Good news for Ford and Volkswagen fans, the Ranger and the Amarok have just won the International Pickup Award (IPUA) at the Solutrans 2023 Gala Banquet in Lyon, France.

It is the first time that the IPUA has had to be shared between two brands and models, although both have each won the IPUA three times.

“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 the Amarok were codeveloped and are made at the Ford factory in South Africa,” explained Jarlath Sweeney, IPUA jury chairman. “Although a collaboration project, each manufacturer has managed to maintain their unique styling and driving traits, which customers will testify.”.

The Ranger previously won the IPUA in 2013 and 2020, while the Amarok won in 2011 and 2018.

Hans Schep, general manager for Ford Pro Europe, said:  “We are delighted that the Ford Ranger has been recognized by the IPUA jury for the third time, which is a testament to its enduring appeal as Europe’s favorite pickup for the past eight years. The new Ranger has the most comprehensive series choice yet, offering customers the on-road refinement and the off-road capability to suit work days and weekends.”

Meanwhile, Karl Bernqvist, member of the board responsible for procurement at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, added: “The Amarok is a pickup that delivers reliable performance both on and off the road. It impressed the jury in both cases. The International Pickup Award for 2024/2025 means the Amarok has already achieved the ‘treble’ in just 14 years of production. This demonstration of trust honors the entire team at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.”

While the Amarok winning the IPUA may be irrelevant to the Philippine market, Filipino Ranger owners can be justifiably proud of their best-selling pickup truck.