PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 26 February 2025 – Ford South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and customer service by honouring the achievements of its dealer and distributor partners at the esteemed 2024 Ford Recognition Awards. Held at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre on 13 February, the event brought together Ford’s extensive dealer network under the theme Blueprint for Success—a celebration of resilience, dedication, and innovation.
The annual awards recognise top-performing dealerships across key operational areas, including sales, aftersales, Ford Credit, Ford Protect, profitability, and dealer standards. These accolades underscore the pivotal role that Ford’s extensive network of 119 dealers and distributors across Southern Africa plays in ensuring world-class service and continued brand success.
Recognising Excellence in a Challenging Market
Ford Motor Company Africa President, Neale Hill, commended the dealer network for its unwavering commitment to excellence, particularly in the face of economic challenges.
“Tonight, we celebrate more than just individual achievements – we honour the collective strength of our network and the power of partnership that drives us forward. In the face of market turbulence, you did not just weather the storm; you adapted, excelled, and continued to put our customers at the centre of everything you do,” said Hill.
A Historic First: The Ford Contribution Award
The 2024 event also marked the introduction of the Ford Contribution Award, a prestigious honour celebrating individuals whose leadership, vision, and passion have significantly influenced Ford’s success in South Africa. The inaugural recipient was Jebb McIntosh, CEO of CMH Group, whose career has profoundly shaped the South African automotive industry.
Since co-founding Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) in 1976, McIntosh has played a vital role in Ford’s growth within the region, fostering trust in the brand, mentoring industry leaders, and driving innovation.
“Jebb McIntosh is more than a businessman; he is a mentor and a legend in every sense of the word. His impact cannot simply be measured in numbers but in the trust he has built, the relationships he has nurtured, and the generations of leaders he has inspired. It is an honour to present him with the first-ever Ford Contribution Award, a recognition of his extraordinary career and the lasting mark he has left on this industry,” Hill remarked.
Top Performers of 2024
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the National Dealer of the Year and National Dealer Group of the Year awards, recognising the very best among Ford’s dealer network.
National Dealer of the Year 2024
- Overall Winner: Rola Ford Robertson
For the second consecutive year, Rola Ford Robertson claimed the prestigious National Dealer of the Year title, a testament to the leadership of Dealer Principal Karen Moller and her team’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
National Dealer Group of the Year 2024
- Overall Winner: Human Auto Group
The Human Auto Group was recognised for its outstanding performance and dedication to customer service. The moment was particularly poignant as it came shortly after the passing of Jacques Strydom, the esteemed owner of Human Auto Group. Franchise Executive Pine Pienaar accepted the award in his honour, highlighting Strydom’s lasting impact on the business and the broader Ford family.
Dealer of the Year 2024 Winners by Category
- Category A: Human Auto Bloemfontein
- Category B: Westvaal Numbi Ford White River
- Category C: Human Auto Welkom
- Category D: B and R Motors Delareyville
- Category E: Rola Ford Robertson
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Partnership and Innovation
The 2024 Ford Recognition Awards not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for future success. As Ford South Africa continues to invest in its dealer network, the brand remains committed to fostering strong partnerships, driving customer satisfaction, and innovating for a dynamic future.
With a foundation built on trust, leadership, and service excellence, Ford’s dealer network will continue to shape the automotive landscape in Southern Africa, reinforcing its Blueprint for Success for years to come.
