visit www.quickpic.co.za and read the latest Ford news by visiting: https://www.ford.co.za/about-ford/newsroom/
