Ford customers hone their driving skills

Ford’s Commercial Vehicle team, with the support of DHL/Exel, ran a three-day Ford Ranger driving event for 160 customers at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.

Customers of five large Midlands-based dealer groups - Ford Retail, Bristol Street, Allens, TCH and Sandicliffe - attended the event. All participants gave the Ford Ranger high marks for style, handling, comfort and off-road capability.

The all-new Ranger is available in three body styles – regular cab, super cab and double cab – and three specification levels – Standard, XLT and Thunder. It is powered by a new 2.5-litre 143PS Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel engine.

The event comprised two driving sessions – on and off road – and a driving skills competition to establish the ‘perfect drive’ around an off road course in the new Ranger – the official sponsorship vehicle of the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Winner John Oakshott was awarded a signed England Rugby shirt in recognition of the RFU/Ranger connection. John is a buyer from rental company London Hire, a company renowned for its loyalty to the Ford Brand. It is increasing its fleet content of Rangers, specifically looking at Ranger fridge conversions as a new business opportunity.

A keen rugby fan, John was delighted with his win: “I loved driving the new Ranger, which exceeded all my expectations.”

The England Rugby Shirt was presented to John at London Hire’s offices in December by Terry Rayner, Ford’s Regional Manager for CVs, and Tony Harrington, the company’s Rental Fleet Account Manager.