Ranger and Amarok share International Pick-up Award

For the very first time, the International Pick-up Award has been given to two bakkies. At the Solutrans 2023 Gala Banquet at EurExpo in Lyon, France, it was announced that the 2024 International Pick-up Award goes to the Ford Ranger and the Volkswagen Amarok.

Ford Pro and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have now both won the International Pick-up Award three times. “Following the International Pick-up Award 2023 Group Tests, held in Greece during October, the jury concurred that it was impossible to separate the two models, as both the new Ranger and Amarok were codeveloped and are made at the Ford factory in South Africa,” explained Jarlath Sweeney, chairperson of the International Pick-up Award jury. “Although a collaboration project, each manufacturer has managed to maintain their unique styling and driving traits, to which customers will testify.”

Because the two vehicles were codeveloped, there are many shared components, like engines and gearboxes. However, a side-by-side comparison reveals noticeable differences: only the door mirrors, handles, and roof panel are identical. Every other external element, including the sheet metal and moulded features like the bumpers and grille, is bespoke to each model.

In this, the seventh running of the International Pick-up Award, the sixth-generation Ranger added to its titles won in 2013 and 2020, while the original Amarok had previously won the inaugural trophy in 2011 and emerged victorious again in 2018 with the upgraded version.

The Solutrans gala banquet saw Ford Pro achieve a double win, with the company’s Transit Custom winning the 2024 International Van of the Year.

Commenting prior to 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 pick-up 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 workdays and weekends. It’s built ready for work and play.”

Karl Bernqvist, member of the brand management board responsible for procurement at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, was equally pleased. “The Amarok is a pick-up that delivers reliable performance both on and off the road. It impressed the jury in both cases,” he said. “The International Pick-up Award for 2024 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!”