Ford Ranger now available with Ford-approved armoured protection – African Farming

Ford partners with SVI Engineering to offer armoured protection for the Ford Ranger. This makes the Ford Ranger the only vehicle in its category to be offered with original equipment manufacturer-approved armoured protection. The best news: Armoured Rangers can be ordered directly from Ford dealers.

SVI Engineering was formed in 2004 as a mechanical engineering and rapid product development firm with capabilities in product design and finite element analysis, as well as the development, product evaluation and manufacturing of armoured products for the military, security and civilian markets. 

“One of our strengths as a local manufacturer has always been our ability to adapt to new trends in the automotive industry and changing customer requirements. We see armoured vehicle protection as a next step into a potentially life-saving sector. Ford is leading the way in customer experience by offering this without affecting the Ranger’s full warranty and service plan – a first for any OEM [original equipment manufacturer] in South Africa,” says Neale Hill, MD of Ford South Africa.

The Ranger is one of the bestselling bakkies in South Africa and this agreement expands SVI’s footprint throughout Southern Africa. The quality of the Ranger mirrors the well-proven ballistic protection and track record of SVI’s armouring solutions. Customers can now procure a fully locally manufactured armoured vehicle with OEM support.

B4 ARMOURED SPECIFICATION 

B4 offers customers bullet-resistant protection against handguns up to a .44 Magnum. This is the typical anti-hijack solution that also offers protection against bricks and other handheld projectiles. The protection consists of 18mm–21mm armoured glass in combination with Kevlar sheets for the body. It is extremely discreet and, at only 280kg on the Ranger Double Cab, also lightweight, with minimal impact on vehicle acceleration, fuel consumption and dynamic performance. The build time of a B4 armoured Ranger is about eight weeks.

B6 ARMOURED SPECIFICATION

B6 is the highest level of civilian protection allowed without a special permit and has been designed for the valuables-in-transit industry as well as high-profile individuals needing the ultimate level of protection. It has been designed to protect against the ammunition fired by the R1 assault rifle and the AK-47. This comprehensive protection comprises 38mm armoured glass and special armoured steel plates. Due to the additional 650kg of armour, the Ranger’s suspension is upgraded accordingly.  

B4 AND B6 ARMOUR PROTECTION COVERS THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• All glazing surrounding the occupants
• A-, B- and C-pillars of the vehicle
• Doors
• Firewall
• Rear of the cabin
• Front fenders, to protect engine components and firewall
• Battery
• ABS unit

ADDITIONAL FORD-APPROVED ARMOURING OPTIONS FOR THE RANGER INCLUDE:

• Roof armouring
• Floor armouring
• Bull bar and ballistic grill
• Run-flat ring system for the tyres
• Public announcement system

All new Ford Rangers come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a four-year/120 000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty. A six-year/90 000km service plan is included that covers six services. The recommended service interval is 15 000km or annually, whichever occurs first. 

In addition, customers receive a one year/50 000km warranty on the armouring components from SVI Engineering.

For more information or to find your nearest dealer visit ford.co.za.