Ford

Ford Everest hits the road with SA Rugby’s Champion Tour

February 4, 2010

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PRETORIA, February 4, 2010 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) together with SA Rugby is preparing to hit the road with world rugby’s most sought-after silverware. The convoy will visit schools and clubs across the country early in February to share the success of South African rugby with all supporters.

FMCSA has a long-standing relationship with SA Rugby, as the official vehicle sponsor of the Springbok Rugby team, the South African A team, the South African U-21 team and the South African Sevens team.

The recently launched Ford Everest is the perfect partner for the Champions Tour. SA Rugby is constructing a purpose built trailer for the Tour, complete with a fold-out stage and retractable roof. Two Ford Everests will be used by support staff that will travel with the trophy cabinet.

The Ford Everest combines traditional Ford toughness with Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) comfort. The new seven-seater SUV features bold styling, complete with chrome grill and tailgate mounted spare wheel. Three models are available, all powered by Ford’s acclaimed Duratorq 3.0 TDCi diesel engine. The engine employs advanced injection technology – intercooler and variable-geometry turbocharging – to deliver 115kW and 380Nm of peak torque at 1800rpm.
The Ford Everest is available in either 4×2 or 4×4 guise, with either a manual or automatic transmission.
The contingent will travel all across South Africa taking the game to the people and showing them the trophies won by South African teams in 2009. Among the display will be the Vodacom Tri-Nations Trophy, the IRB Sevens World Series trophy, The British & Irish Lions series trophy, the Vodacom Super 14 trophy, the Freedom Cup and the Mandela Plate.

The display will also include the Rugby World Cup (won in 2007) and the icon of South African rugby, the Absa Currie Cup.

“South Africa enjoyed a formidable year in 2009 and the Champions Tour provides South African rugby supporters all across the country an excellent opportunity to share in these successes,” says Ben Pillay, Ford Marketing Manager,.
“The Ford Everest is perfectly suited to this application thanks to its go any-where ability and aptitude for adventure.”

The tour will start in Cape Town on Friday, February 5 and snake its way through all 14 provinces, including rugby “outposts” such as Springbok, Upington, Polokwane and Nelspruit before concluding in Durban on Sunday, March 21.
The vehicle will make 116 stops en route visiting close to 50 schools as well as clubs, shopping centres and rugby development projects managed by provincial unions in its near 7 000km journey.

“The Champions Tour is a fantastic opportunity to show case South Africa’s success in the world of rugby. We are proud to be part of this initiative and we look forward to sharing these achievements with the fans,” concludes Pillay

Tour Dates (subject to change)