December 2019, the National Consumer Commission (NCC) fined the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) R35 million in connection with the numerous fires, in addition to compensation payments already offered to affected parties. New Zealand Television New Zealand reported that a Ford Kuga Titanium 2013 burst into flames in December 2016. The incident is being investigated by Ford NZ. Ford NZ say that the models being investigated in South Africa were built between 2012 and 2014 and fitted with a 1.6 L EcoBoost engine. They also say differences exist between the models sold in South Africa and those sold in New Zealand. Until the investigation into the New Zealand incident has been completed, no decision can be made about recalling the 1,300 cars of the same model sold in New Zealand. Third generation (CX482; 2019) The third-generation Ford Kuga made its debut on April 2, 2019; it went on sale in the third quarter of 2019 as a 2020 model for markets in North America (as the fourth-generation Escape for the region). There are five new engine transmission combinations, including a plug-in petrol electric hybrid that can go on electricity, as well as a conventional hybrid and two turbocharged four-cylinder engines mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions along with Android Auto. The third-generation Kuga is the company’s first SUV to use the C2 platform, also found in the latest Focus, making it longer, wider and with a more generous wheelbase. Ford claims that the new model is up to 90kg lighter than the outgoing Kuga. Sales Chinese sales does not include the third-generation Kuga which is sold as the Escape. References External links Kuga Kuga Compact sport utility vehicles Ford C1 platform Front-wheel-drive vehicles Goods manufactured in Germany Cars introduced in 2008 2010s cars Crossover sport utility vehicles