Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA), together with SVI Engineering, has announced the availability of Ford-approved armoured protection for the Ranger pickup.

“The Ranger is among the best-selling vehicles in South Africa, and the introduction of armoured protection will help establish its position in an entirely new segment, both for private and fleet customers,” says the US carmaker.

South Africa recorded more than 18 000 vehicle hijackings over the recent 12-month period, as reported in the South African Police Service Annual Crime Statistics for 2019/20.

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 manuifacturing of armoured products for the military, security and civilian markets.

“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 FMCSA MD Neale Hill.

“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, which is a first for any original-equipment manufacturer in South Africa,” says Hill.

The Ranger is also the only armoured bakkie in South Africa that can be ordered directly from a franchise dealer.

This means customers can place an order for an armoured Ranger at any one of the 134 Ford dealerships around the country.

SVI offers two levels of Ford-approved armoured protection for the Ranger, across all models, powertrains and derivatives.

B4 offers customers bullet-resistant protection against handguns up to a .44 Magnum.

This is a typical antihijack solution that also offers protection against brick-throwing and other hand-held projectiles.

This level of protection consists of 18 mm to 21 mm armoured glass, in combination with Kevlar sheets for the vehicle body.

It is discreet, adding only 280 kg to the Ranger double-cab.

The build time of a B4 armoured Ranger is around eight weeks.

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 specification has been designed to protect against ammunition fired by the R1 assault rifle and the AK47.

This level of protection comprises 38 mm armoured glass and special armoured steel plates.

Owing to the additional 650 kg 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 nondiscreet option, called Stopgun V2.0.

The discreet option features upgrades not easily identifiable on the vehicle, versus the more obvious protection on the nondiscreet Stopgun option.

The discreet option takes 12 weeks to build, while the Stopgun security option can be installed in only two weeks.

In response to customer feedback, the B4 option is available only in the discreet appearance form.

Pricing for armouring a Ranger starts at R234 413 (excluding value-added tax), on top of the vehicle sales price.