The Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok have been named as the winners of the International Pick-up Award (IPUA) following the announcement and twin-trophy presentation at the Solutrans in Lyon, France.
Announced at a gala dinner at the EuroExpo fair on 22 November, it is a ‘hat-trick’ of IPUA victories for the pair. The co-developed product saw the jury decide to share the award between the two brands and models. Their combined victory and unprecedented hat-trick is the first time this has occurred since the global honour was established in 2010.
“Following the IPUA 2023 Group Tests, held in Greece last month, it was impossible to separate the two models from each other, as both the new Ranger and Amarok were co-developed and are made at the Ford factory in South Africa. Although a collaboration project, each manufacturer has managed to maintain their unique styling and driving traits, which customers will testify,” explained Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the International Pick-Up Award jury.
The seventh running of the award sees the sixth generation Ranger adding to the titles it won in 2013 and 2020. Thel Amarok won the inaugural trophy in 2011 and again in 2018 with the upgraded version of the Amarok V6. The Ranger and the Amarok beat competition from the Ford Ranger Raptor and the Toyota Hilux GR Sport II.
For Ford Pro, there was also a significant double in securing the International Van of the Year award for the Transit Custom.
Commenting prior to the handover of the twin trophy presentation, Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Pro Europe, said: “We are delighted that the Ford Ranger has been recognised by the IPUA jury for the third time, which is testament to its enduring appeal as Europe’s favourite pickup for the past eight years. The new Ford Ranger has the most comprehensive series choice yet, offering customers the on-road refinement and off-road capability to suit work days and weekends. It’s built ready for work and play.”
Volkswagen member of the brand management board responsible for procurement, Karl Bernqvist, said: “The Amarok is a pick-up that delivers reliable performance both on and off the road. It impressed the jury in both cases. The International Pick-up Award for 2024/2025 means the Amarok has already achieved the ‘treble’ in just 14 years of production. This demonstration of trust honours the entire team at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. We would like to say thank you!”
