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Ford, Mazda part ways in SA

PRETORIA, South Africa - Ford and Mazda have announced that the partnered brands will go their separate ways in South Africa. The transition is expected to take place in 2014.

According to the automakers, the current global corporate partnership between Ford and Mazda on platforms and technologies remain unchanged.

'LASER FOCUS ON FORD'

President and CEO of FMCSA, Jeff Nemeth, said: “Consistent with our One Ford plan to have a laser focus on the Ford brand as well as our continually expanding product portfolio in South Africa, we will move to fully dedicated Ford dealerships after the separation."

Nemeth said: "FMCSA and MC will work together to ensure a seamless transition of the business to the new company, with a key focus on ensuring all existing and new Mazda customers continue to be taken care of and receive full warranty and service support."

The automaker said while the move allows FMCSA to fully execute and support its One Ford plan, the strategic decision to return the distribution rights will benefit both automakers in the long term. Mazda will benefit from its own vision supported by a dedicated and focused team supplying new products going forward.

Mazda's new emerging market operations executive officer, Hiroshi Inoue, said: "Mazda and Ford have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship for many years in South Africa. Mazda will now have the opportunity to forge its own strategic direction in SA."

Mazda has obtained approval from its board of directors to establish a new national sales company in South Africa to take over the Mazda sales and service business from FMCSA. The company will also determine its own market representation strategy.

Mazda’s BT-50 bakkie
will continue to be produced at the Silverton Assembly Plant by FMCSA for the new company after the transition.

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