The arrival of approved Ford Performance Parts and Roush Performance and the roll out of official fitment centres in South Africa will be welcomed by Ford enthusiasts, particularly as the operation has the support of the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
One of the problems with performance enhancements is that they void manufacturers’ vehicle warranties. What has been arranged for the Ford Performance Parts and Roush Performance fitments is that a comprehensive 3-year/60 000km powertrain warranty will cover the performance upgrades, while the remainder of the Ford new vehicle warranty will not be voided.
In addition, special model names, such as Mustang Roush Level 3, will be registered with TransUnion so that these modified cars are listed as specific Ford models in the used car pricing guide. This is a major benefit as usually additions to the standard specification are not taken fully into account when a dealer quotes on a trade-in, which can be very costly when extra equipment and performance enhancements are concerned.
Under the Roush banner the Mustang is offered with three levels of performance enhancements, ranging from Level 1 with cold air induction and an exhaust system. Level 2 includes Level 1 plus some cosmetic enhancements as well as an ECU upgrade. Level 3 further adds the fitment of a Roush supercharger and revised suspension.
Under the Ford Performance Parts banner upgrades for other Ford models, including the Ranger, Everest, Fiesta ST and Focus ST are available.
A wide range of approved practical and appearance accessories are also offered at the Ford Performance facility. Joint venture partners Würth and Castrol lubricants also have display area in the facility.
The fitment centre is manned by master technicians and this will be a requirement when other Ford accredited dealers are established to do performance enhancements themselves. Dealer or fitment centre personnel all have to attend a rigorous training course in Centurion before they can offer Ford Performance Parts and fitment.
“Our Ford Performance facility in Centurion aims to be a regular meeting place for motor enthusiasts, not necessarily only Ford drivers,” said Grant Askham, who oversees the world class operation just off the Brakfontein interchange on the N1 freeway.
“On Saturdays we will have our dynamometer operating and our sales area open, while on Sundays we want to encourage a ‘cars and coffee’ culture so that Ford Performance in Centurion is a popular destination for breakfast runs on Sunday mornings.”
Grant Askham has had extensive experience in the motor industry over the years, including holding the position of dealer principal at a dealership in Centurion. He has latterly been the CEO of Nikon SA.
“I see the establishment of the Ford Performance and Roush Performance brands as well as our fitment facility as an exciting challenge and believe they will be a major success,” concluded Askham.