Under the bonnet of the beast: My.na Cars takes the Ford Raptor for a spin
Viewers can expect more than just roaring engines and glossy shots when My.na Cars returns to screens with a special episode featuring the Ford Ranger Raptor. This week, the motoring show goes under the bonnet, bringing audiences closer to the technology, people and thinking behind one of Ford’s most talked-about vehicles.
Presenter Diana Master sits down with Van Aardt Schoeman, Technical Service Operations Manager for Ford Southern Africa, for an in-depth conversation that bridges the gap between driving pleasure and engineering precision. While the My.na Cars team puts the Raptor through its paces on Namibian roads, Schoeman offers rare insight into what makes Ford vehicles tick and why the brand has remained relevant for more than a century.
According to Schoeman, Ford’s longevity comes down to one simple principle, delivering what customers need. “Affordability and quality are non-negotiable,” he explains, adding that Ford’s modern vehicles benefit from more than 100 years of accumulated experience. He pointed to major investments in South African manufacturing as a key reason customers can expect higher quality and fewer post-purchase frustrations. At Ford, he says, the philosophy is clear: if it’s not error-proofed, it’s not fixed.
The episode also unpacks Ford’s unique manufacturing footprint in South Africa. With two plants, an engine facility in Gqeberha and a vehicle assembly plant in Silverton, Pretoria Ford not only supports local communities through employment but also produces vehicles at impressive scale. At Silverton alone, one vehicle rolls off the production line every two minutes. The plant is also the sole global producer of the Volkswagen Amarok, highlighting Ford’s growing collaboration with the German automaker.
Beyond manufacturing, My.na Cars explores what happens after customers drive off the showroom floor. Schoeman emphasises Ford’s focus on consistent after-sales service across its more than 100 dealerships in Southern Africa, noting that customer retention depends just as much on service quality as on the initial sale.
The show also shines a light on innovations such as Ford Pro Converter, which allows customers to buy factory-approved vehicle conversions like ambulances or refrigerated units without compromising warranties, and FordPass, Ford’s vehicle connectivity app. Through FordPass, drivers can remotely start their vehicles, check diagnostics, locate their cars and even book services, all from their smartphones.
For tech enthusiasts, Schoeman breaks down advanced safety features like the electronic brake booster, now fitted to higher-spec Ranger and Everest models. The system integrates braking, ABS and stability control into one intelligent unit, improving performance on loose or wet surfaces while maintaining mechanical fail-safes.
Looking ahead, Schoeman hints at exciting developments for Ford in Southern Africa, including new technologies, evolving vehicle connectivity and alternative propulsion systems. While some details remain under wraps, one thing is clear: Ford’s future and possibly Namibia’s will include faster, smarter and more electrified vehicles.
All this unfolds alongside a hands-on test drive of the Ford Ranger Raptor, making this episode a must-watch for motoring fans.
