Ford has further enhanced its reputation among company car drivers by winning a trio of honours at the 2013 Fleet News Awards.
The new Ford Fiesta has been voted ‘Best Small Car’ following its early 2013 revisions, topping a shortlist of five key competitors.
Fleet News judges said the new Ford Fiesta, which boasts six engines emitting under 100g/km CO2, kept the Ford Fiesta ahead of the pack. They added: “Backed by excellent support from the manufacturer and its dealer network, the Fiesta also wins thanks to its low running costs and strong residual values.”
Ford took home the award for ‘Green Fleet Manufacturer’ with the judges picking out the efficient EcoBoost petrol engines for special praise. They commented: “Ford’s holistic approach includes ultra-efficient manufacturer processes and support for green projects.”
The judges noted that even incremental improvements by Ford have a massive impact because of the company’s global footprint.
The third honour was for ‘Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer’, awarded after Ford responded to feedback from fleets and the leasing industry. “Innovative schemes such as the accident management programme are added value, saving fleets money. A two per cent increase in total fleet car sales is impressive for the market leader, while Ford is also number one in true fleet,” said the judges.
Two Ford vehicles were ‘Highly Commended’ in their individual categories, the Focus in the ‘Best Lower Medium Car’ and the S-MAX in ‘Best Seven-Seat People Carrier’.
Ford of Britain fleet director, Phil Hollins, said: “We are exceptionally proud to have received three widely-respected awards, which come as recognition for our hard work in developing the new Ford Fiesta, a wide EcoBoost petrol engine range and our continued commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. The top-selling Fiesta and Focus have particularly benefitted from our new range of EcoBoost engines, and to see Ford scoop such top prizes is hugely encouraging for the remainder of 2013.”
Notes to Editor: For more information on Ford’s Accident Management programme see www.ford.co.uk/OwnerServices/AccidentManagement.
