Casper Kruger has 3-billion new reasons to avoid distractions and concentrate on marketing Ford vehicles. Ford Southern Africa announced last week that it was spending R3bn to increase production capacity at its Silverton, Pretoria, assembly plant. The injection will increase annual capacity from 110,000 to 127,000 vehicles and enable the introduction of a new offroad model, the Raptor. Manufacturing, though, is the last thing on Kruger’s mind. He says he was installed as MD in 2017 because the company needs someone who truly understands the local market — someone who knows what buttons to press to keep South African motorists happy and who can relate to dealers and corporate customers. As the first homegrown MD since US car giant Ford bought back control of the company in 1998, having disinvested during apartheid, Kruger appears well placed to fulfil those roles. He was Ford brand national sales manager in 2007-09 before leaving to head Toyota SA’s Hino truck division. He rejoined ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.