- Four Ford Ranger XLT 2.0 double cabs.
- Two 4×4 and two 4×2 models.
- Built locally at Silverton Assembly Plant.
- First used for 2026 Local Government Elections.
- Vehicles then join EWN’s news fleet.
Journalists at Eyewitness News (EWN) are getting a new set of wheels, with Ford providing four locally built Ranger XLT 2.0 double cabs to support the newsroom’s national coverage in South Africa. The bakkies will be used first for reporting on the 2026 Local Government Elections and will then join EWN’s news fleet.
Ford Ranger fleet for remote reporting
The group of four is split evenly, with two 4×4 and two 4×2 models. Their job is practical transport, helping reporters safely reach remote and hard-to-access communities across South Africa where difficult terrain and poor road conditions often make newsgathering a challenge.
Ford describes the arrangement as part of its ongoing commitment to South Africa through enabling access across society. Every Ranger in the initiative is built in South Africa, at the Silverton Assembly Plant.
Editorial independence in the EWN partnership
Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company, Africa Operations, said the company was clear that EWN “remains fully in control of all its editorial decisions” and added: “Our only contribution is simply to help get them there.”
That point was echoed by Moshoeshoe Monare, Primedia’s Group Head of Corporate Affairs. “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.
Why access matters to the broadcaster
According to Monare, many of the stories that shape the country unfold far from metropolitan centres, in regions where limited infrastructure often restricts reporting access. Reliable transport, he said, is fundamental to delivering trustworthy, timely and inclusive journalism.
A video released alongside the announcement follows the Ranger through the Silverton Assembly Plant and introduces some of the South Africans who build it. Once election coverage wraps up, the four vehicles move into EWN’s regular news fleet.
Supplied by QuickPic (Ford)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
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