- RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers currently operates close to 600 Ford vehicles in its fleet and has taken delivery of more than 1 600 Fords since the start of the partnership
- Reliability, as well as fuel efficiency, are critical factors as vehicles travel up to 500 kilometres per day
- RAM operates 51 Ford vehicles that are older than 10 years with 35 of these having each exceeded 300 000kms
Ford South Africa has announced a significant expansion of its long-standing partnership with RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers, with 100 new Transit models added to RAM’s extensive fleet. This latest investment underscores RAM’s continued confidence in Ford’s commercial vehicle range which has played a trusted role in the courier company’s success since taking its first delivery of a Ford vehicle in 2004.
RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers currently operates 578 Ford vehicles in its fleet and has taken delivery of more than 1 600 Fords since the start of the partnership – a testament to the brand’s reputation for quality, reliability, durability, parts pricing, and fuel efficiency. These are all critical considerations for a demanding logistics operation with the addition of these 100 Transit vans further strengthening this dynamic vehicle partnership.
“Our partnership with Ford is built on over two decades of trust and support”, says David Lazarus, Executive Chairman at RAM. “We purchased our first Ford vehicle in 2004 and since then the backing we receive from Ford has been phenomenal. For us, the Ford Transit is more than just a vehicle; it’s an extension of our brand. We don’t want to be seen as just another courier; we want to lead the market with quality and the Transit helps us achieve that reputation.
“Our current fleet, which includes Transits and Rangers, is deployed across all our branches nationwide, and reliability, as well as fuel efficiency, is critical to delivering a seamless experience to our customers. Over the years, we’ve experienced minimal downtime. When we’ve had challenges, Ford has always been responsive, adapting vehicles to meet the demands of our local operating conditions. It’s a relationship built on technical collaboration, shared values and long-term vision,” concludes Lazarus.
Fleet vehicles operate under tough, relentless conditions, covering long distances, facing constant stop-start driving, and meeting tight delivery schedules. In these environments, vehicles need to be not only durable and dependable but also comfortable and easy to drive for long hours behind the wheel.
It’s not uncommon for them to travel distances of up to 500 kilometres a day. One of RAM’s vehicles, a 2019 Ranger 2.0 SiT XLT 4×4, covered over 500 000km through the RAM partnership. Highlighting their exceptional reliability is the fact that there are 51 Ford vehicles that are older than 10 years and 35 Ford vehicles have exceeded 300 000kms.
While the Transits are used in more urban environments, the Rangers are better suited to less accessible areas and rougher terrain. By having both Transits and Rangers, RAM ensures the most optimal daily delivery solution.
“The strength of our relationship with RAM is built on trust in our products, in our after-sale support, and in our ability to deliver consistent performance day in and day out,” says Ryan Searle, Director, Sales Operations at Ford South Africa. “We’re proud to be the backbone of businesses like RAM, who rely on the proven reliability and low total cost of ownership our vehicles offer in high-demand environments. The Transit is designed to work hard while making life easier for the people who drive it every day.”
The new Transit Custom helps small and medium businesses cut ownership costs and boost productivity. It features a new, lighter and stiffer platform with improved aerodynamics (13% lower drag), a longer wheelbase for better cargo space, and a height under two metres for easy access to tight areas.
Cargo access is easier thanks to a larger side door with a step, a lower load floor, and a load-through feature offering up to 5.8m³ of volume and a payload of 1,269kg. It can carry three Euro pallets and tow up to 2,500kg. Practical touches include LED lighting, tie-down loops, and twin rear cargo doors.
New independent rear suspension lowers the floor and improves handling, while a revised front-end layout boosts foot space. Inside, it features a 13-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, wireless smartphone compatibility, a 12-inch digital cluster, and a 5G-capable modem for remote connectivity. The integrated 5G-capable FordPass Connect modem enables remote locking and unlocking via the FordPass app, along with the vehicle locator, health alerts and oil life status.
Powered by a 2.0L EcoBlue diesel engine (100kW/360Nm) with a six-speed manual transmission. The powertrain can be optimised for a range of use cases using Selectable Drive Modes, (Normal, Eco and Slippery), enabling drivers to easily change the Transit Custom’s performance to suit different operating requirements. Safety is comprehensive with features like ABS, traction control, collision mitigation, lane keeping and six airbags.
Throughout their time with RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers, the Transits and Rangers have consistently exceeded expectations. As Ford and RAM mark this milestone, it also reinforces confidence among owners and encourages them to experience these proven capabilities in their own journeys.
