Ford Seeks New Territory in SA with Chinese-built SUV

Seeking new territory in South Africa’s hotly-contested SUV segment, the new Ford Territory has finally landed on local shores. We take a closer look at why this model is such an important product for Ford SA. 

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When Ford removed its Territory SUV from the local market more than a decade ago, it left a hole in the firm’s local portfolio. While other Ford markets had ample choice when it came to SUVs, sunny SA didn’t.

Of course, soon after its discontinuation, Ford launched the first-generation Everest, putting the Territory name to rest. Fast-forward a good decade later and the name returns; expectedly, in a contemporary suit and dressed for success.

While the Territory’s return has been met warmly, it does beg the question why, especially in South Africa, it has taken Ford this long for it to fill the gap(s) in its portfolio. Yes, we can commend Ford for bringing the Kuga and EcoSport to our market, but in the absence of a Territory replacement, it always felt as though a mark was being missed.

Review: Ford Territory 1.8 EcoBoost 

With both the Kuga and EcoSport departing our market at their respective times, of late it seemed that Ford’s local arm was “okay” with a fairly compact portfolio comprising the Ranger bakkie and Everest, along with a host of commercial vehicles and the ever-popular Mustang. It hasn’t meant Ford lost market share in South Africa; however, they remained profitable, which is crucial for any business.

Thankfully, with Ford Global shifting its focus to new-age passenger cars – i.e. crossovers and SUVs – it’s created room for local showroom floors to have more than just a bakkie and one SUV. In 2023, Ford expanded its portfolio with the Puma crossover (finally), followed by the new Territory in 2024.

Suddenly, Ford is looking to become a competitive player in the local market again, and with the Territory it aims to make a compelling case in the hotly contested SUV segment.

Anyone who’s kept an eye on the market in recent years would have noticed the influx of Chinese vehicles to our market. These vehicles are a far cry from the forgetful offerings we used to get; instead