Bulgaria: ‘Land of Roses’ hosts on road and off-road trials
After the previous successful International Pick-up Tests in Greece in 2023, the jury cavalcade is moving a little further north – to Bulgaria and to the region of its capital Sofia. Hosted by KAMIONI Magazine, the biennial competition, undertaken by members of the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) jury, welcomes the top contenders, to the country called “Land of Roses“. Among the participating manufacturers for the International Pick-up (IPUA) include Ford Pro, Foton, INEOS, Maxus and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Guest invites have been extended to JAC and KGM.
More the 10 new pick-up trucks will compete during the three day event, from 29 September until 1 October, taking in on-road and off-road test drive sessions, as well as fuel consumption and dimension measurements.
Members of the International Van of the Year jury and voting panelists for the IPUA award, are looking forward to the road tests. The routes chosen, are centered around the municipalities Samokov and Sapareva Banja and includes the hills of Rila – the highest and one of the most beautiful mountain in Southeast Europe. The route will also pass through Borovets, one of the oldest and most famous ski resorts on the Balkan Peninsula. The highest peak in the Southeast Europe Musala (2,925 m) towers from above while Belchin and Sapareva Banja is a popular tourist destination with a number of thermal mineral springs. Nearby at Samokov is the new Lara Racing Track, under construction, the first FIA Formula 3 track in Bulgaria.
The 4×4 off-road exercise will start from the base of Saint Peter (1,191 m) in the Verila mountain region, passing through rough, tough and demanding roads pass across the hills and forests near Belchin and Klisura villages and on to the finish in Tsari Mali Grad – the ancient Thracian and Roman fortress, now a museum.
Looking forward to the event, is Bulgaria IVOTY/IPUA jury member Lachezar Apostolov, editor-in-chief of KAMIONI magazine, and his colleagues at Bulgarian Transport Press Ltd., who are the main organizers; arranging entries, accommodation, logistics and schedules. “For us is a great honour and pleasure to host of the most important and significant international events in the world of the pick-ups. Sofia and its surrounding areas will transform into the world capital of pick-up trucks for three days,” said Lachezar.
Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the IVOTY & IPUA added: “We can’t wait to head to Bulgaria for the IPUA group test event. It is sure to be an interesting and memorable occasion with the ever changing terrain, beautiful scenery and timing, coming into the autumn season. We know Lachezar and his team, will organize a super event. On the contest itself, it looks like a straight battle between European and Asian pick-up truck manufacturers, both on and off-road.”
Participants in the IPUA Group Tests 2025, Sofia Bulgaria
- Ford Ranger PHEV
- Foton TUNLAND G7
- Foton TUNLAND V9 Hybrid
- Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
- JAC T9 EV
- KGM Musso EV
- Maxus T60
The current IPUA joint-title holders Ford Ranger Wildtrak X and Volkswagen Amarok are also participating as reigning champions, and prepared to handover the mantle to the next winner.
The IPUA ’25 Group Test is the seven running of the biennial competition since its formation in 2009. Previous winners of this prestigious title are the VW Amarok (3), Ford Ranger (3), Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux.
The announcement and presentation of the International Pick-up Award 2026/27 will be made at Solutrans 2025, at EurExpo, Lyon on 19 November next.
