Ford Secures Top International Van and Pickup Awards
Ford Pro celebrated a significant achievement by winning the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) and the International Pickup Award (IPUA) for its latest Transit Custom van and Ranger pickup models. This double victory, announced in Lyon, France, marks the third occasion Ford Pro has simultaneously won these prestigious awards, following similar successes in 2013 and 2020.
The Solutrans commercial vehicle show awards highlight Ford Pro's leading role in the European retail vehicle sector. Tim Slatter, Vice President of Product Programs at Ford, expressed pride in the global Ford team's commitment to delivering high-quality products. He emphasized that the jury's recognition reflects the strength of Ford's new commercial vehicles, designed to meet diverse business needs.
The Transit Custom, praised for its innovative features like 5G connectivity and a diverse range of models, was chosen by a jury of 25 commercial vehicle journalists as the IVOTY 2024 winner. Hans Schep, General Manager of Ford Pro Europe, highlighted the vehicle's customer-centric design and upcoming electric and PHEV versions. Jarlath Sweeney, Chair of the IVOTY jury, commended the Transit Custom for its fifth IVOTY win, a testament to its enduring popularity.
The Ranger pickup, after extensive testing in Greece, secured its third IPUA title, setting a new record. Known for its global appeal and being Europe's top-selling pickup for eight consecutive years, the Ranger impressed the jury with its off-road capability, on-road refinement, and advanced connectivity. The introduction of the Ranger PHEV, Europe's first PHEV pickup, further demonstrates its versatility. Hans Schep and Jarlath Sweeney praised the Ranger's lasting popularity and the Ford team's efforts in creating this exceptional vehicle.
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FAQ
Q: What awards did Ford win for the Transit Custom and Ranger?
Ford Pro won the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) 2024 for the Transit Custom and the International Pickup Award (IPUA) for the Ranger, marking Ford's third time winning both prestigious awards simultaneously after previous wins in 2013 and 2020.
Q: How many times has the Ford Transit Custom won the International Van of the Year award?
The Ford Transit Custom has now won the International Van of the Year award five times, making it the most awarded van in IVOTY history and demonstrating its consistent popularity with commercial vehicle experts.
Q: What makes the new Ford Ranger special compared to other pickups?
The Ford Ranger has been Europe's top-selling pickup for eight consecutive years and features advanced 5G connectivity, exceptional off-road capability, on-road refinement, plus it offers Europe's first PHEV pickup variant for improved fuel efficiency.
Q: Are electric versions of these Ford commercial vehicles available?
Yes, Ford is introducing electric and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) versions of both the Transit Custom van and Ranger pickup, with the Ranger PHEV being Europe's first plug-in hybrid pickup truck.
Q: What do these awards mean for Ford's commercial vehicle business?
These awards reinforce Ford Pro's leading position in the European commercial vehicle market, with recognition from 25 commercial vehicle journalists highlighting Ford's commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions for diverse business needs.
Should You Buy It?
If you're in the market for a commercial van or pickup in South Africa, these award-winning Ford models deserve serious consideration. The Transit Custom, starting from around R680,000 for base models, offers proven reliability with its fifth IVOTY win and upcoming electric options for future-proofing your business. The Ranger, available from approximately R590,000, remains the smart choice for pickup buyers with its eight-year European sales leadership streak and impressive off-road credentials. Both vehicles combine Ford's global engineering expertise with practical South African durability requirements. For commercial buyers seeking proven winners with strong resale values, either the Transit Custom or Ranger represents excellent value, though you should wait for local PHEV availability if environmental concerns top your priority list.