Ranger is Nigeria’s ‘Pick-up of the Year’

Losing the title by the whiskers to Toyota Hilux in the category award last year, he Ford Ranger has been announced as the 2016 Pick-up of the Year by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), thereby reinforcing its status as a segment-defining model in the highly competitive light commercial vehicle sector.

The award, penultimate week at the prestigious NAJA annual auto awards, held at the Eko Hotel & Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos that was attended by key stakeholders in the country’s auto industry.

“We’re delighted that the Ford Ranger won this coveted Pick-up of the Year title, which recognised its impressive range of technologies, bold design and outstanding capabilities,” said Rob Johnston, Regional Manager Sales and Marketing, Ford Customer Services Division for Sub Saharan Africa.

“The Ranger is the key model driving Ford’s expansion across the Sub-Saharan Africa region, and despite facing stiff competition from the likes of the new Toyota Hilux, its ‘Built Ford Tough’ qualities clearly position it as a cut above the rest,” Johnston stated.

During the award ceremony,  Cosmas Maduka, Coscharis Motors, President, was honoured as Automotive Personality of the Year. The award acknowledges his important contribution to the domestic motor industry.

A full line-up of Ford Rangers is sold in Nigeria, including the single cab commercial models, the versatile super cab versions with the additional rear-hinged doors, and the extensive range of practical double cab derivatives which includes the XL, XLT, Limited and range-topping Wildtrak derivatives.

Rangers sold in Nigeria are assembled in Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant in South Africa, either as fully-built up units, or as semi-knocked down (SKD) kits for selected double cab models.

In conjunction with the three Quick Lane Tyre and Auto Centres opened in Nigeria since 2013, it reinforces the commitment of Ford and Coscharis Motors to expanding its presence in the region by offering a competitive range of vehicles, backed up by improved aftersales service and support, along with greater parts availability.

MIKE OCHONMA