OREANDA-NEWS.  Ford Motor Company today announced it will assemble its popular Ford Ranger pickup truck in Nigeria starting in the fourth quarter of 2015 as part of its expansion in Middle East and Africa. Nigeria will be the first African country outside of South Africa where Ford vehicles are produced.

Ranger assembly will begin in Ikeja, in the Lagos State about 750 km southwest of Nigeria’s capital city Abuja. Ford is partnering with Ford dealer group Coscharis Motors Limited on the project.

“Assembling Ford Ranger trucks in Africa’s largest economy is an important milestone in our Middle East and Africa growth plan,” said Jim Benintende, president of Ford Middle East & Africa. “With Coscharis we have the right partner and with the Ford Ranger we have the right product to deliver a world class truck that Nigerian customers want and value.”

At Go Further South Africa 2015, Ford unveiled the new tougher and smarter Ranger, which sets a new benchmark in the pickup truck segment with an uncompromised blend of robust capability, craftsmanship and advanced technology.