- A new report from Ford reveals that, in Spain, 98% of pick-up drivers help others on the road an average of three times a year, dedicating around 24 hours annually to this task.
- Despite good intentions, there is a significant knowledge gap, with 22% of users unaware that towed vehicles must be in neutral, and 44% believing that the bumper is a safe towing point, which is incorrect.
- To address these shortcomings, Ford is introducing ‘Ranger Ready,’ a hands-on training programme designed to equip pick-up drivers with the skills necessary to perform rescues safely.
According to a new report developed by Ford, pick-up drivers in Spain help friends, family members and even strangers whenever they can when they find themselves in trouble on the road. However, many of them lack the essential knowledge required for rescue operations.
Now, Ford Pro is introducing Ranger Ready in Spain, a training programme that uses real-world scenarios to equip Ford Ranger drivers with the skills they need when called upon to help.
‘The data we have collected confirms something we already suspected: there is an innate heroism in Spain’s pick-up driver community, a genuine desire to help others,’ says James Cooper, head of Ford Europe’s Ranger brand. ‘But this same data also revealed a crucial gap. Despite drivers’ good intentions, not all of them have the necessary knowledge to help as much as they would like. And that’s where Ranger Ready comes in.’
They cannot help but help
They are the first to offer to tow, wade through floodwaters or pull a car out of a muddy ditch; and, according to Ford’s report, 98% of pick-up drivers in Spain have rescued someone (1) who needed the help of a vehicle with towing capacity at least once in the last year.
In fact, pick-up users in Spain help others an average of three times a year, and spend an average of 24 hours a year lending a hand to those in need (2). The Ford Ranger range, including the new Ranger Plug-in Hybrid, has been the best-selling pick-up in Europe for the last 10 years (3), and is therefore undoubtedly playing a key role.
Ford estimates that these solidarity rescues represent significant savings in roadside assistance costs. Only 28% of drivers who have received help show their gratitude by paying the owners of the pick-up truck, while 53% opt for a simple ‘thank you’. Others offer a meal (60%), chocolate and sweets (15%), or flowers (4%).
Good intentions, risky techniques
Ford’s study also reveals a worrying skills gap. While 76% of pick-up drivers say they feel confident when towing, 22% are unaware that vehicles being towed must be kept in neutral.
Confidence declines further in water rescues, where only 60% feel confident in their abilities, with many unsure about safe attachment points for tow straps, and 44% incorrectly believing that the bumper could be a suitable towing point.
39% of pick-up drivers have been involved in rescuing other vehicles; however, most have never received proper training and have done so relying on instinct or advice from friends. Without the proper techniques, even well-intentioned help can lead to accidents, injuries, or costly damage.
Ranger Ready: formación para rescates más seguros
To bridge the gap between the desire to help and the knowledge to do so effectively, Ford presents Ranger Ready, a hands-on training programme that takes place at Masía Pelarda, Ford’s new off-road centre, designed to equip pick-up drivers with the knowledge they need to carry out safe and effective rescues, while increasing their confidence in off-road driving.
The training includes all kinds of techniques for rescuing other vehicles, such as reversing with a tow bar, or the most precise way to tackle an extremely difficult off-road circuit.
Plug-in Hybrid Ranger: electric power
Participants in the first Ranger Ready programme experienced the capabilities of the plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Ranger, the best-selling pick-up truck in Europe for the past 10 years (3). This new version utilises an uncompromising plug-in hybrid powertrain that can utilise electric power on the road or at the workplace.
Hybrid technology enables up to 51 kilometres of zero-emission urban driving (4) and reduced ownership costs, along with the same towing, load and off-road capability customers expect from this versatile pick-up, with more torque than any previous Ranger. The Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid also introduces the Pro Power Onboard system (5) for the first time – optional across the Ranger range – which powers electrical tools and equipment for work and leisure directly from the on-board battery.
1.- Censuswide survey of 100 pick-up drivers over the age of 18 in Spain, 26 March 2025–7 April 2025.
2.- Ford’s estimate is based on: pick-up drivers in Spain help out an average of three times a year (Censuswide survey of 100 pick-up drivers over the age of 18 in Spain, 26 March 2025–7 April 2025). Thirty-nine per cent of the assistance provided is roadside assistance or vehicle recovery (Censuswide survey of 100 pick-up drivers over the age of 18 in Spain, 26 March 2025–7 April 2025).
3.- Based on sales data from S&P Global Mobility 2015-2024. Austria, Belgium, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
4.- Approved CO2 emissions for the Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid 143-145 g/km WLTP Euro 6ebis, approved fuel efficiency 6.2-6.4 l/100 km WLTP Euro 6e-bis and all-electric driving range of up to 43 km WLTP. The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumption, CO2 emissions and electric range are determined in accordance with the requirements and technical specifications of European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 and their latest amendments. The standard test procedures applied allow comparison between different types of vehicles and different manufacturers. A range of up to 43 km can be achieved with a fully charged battery, depending on the existing series and battery configuration. Actual range may vary due to various factors (e.g. weather conditions, driving style, route profile, vehicle condition, age and condition of the lithium-ion battery).
5.- Consult the Owner’s Manual for important operating instructions.
About FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines its existing strengths, new capabilities and ongoing customer relationships to enrich customer experiences and deepen customer loyalty. Ford develops and offers innovative and essential trucks, commercial vehicles, sports cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. The company does this through three customer-focused business segments: Ford Blue, which designs iconic hybrid and petrol vehicles; Ford Model e, which creates groundbreaking electric vehicles alongside integrated software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, which helps businesses transform and expand their operations with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. In addition, Ford seeks mobility solutions through Ford Next and offers financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs approximately 174,000 people worldwide.
Más información sobre la compañía y sus productos y servicios en https://corporate.ford.com/.
Source: FORD SPAIN Press Department