Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1512791
10 INTERVIEW 7.12.2023 FORD Pro has earned double honours, claiming the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) award and the Interna- tional Pick-up Award (IPUA) for its all- new Transit Custom van and all-new Ranger pickup. Ford Pro has now won the IVOTY and IPUA awards in the same year on three occasions – more than any other man- ufacturer – following double wins in 2013 and 2020. e awards were presented during a special ceremony at the Solutrans com- mercial vehicle show in Lyon, France, and further validate Ford Pro's position as a leader in the European commercial vehicle market. Collecting the awards on behalf of Ford Pro, Tim Slatter, vice president of Product Programs, Ford, said: "is is a pride point for our Ford teams across the globe who strive to deliver qual- ity-driven products for our custom- ers. We are delighted that the jury has recognised the strength of our newest commercial vehicles, built with the pur- pose of supporting customers' business needs across all vocations." Transit Custom takes IVOTY title An expert jury of 25 commercial vehi- cle journalists voted Ford Pro's all-new Transit Custom 1,2 the winner of IVO- TY 2024. e new generation of Ford Pro's segment-leading 3 van went on sale across Europe earlier this year, of- fering the widest choice of variants ever and introducing unique, digital and cus- tomer-led features such as a 5G modem for superfast connectivity; 4 software updates for over 30 vehicle modules; Delivery Assist that can save over 20 seconds per stop; Alexa Built-in from the factory; 5 a tilting steering wheel and versatile MultiCab bodystyle to build on the productivity benchmarks set by its predecessors. Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro Europe, said: "We are very proud that the IVOTY jury has bestowed this prestigious award on the all-new Tran- sit Custom. As the leading one-tonne van of choice for European customers, the all-new Transit Custom has been designed and engineered to meet their wide-ranging needs. Along with our award-winning diesel, customers will soon also have the choice of electric and PHEV versions too. Every model is packed with innovation and super- fast connectivity to Ford Pro's uptime, charging and productivity software eco- system to help our customers' business- es thrive." Jarlath Sweeney, chair, International Van of the Year, said: "Well, it's a 'High Five' for the Ford Transit on winning the International Van of the Year Award 2024. is is the fifth occasion that the Ford Transit has won IVOTY, first in 2001 and 2007 with the then all-encom- passing model. Soon after its launch, the new generation standalone one- tonne variant – the Transit Custom – secured the title in 2013, and in 2020 and now for 2024. Congratulations to all involved for this significant achieve- ment." Transit Custom was Europe's top-sell- ing one-tonne van last year 3 as well as the UK's best-selling vehicle overall for 2021 and 2022. e all-new model is produced at Ford Otosan's state-of-the- art Yeniköy Assembly Plant in Türkiye. Ranger brings home coveted pickup award After arduous on- and off-road testing by the IPUA jury in Greece earlier this year, the Ford Ranger 6,2 has picked up the IPUA crown for the third time – es- tablishing a new record. Ranger is Ford's most global product; developed by designers and engineers in Ford's Australian engineering centre, built in six Ford factories across four continents, and loved by customers in Europe. Ranger has been the region's top-selling pickup for the last eight years, and accounts for almost half of all pickup sales in Europe. 3 e all-new model's off-road ability, 7 refined on-road performance and un- precedented level of connectivity and technology make it popular with busi- ness and private users alike. Ford Pro recently announced the Ranger PHEV 8 – Europe's first PHEV pickup – com- bining electric driving capability with Ranger's work-ready versatility. Ranger was judged the winner by a jury of expert journalists from Europe and also from South Africa, home to Ford's Silverton plant where Ranger is built for customers in Europe. Hans Schep said: "We are delighted that the Ford Ranger has been recog- nised by the IPUA jury for the third time, which is testament to its endur- ing appeal as Europe's favourite pickup for the past eight years. e new Ford Ranger has the most comprehensive se- ries choice yet, offering customers the on-road refinement and off-road capa- bility to suit work days and weekends. It's built ready for work and play." Jarlath Sweeney, chair, Internation- al Pick-up Award jury, said: "Ford has now scored a hat-trick in securing three International Pick-up Awards with its best-selling Ranger. is seventh run- ning of the IPUA sees the sixth gener- ation Ranger adding to the titles won in 2013 and 2020. Congratulations to the global Ford development team on cre- ating this exceptional vehicle." Ford Pro doubles down on European market leadership with international van and pickup of the year awards SR Technics welcomes Vincent Metz as Vice President Business Development Europe. In this role, Vincent will leverage his ex- perience in the aviation industry to grow SR Technics' market share in Europe. With over two decades in aviation, Vin- cent Metz held key roles at Air France – KLM, including VP of Strategy, Market- ing, and Communications. He possesses extensive experience in MRO, with po- sitions such as Director of Component Repair at KLM and Product Sales Direc- tor for Air France Industries. In 2020, he worked on building sustainable aviation solutions with Smart Airport Systems and later founded his consultancy firm Strategy2Fly. Beyond aviation, he made significant contributions in the train sec- tor as interim CTO at Ermewa SA, re- structuring their MRO operation. Vincent Metz holds a master's degree in industrial engineering and management Science, along with a Bachelor's in Aer- onautical Engineering, showcasing his comprehensive grasp of the technical, managerial, and human dimensions of the aviation business. Senior Vice President Caroline Vand- edrinck welcomes Vincent Metz: "We are delighted that Vincent Metz joins our team as the Vice President for Europe. His wealth of experience and proven leader- ship in the aviation industry aligns seam- lessly with SR Technics' commitment to delivering world-class MRO services." SR Technics' Business Development team welcomes Vincent Metz Vincent Metz