Held last night, this year’s event saw members vote the Transit Connect Van as the best Small Van for the 11th time in succession, while its Transit stablemate remained on the winner’s rostrum for the third consecutive year to claim the Large Van of the Year title for the 17th time in the history of the awards.
Ford also claimed the award for Environmental Initiative of the Year with its EcoBoost 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine boasting up to 123bhp.
Meanwhile Marshall Leasing won the Fleet Service Company of the Year Award with ACFO members declaring that the organisation offered the best overall combination of quality products, service and integrity and fully understood the requirements of fleet decision-makers. It is the second time the company has captured the title having first won it when the category was introduced in 2010.
ACFO chairman Damian James said: ‘Fleet decision-makers are reliant on motor manufacturers to deliver vehicles that are cost effective to operate, safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly and supplier companies to provide a first class service.
‘Operating successfully in partnership it means that through the availability of top quality vehicles and first rate suppliers, vehicle downtime can be kept to an absolute minimum and fleet managers can focus on the efficient and effective operation of their vehicles to support their businesses.’
Results:
Fleet Safety Initiative of the Year
Winner – Volvo Pedestrian Protection
Runners-up – Ford Driver Assistance Pack, RAC Risk Management, Volvo City Safety
Fleet Service Company of the Year
Winner – Marshall Leasing
Runner-up – LeasePlan UK
Environmental Initiative of the Year
Winner – Ford EcoBoost 1.0-litre engine
Runner-up – BMW EfficientDynamics
Small Van of the Year
Winner – Ford Transit Connect
Runner-up – Volkswagen Caddy
Large Van of the Year
Winner – Ford Transit
Runner-up – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Green Vehicle of the Year
Winner – Vauxhall Ampera
Runner-up – Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi 95 ECOnetic (87g/km)
Fleet Car of the Year
Winner – Audi A3
up – Mercedes-Benz A-Class
