Colin-on-Cars

Hilti expands its Ford Ranger fleet 

A good indicator of an economy on the move is fleet activity and 15 new Colorado Red Ford Ranger XL models have been added to Hilti South Africa’s fleet.

Ford has been a fleet provider to Hilti since 2010 and these new Rangers have grown the total footprint to 80 Ford Rangers, powered by the 2,2-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, in Hilti’s nationwide operation. Ford South Africa was also able to meet Hilti’s exact vehicle requirements by offering Park Distance Control as well as other accessories such as a nudge bar and lockable tonneau cover on Hilti vehicles.

“When we launched the current Ranger, Hilti was one of the first fleet businesses to come on board and we’ve been building on that relationship ever since, starting from 10 vehicles up to the current 80,” says Yashalan Pillay, Corporate Rental and Leasing manager at Ford South Africa.

“Our relationship with Hilti would not have been possible without the ongoing support and commitment from Eqstra Fleet Services, the finance house of the total Hilti fleet. Eqstra and Ford SA share a strong working commitment to ensure that the Ford Ranger is number one on their LCV supply list,” concludes Pillay. 

Fleet confidence is enhanced by the implementation of Ford’s Ranger Support Team, which is available to all Ranger owners whose vehicle is still covered under Ford’s standard 4-year/120 000 km warranty. The moment the Roadside Assistance team is notified of a Ranger breakdown, the Ranger Support Team kicks into action.

From this point a single case manager oversees the case from start to finish and contacts the customer immediately to offer whatever support and assistance they require. Ford will arrange armed security to wait with the customer until the recovery vehicle arrives if required, organise a like-for-like loan car and book accommodation for the customer if necessary.

A key consideration behind choosing the 2.2 XL Double Cab model was the engine’s balance between performance and fuel efficiency, explains Dirk Dijkstra, General Manager of Hilti in South Africa.

“Globally Hilti is looking at sustainability to make sure we are more responsible in terms of emissions and fuel economy, so the 2,2-litre engine in the Ranger is a very good choice. Our teams at Hilti are happy with the choice; it has become something of a legend on the job site, and when people see it, they know that the solution is nearby.”