Fleet chiefs’ name top 2006 vehicles

The operational performance, whole-life costs and driver appeal of the Vauxhall Astra, Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit have been recognised by Britain’s leading fleet operators.

The three vehicles once again topped their respective classes in the 2006 ACFO (Association of Car Fleet Operators) Fleet Car and Vans of the Year Awards. While the Astra won for the second year in succession and the Transit Connect for the fourth year in a row, for the latest version of the ubiquitous Transit it is a stunning 12th win in succession as ACFO’s Fleet Panel Van of the Year.

Fleet operators’ verdict that the Vauxhall Astra is the 2006 ACFO Car of the Year is clear indication that fleets are downsizing to more fuel efficient, CO2-friendly models, which are still able to undertake the wide range of tasks expected of company cars.

The trend for lower medium sector models to be voted ACFO Car of the Year began in 2004 with the Ford Focus, and the Astra picked up the baton last year. Until two years ago upper medium sector vehicles dominated the 23-year history of the Award.

ACFO chairman Julie Jenner said: ‘By voting for a lower medium sector model as ACFO Car of the Year for the third year in succession fleet operators are sending a clear message to the Government that companies are looking to operate the most environmentally-friendly vehicles available subject to them being fit-for-purpose and offering excellent whole-life costs.

‘In recent years we have seen lower medium models, such as the Astra, increasing in overall size compared to similar models of yesteryear. Nevertheless, despite the size increase these models are becoming ever more fuel, cost and tax efficient.

‘The fact that a lower medium sector model has won the Car of the Year Award for the third consecutive year highlights that fleet operators are very aware of the Government’s desire to encourage the uptake of environmentally-friendly models through its company car taxation strategies.’

She added: ‘With the promise of a Climate Change Bill next year and vehicle-related taxes firmly focused on carbon dioxide emissions, companies that have yet to adopt ‘green’ fleet strategies should make it their goal in 2007.’

However, fleet operators did not just vote for the Astra based on its ‘green’ and benefit-in-kind performance, but also on a string of other factors fundamental in the fleet vehicle decision-making process.

Julie explained: ‘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, safety on the road and suitability for various business uses. In addition to these fleet appeal factors, driver appeal is also critical and the Astra clearly delivers this. The whole support package from the manufacturers and their dealer networks 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 Ford and Vauxhall have once again shown excellence against high quality competition.’

Vauxhall fleet sales director Maurice Howkins said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to receive the ACFO Car of the Year Award for the Astra for the second year in succession as it has been voted for by the people who really matter in the fleet operating process - fleet decision-makers.

‘Astra appeals to both fleet decision-makers and company car drivers alike, as not only does it have enviable whole-life operating costs across a wide range of bodystyles and engines, but it truly appeals to the end user through its dynamic style and driving excitement, all combined with low benefit-in-kind tax bills.

’We would like to thank all those fleet operators who have again voted for Astra to win this prestigious award.’

Meanwhile, the Transit remains unchallenged as Britain’s most popular van, and the Transit Connect continues to establish a niche for itself with fleet operators confirming it as the Fleet Light Van of the Year for the fourth time.

Ford’s director, fleet operations, Kevin Griffin said: ‘We are delighted that ACFO has voted both Transit and Transit Connect to award status.

‘New Transit moves our great brand further into the hearts and minds of our customers. We have built upon the tough and reliable credentials of the product and added state-of-the-art engineering, that not only further improves ride and handling and reduces cost of ownership, but allows us to offer customers features such as Bluetooth and satellite navigation in a new refined cabin.

‘Through these improvements we firmly believe that residual values will move to new levels as Transit will not only be the new commercial vehicle of choice but also offer incredible value to the discerning used vehicle buyer.

‘Transit Connect is a unique purpose-built rough and rugged small commercial vehicle which provides customers with outstanding whole-life costs compared to normal car derived vans. Transit Connect has moved from strength-to-strength as reliability is proven out on the European highways and byways.

‘The large load space in such a small package allows many drivers to operate straight from their domestic residence without fear of upsetting the neighbours, once again cutting operating costs and delivering improved customer satisfaction for the operator and the driver.’

ACFO believes that its 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 minimum12-month period. This provides a clear separation of the ACFO poll from many others: it relies on hard, practical experience rather than ‘showroom appeal’.