All-new Ford vans win big at 2014 Fleet World Honours

The winners of the 2014 Fleet World Honours were recently announced. These awards give recognition to leading fleet vehicles and suppliers and are presented by the trade publication to manufacturers, service companies and individuals, who have achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector. The event held at the Royal Automobile Club at Pall Mall, London featured awards presented in car categories such as Design of the year (Citroën C4 Cactus), Fleet Manufacturer of the Year (BMW), and Best New Car (Peugeot 308). But for me, the most exciting award categories were found in the Van Fleet Awards section, which included some, none too surprising winners, as one manufacturer came away with more than a lion’s share of awards again this year. See the results below.

Van Fleet World Van Awards:

Best New Van – Ford Transit Connect

Best Light Van – Fiat Fiorino / Peugeot Bipper / Citroën Nemo

Best Small Van – Ford Transit Connect

Best Medium Van – Ford Transit Custom

Best Large Van – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Best Light Truck – Fuso Canter

Best Pick-Up – Ford Ranger

*You can see a full list of 2014 Fleet Award winners at the Fleet World website by clicking here.

Ford also walked away with the overall Van Manufacturer of the Year award for the Blue Oval for the second successive year. Van Fleet World Managing Editor John Kendall said of Ford’s Van Manufacturer of the Year title: “Not a difficult choice for the judges given the comprehensive renewal of Ford’s van range that is still going on. To date they have all been class-leading to drive, too, which makes Ford a worthy winner.”

Although it seemed that one manufacturer may have stolen the show, it was also a good night for Volkswagen who picked up a nod for Most Improved Van Manufacturer and for Mercedes-Benz who won the van safety award.

Is it just me or have you also noticed that the popularity and praise of Ford’s Transit van range seem to grow larger every year? I do have to admit, Ford’s commercial vans have moved forward each year in terms of fuel-efficiency, innovative load carrying solutions, and with their increased load volume and carrying capacity, which when added to Ford’s long history of producing vehicles that owners are proud to drive, manages to keep them steps ahead of the competition. What do you think about Ford vans, are the accolades warranted or hype? Have your say via the blog comments or share your favourite van of choice on my Twitter page.