Ford SA chief executive recalled to US
EMBATTLED Ford SA chief executive Jeffery Nemeth‚ who was forced in January to announce the recall of 4 556 Kuga SUVs over critical safety flaws‚ has been recalled to the US.
The recall was announced by Ford late yesterday afternoon.
Nemeth’s recall comes after the Sunday Times reported that insurance giants Auto & General and Dialdirect were to take legal action against Ford in connection with fires which have destroyed Ford EcoSport SUVs.
But Ford has claimed that it is only aware of one fire incident involving an EcoSport SUV.
Nemeth denied yesterday that his return to the US had anything to do with the safety recalls.
Ford drew severe criticism for its handling of the Kuga firehazard fiasco, which had prompted the National Consumer Commission to launch an official investigation into the fires and how the company dealt with the incidents.
More than 50 1.6l Kugas, manufactured between 2012 and 2014, have been destroyed in fires across South Africa since 2015.
The fires had been caused by a faulty coolant system, Ford said.
Independent forensic investigators, however, said the coolant system had not been the only cause of the fires – one of which claimed the life of Reshall Jimmy in December 2015.
Jimmy was on holiday in the Wilderness‚ Western Cape‚ when he burnt to death in his 1.6l, 2014 Ford Kuga.
Police and independent forensic experts have said the fire was caused by an electrical fault behind the car’s dashboard.
Ford, however, insisted that the fire which killed Jimmy had nothing to do with the other Kuga fires.
Nementh said his contract was to end in June.
“It has been a wonderful seven years, but there was always a plan to end my contract,” he said. “We have found a capable replacement‚ who will start on April 1.” His replacement is Casper Kruger. Asked whether he would stay with Ford and where his new posting would be‚ Nemeth said he was returning to the US and would continue to work with Ford.
“Where in the company that will be‚ I do not know yet,” Nemeth said.
Pressed on whether the recall of the Kugas had had anything to do with his recall‚ Nemeth said: “What I can say is that the Kuga incidents have absolutely nothing to do with my recall.
“My recall was being planned long before the Kuga recall.”
Ford South Africa said that Kruger would assume the position of managing director.
Ford Middle East and Africa president Jacques Brent said yesterday: “Casper Kruger’s extensive experience and expertise in sales and marketing, together with his deep experience in working closely with dealers and their customers, will be a great asset in strengthening our retail business in Southern Africa.”
Kruger is the outgoing vice-president of Toyota South Africa’s vehicle sales and dealer network.