Ford South Africa honoured the outstanding achievements of its dealer and distributor partners at the prestigious 2024 Ford Recognition Awards, held at the Sandton Convention Centre on February 13. The event, themed Blueprint for Success, celebrated the dedication, resilience, and customer-focused commitment of the 119 Ford dealers and distributors across Southern Africa.
The awards recognised exceptional performance across key areas such as sales, aftersales, Ford Credit, Ford Protect, profitability, and dealer standards. These accolades reinforce the critical role Ford’s dealer network plays in delivering world-class customer experiences and driving the brand’s ongoing success.
The award categories are determined through a comprehensive evaluation of multiple measurements and factors, including sales and service metrics, assessed annually, to recognise outstanding achievement.
Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company, Africa, praised the network’s ability to excel despite challenging economic conditions.
"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.
The evening also marked a historic milestone with the introduction of the Ford Contribution Award, one of the highest distinctions within the Ford family. Unlike traditional awards recognising dealership performance, this honour celebrates individuals whose leadership, vision and passion have left an indelible mark on Ford’s journey in South Africa.
The first-ever recipient of this prestigious award was Jebb McIntosh, Chief Executive Officer of the CMH Group, a visionary leader whose contributions have extended far beyond business. Since co-founding Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) in 1976, McIntosh's leadership has been instrumental in expanding Ford’s presence in South Africa. McIntosh's legacy encompasses inspiring generations of leaders, fostering robust customer trust in the brand, and cultivating enduring relationships that underpin the company's success.
"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. Most importantly, he has worked tirelessly in the retail motor industry for many years, adding value through his clear and insightful views, while his guidance and mentorship of numerous industry executives have enriched the professionalism of the sector. 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," said Hill.
The evening’s top honours highlighted exceptional performance and leadership within the dealer network. Rola Ford Robertson was named the overall Ford National Dealer of the Year for the second consecutive year. This accolade recognises the exceptional leadership and commitment of Dealer Principal Karen Moller and her team, whose dedication continues to drive success within the dealership and the broader Ford family.
In a poignant and deeply moving moment for Human Auto, the Group Dealer of the Year Award was presented to Human Auto Group with great humility, respect, and admiration for their unwavering commitment to excellence. The occasion was particularly heartfelt, as it came just days after the passing of the esteemed owner of Human Auto Group, Jacques Strydom. Pine Pienaar, the Franchise Executive of Human Auto Group, took to the stage to accept the award, dedicating it to Jacques in recognition of his leadership and vision.
As Ford South Africa looks ahead, the achievements celebrated at the 2024 Merit Club and Dealer Awards reaffirm the brand’s commitment to building strong partnerships, fostering innovation and driving excellence in customer service.
The collective efforts of Ford’s dealer network, alongside the leadership of industry pioneers like Jebb McIntosh, will continue to define the company’s future and reinforce its Blueprint for Success in Southern Africa.
Dealer of the Year 2024 Winners:
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
National Dealer of the Year 2024:
Overall Winner: Rola Ford Robertson
National Dealer Group of the Year 2024:
Overall Winner: Human Auto Group