Ford scores a double in fleet operators' poll

The Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect have yet again scooped the top awards in their respective classes in the 2005 ACFO (Association of Car Fleet Operators) Fleet Car and Vans of the Year Awards.

The operational performance, whole life costs and driver appeal of the Ford Transit has been recognised by Britain’s leading fleet operators for the 11th year in succession, retaining the ACFO Fleet Panel Van of the Year Award.

ACFO chairman Tony Leigh said: “Our members are continually evaluating vehicles and use their expertise to assess cars and vans against a wide range of real-life criteria including whole life costs, operational performance, and suitability for the business use. In addition to these fleet appeal factors, driver appeal is also critical and the Transit clearly delivers this. The whole support package from the manufacturer and their dealers are also very important factors.

“These annual awards recognise class-leading performance where it matters - in daily operation as company and personal transport. Fleets have never had such a wide choice of superb cars and vans and this year, and Ford has shown excellence against high quality competition.”

The Transit remains unchallenged as Britain’s most popular van, while the Transit Connect is fast establishing a niche for itself with fleet operators confirming it as the Fleet Light Van of the Year for the third time.

Ford’s director, fleet operations, Kevin Griffin said: “To be elected winner by the ACFO membership for the third time for Transit Connect and the 11th time in succession for Transit is truly an honour. It is recognition of why we are celebrating 40 years of success for Transit this year and why it remains the choice of thousands of British businesses.

“However, we do not rest on our laurels. We believe the Transit brand remains successful because we are constantly reinvesting in developing the dependability and quality of the vehicles," he added.

The ACFO’s Fleet Car and Vans of the Year Awards are highly prized by vehicle manufacturers because they are based on members’ detailed day-to-day operating experience of vehicles actually in use in their fleets, over a minimum 12-month period. This provides a clear separation of the ACFO poll from many others: it relies on hard, practical experience rather than ‘showroom appeal’.