The prestigious Fleet News Awards took place in March and we're thrilled to review some of the winners of the 2023 event. The Fleet News Awards are widely regarded as one of the most important events in the fleet industry, celebrating the achievements and innovations of companies and individuals who have excelled in the fleet sector over the past year.
Read on as we discuss the winners of this year's awards:
Fleet Manufacturer of the Year: Car – BMW UK
It’s not exactly breaking news that BMW are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers when it comes to producing fleet ready vehicles, but the last year has seen the German brand elevate themselves to new heights.
The transition into a fully electric line up has helped shape BMW into one of the most outstanding fleet manufacturers on the market.
Fleet Manufacturer of the Year: Van – Ford Pro
Ford has been a staple in the commercial vehicle sector for over five decades, thanks to the powerhouse that is the Transit van. After rebranding the commercial branch as Ford Pro two years ago, the company has shown no sign of slowing down. Ford Pro can offer an unmatched, end-to-end fleet solution for its customers, to ensure only the best results are achieved.
The company has also led the way when it comes to the calibre of electric vans on the market today, with the award-winning E-Transit harbouring futuristic technology along with impressive range. The vehicle has been a major turning point in changing attitudes towards commercial electric vehicles in the fleet industry.
Best Zero Emissions Large Van - Ford E-Transit
Ford made a great decision when it came to electrifying Britain’s most popular van, as it allows drivers to be more environmentally conscious, whilst maintaining quality and performance.
The rear-wheel drive E-Transit comes in a choice of 181bhp or 265bhp electric motors. The E-Transit contains a 68kWh battery which provides an official range of up to 196 miles, so range anxiety is not something to be worried about with this amazing vehicle.
Best Zero Emissions Small Van - VW ID Buzz Cargo
The ID Buzz Cargo is the first commercial vehicle to be launched under Volkswagen’s ID electric brand- and it has debuted to stellar reviews. The van combines retro exterior styling with useful interior technology to make the driver’s life easier.
With a range of up to 256 miles coming from a single charge, it’s easy to see why the Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo has secured this year’s award for Best Zero Emissions Small Van.
Best Zero Emissions Medium Van - Vauxhall Vivaro Electric
The interior of the Vivaro Electric van is spacious and well-equipped, with comfortable seating for up to three passengers. It also comes with a range of standard features, including air conditioning, electric windows, and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration.
The Vauxhall Vivaro Electric van is a versatile and practical commercial vehicle, that offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional petrol or diesel-powered vans. With its impressive range, payload capacity and performance, it is an ideal choice for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs.
EV Breakthrough of the Year - MG4
The award for the EV (electric vehicle) Breakthrough of the Year goes to the practical yet stylish MG4, which is currently one of the cheapest electric vehicles on the market today. The car is a driving force in making EVs more accessible to drivers by bringing down the entry level price, making it an affordable choice of vehicle as well as a greener one.
Despite its lower price range, the MG4 doesn’t hold back when it comes to its specifications. The car contains a digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central touch screen fitted as standard.
Best Large Van – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
This is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter’s third consecutive win in this category, which is representative of how consistently dependable the van has been for UK fleet solutions.
The van, which saw its latest model launched in 2018, has been one of Britain’s most popular vans for fleet purposes for many years, thanks to its strong build quality and unmatched aftersales support.
Best Medium Van – Toyota Proace
Sharing the best components with its fellow Stellantis models, it’s no shock to see the Toyota Proace take the prize for the Best Medium Van. The vehicle has a load space of up to 1400kg, making it a suitable choice for the majority of fleets.
There is also the choice between diesel engines and fully electric models, so fleets can decide which powertrain will best suit their business needs.
Best Small Van – Toyota Proace City
Retaining its title from last year, the Toyota Proace City is the optimum small van for any fleet to have. Whilst the vehicle itself may be virtually identical to other small commercial vehicles on the market, it was the extended warranty of the Toyota that made it stand out for the judges.
The van manages to effectively combine high specification levels along with ultimate driver comfort and safety.
Best All-Terrain Workhorse – Isuzu D-Max
This reliable pick-up can be effectively incorporated into fleets to offer them a wide range of choice and value. The commercial vehicle has been praised by the judges on the panel for its five-year warranty and 3.5-tonne towing ability.
The Isuzu can perform well in off-road situations, thanks to its impressive suspension and robust exterior. The pickup truck can also excel on ordinary roads, by offering a comfortable driving experience.
Best Lower Medium Car – Kia Niro
The first model of the Kia Niro was recommended by many as a spacious, simple and ideal family car that can be purchased in a range of powertrains, including fully electric. Now in its second generation, the South Korean vehicle is showing no signs of stopping.
The Kia Niro is a practical and efficient choice for those looking for a versatile and affordable hybrid or electric vehicle. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality and modern technology make it a compelling option in the increasingly crowded compact SUV segment.
Best Premium Car – BMW i4
One of the key features of the i4 is its range. According to BMW, the i4 will be able to travel up to 300 miles on a single charge, making it a viable option for long trips. The i4 is also equipped with fast-charging capabilities, allowing the vehicle to be charged up to 80% in just 35 minutes.
The i4 is part of BMW's larger plan to expand its electric vehicle line-up. The company has stated that it plans to have 25 electrified models available by 2023, with half of those being fully electric. With the i4, BMW is aiming to provide a sporty and stylish electric vehicle that can compete with other luxury electric vehicles on the market.
Best Compact SUV – Peugeot 2008
The interior of the Peugeot 2008 is modern and stylish, with a minimalist dashboard that features a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
Under the bonnet, the Peugeot 2008 is offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, as well as a fully electric variant. The electric variant, known as the e-2008, has a range of up to 206 miles on a single charge.
Best Mid-Size SUV – BMW X1/iX1
The electric version of the X1, the iX1, has an impressive WLTP range of 270 miles along with a power output of 313PS. The SUV has successfully set the bar for electric SUVs moving forward.
The BMW X1 itself comes in a broad range of powertrains, including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid(PHEV). The interior is modern and spacious, making it a perfect vehicle for a company car.
Best Executive Car – Genesis GV70
Genesis is a proven premium brand, and they have once again showcased this with the stunning GV70.
Despite the brand not existing in the UK two years ago, their sheer determination to bring only the best outcome for fleet solutions has seen them win the award for Best Executive Car and Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer of the Year.
Driver’s Choice – Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport is known for being a luxury SUV for domestic drivers, however people may not recognise the vehicle for its fleet suitability. Thanks to the PHEV Range Rover’s ability to fall into the 5% benefit-in-kind tax, it has really started a movement with senior managers and other leadership roles opting to take out company cars within their business.
The vehicle has been praised for having excellent driving ability on the roads, whilst also having the build quality present in other Land Rovers that makes it great for off-roading too.
Thank you for joining us to discuss the winners of this year’s Fleet News AwardsThe vehicles and manufacturers have set a new benchmark for excellence and innovation in the fleet industry, and we extend our congratulations to them. We hope their remarkable achievements will inspire others to strive for excellence and look forward to what the future holds for the fleet industry.
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