AUTONEWS

Ford begins production of the Panther 2.0 diesel engine in Argentina

Ford has begun production in Argentina of the Panther 2.0 turbo diesel four-cylinder engine that powers the Ranger mid-size pickup truck, making it the second engine produced locally, alongside the Lion 3.0 V6, whose production began in 2024.

The move is part of an investment program in Argentina worth US$660 million, which included a complete transformation of the General Pacheco plant, where the new generation of the Ranger is produced.

Of the investment made, US$80 million was earmarked for the complete renovation of the engine plant, consolidating the Pacheco plant as a comprehensive pickup production center in the region.

The plant is responsible for approximately 70% of production for export to different markets in South America.

In 2024, the New Ranger managed to position itself as one of the two best-selling mid-size pickups in Argentina and South America, and now the subsidiary in the neighboring country is able to increase the annual production of the Ranger to 70,000 units in 2025.

This is 15% more than in 2024 and almost 30% more than in the year of launch, also generating the hiring of new employees.

Now, the Pacheco plant makes the Lion 3.0 V6 diesel engines, with 250 horsepower and 61 kgfm of torque, manufactured since June 2024, as well as the Panther 2.0 from now on, with 170 horsepower and 40.9 kgfm of torque, focused on fuel economy.

The engine factory has increased its area by 20% and follows the 4.0 manufacturing concept already adopted in other sectors of the industrial hub, with a high level of technology, automation, connectivity and sustainability.

With this, Ford is expanding the localization of parts, components and powertrains to strengthen sales of the New Ranger, clearly seeking regional leadership over the successful Toyota Hilux.

The Panther 2.0 is an application that could later equip the Transit located in Uruguay, since it still uses the EcoBlue 2.0 imported from Europe.

Intelligent systems...The new engine factory in Pacheco has the installed capacity to produce 82,000 engines/year in two shifts and was developed with the active participation of regional engineering. Its intelligent quality management system uses more than 2,000 sensors and more than 50 cameras to monitor engines and components.

“In addition to robots in critical operations, we use artificial intelligence and machine learning systems to ensure extremely high precision, capable of detecting variations of 0.004% in the process,” says Kleber Fernandes, Quality Director at Ford South America. “And the entire operation is carried out sustainably, with 100% renewable energy and zero waste generated for landfill.”

The 129 workstations have automatic task control, including an intelligent screw tightening system. They were also designed to optimize the ergonomics and comfort of the operators, who received more than 5,000 hours of training. The positive pressure environment and intelligent climate control and LED lighting systems contribute to well-being and productivity.