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Ford SA makes a plan: 'Extended cover' for ALL Kuga SUVs

Pretoria - Ford South Africa has extended cover for all Kuga SUVs sold in South Africa to a total of six years or 200 000km through its new Kuga PremiumCare Extended Plan.

Earlier in January 2017, Ford South Africa issued a safety recall for more than 4000 Kuga SUVs, equipped with the 1.6-litre engine, to address an engine overheating condition that could cause a fire.

The safety recall comes after more than 45 incidents of Ford Kuga units catching fire locally, killing one person in 2016.

READ: Ford SA's huge recall: Here's what Kuga owners should know

Jeff Nemeth, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, said: "While we cannot make up for any inconvenience or discomfort that our customers may have experienced as a result of the recent events affecting the 1.6-litre Ford Kuga, we want to reassure every Kuga owner that their safety is our first priority, matched by our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and ownership peace of mind."

“Accordingly, we have extended the cover on all Kuga models sold in South Africa to a total of six years or 200 000km, whichever comes first. Introduced at no cost to our customers, this extended cover testifies to our confidence in the Kuga and the actions that form part of the safety recall implemented for the 1.6-litre model."



Are you a Ford Kuga owner? Do you feel Ford is doing enough, and is your faith restored following the recall fix? Tell us via emailFacebook and Twitter.



The automaker says its Kuga PremiumCare Extended Plan will be automatically added to all Kuga derivatives in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho, including the Kuga 1.6, as well as the 1.5-litre petrol, and 2.0-litre diesel and petrol derivatives.

According to Ford SA: "It will be loaded against each Kuga’s vehicle identification number (VIN), giving the vehicle a total of six years or 200 000km cover, whichever occurs first, based on the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty start date."

READ: Kuga crisis - Ford SA can still repair its brand

Nemeth added: “The extended cover assures that customers will benefit from worry-free motoring long after the Kuga’s standard four-year/120 000km New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires. We trust this will assist in restoring customers’ confidence in our products and the Ford brand.”

What does the plan cover?

Ford says more than 1000 components is covered by its plan, including the "engine and emissions systems, transmission, drivetrain, electrical components, suspension, brakes, axles and steering". Additionally, the vehicle’s aircon and heating, audio and safety systems are covered, along with driver aids, comfort and convenience features.

Ford SA said: "The only requirements from an owner’s point of view are that the maintenance and servicing of the vehicle occurs at an authorized Ford dealer, according to the specified service schedule, along with proper maintenance and care between services as recommended in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

"This latest added-value offering complements the already implemented support programmes to assist our dealers in discussion with their customers, as well as the expanded partnership with the AA for extended Ford Roadside Assistance for all Kuga 1.6 vehicles to provide further peace of mind."

Reader responds

R.Singh: I am NOT a Kuga owner, nor will I ever own one out of choice. In fact, I will stay far from any Ford in the future and will encourage those in my immediate circles to do the same!
Why?
Simply the way in which FordSA dealt with this saga has damaged the brand irreparably in my view. People had to die. Despite this there were denials and dragging of feet by FordSA in supporting investigations into the possible causes.

This new development does in no way help owners. It still favours FordSA. Who wants to drive a vehicle with a loaded gun pointed at them? What about the stigma of driving one now. Every time you pass a Kuga you just know the conversation going around with onlookers despite owners having paid hundreds of thousands to buy their vehicles. What about the resale value? No takers at the market value and I doubt FordSA will do much better(maybe only if you want to buy a more expensive model!).
Most don't even want another Ford!
The decent thing FordSA should do is to offer a total recall at market value for those who want it. No strings attached!

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