By Staff Reporter*

In response to the unfortunate and unacceptably high statistics of hijackings (more than 18,000 vehicle hijackings are recorded annually in South Africa), the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Ford) has teamed up SVI Engineering (SVI) to produce Ranger bakkies with ballistic protection.

Straight from the dealership floor

This move makes the Ranger the only armoured bakkie in South Africa that can be ordered directly from a franchise dealer. Customers can place an order for an armoured Ranger at any one of the 134 Ford dealerships around the country.

“While we all wish there was no need for armoured civilian vehicles anywhere in the world, being able to provide outstanding levels of safety for customers is deeply rooted in Ford’s DNA, with armoured protection being no exception,” says Neale Hill, MD of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

SVI offers two levels of Ford-approved armoured protection for the Ranger, across all models, powertrains and derivatives. The armour protection has been specifically designed with the overall dynamics, quality, in-car technology and Built Ford Tough DNA in mind.

An integral part of SVI’s armoured technology is the high-quality glass which consists of special layers of glass and polycarbonate material to withstand compression and tension forces. It is this strong combination that forms the ballistic barrier by dissipating the energy of a bullet on impact while avoiding distortion.

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 brick-throwing and other hand-held projectiles. The protection consists of 18-21mm 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 around 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. This has been designed to protect against the ammunition fired by the R1 assault rifle and the AK47. 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. 

With the B6 armour protection option, customers can choose between a discreet appearance, or the cost-effective non-discreet option, called Stopgun V2.0. The discreet option features upgrades not easily identifiable on the vehicle, versus the more obvious protection on the non-discreet Stopgun option. The discreet option takes 12 weeks to build, while the Stopgun security option can be installed in only two weeks.

By responding to customer feedback, the B4 option is available only in the discreet appearance form, which caters mainly for those individuals who want a level of armoured protection without compromising the interior and exterior aesthetics of their vehicle.

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 and ABS unit.

Additional Ford-approved armouring options for the Ranger include: Roof armouring, Floor armouring, Bullbar and ballistic grill, Run-flat ring system for the tyres and Public announcement system.

Pricing

Prices include Ford Protect which comprises a four-year/120,000km comprehensive warranty, three-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km corrosion warranty. A six-year/90,000km service plan is included which covers six services.

* With words from Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.