CV SHOW 2015 - Isuzu wins again with the D-Max, from the Trade Van Driver Awards.

Isuzu UK continues to upset the status quo with its award winning feats when the D-Max was recently awarded the accolade of Best Trade Pick-Up in the 2015 Trade Van Driver Awards for the second year running.

Already proving to be a great success with British pick-up users, the magazine’s judging panel praised the D-Max for its value, build quality and well known off-road capabilities.

Matt Eisenegger, editor of Trade Van Driver said of the achievement: “Many trade users need a solid, no-nonsense pick-up that is prepared for an extremely hard life and isn't afraid to get its feet muddy. 

With its low front-end price, superb off-road capability and rugged build quality, the D-Max fits the bill admirably and wins this title for the second year running.”

The Trade Van Driver accolade follows on from Isuzu UK’s best first quarter sales since imports began in the UK in 1987 with 1841 D-Max pick-ups registered. In 2014, Isuzu UK recorded its best ever year with sales growing at double the rate of the overall pick-up market - 33.7% versus 15% - ensuring the brand number one for retail sales.

This week also saw the announcement of the new D-Max Blade as the flagship model of the range and the launch of a network of new fleet centre across the UK as the D-Max continues to attract increasing interest from the fleet sector of the market.

The widest range of body styles available on the market – single, extended and double cab – as well as the largest choice of automatic transmissions, has provided the platform for the Isuzu D-Max to establish itself as a leader in the pick-up sector since its launch in the summer of 2012. 

Every new D-Max sold in the UK is backed by the company’s pioneering, five-year / 125,000-mile warranty.

CV SHOW 2015 - FIAT celebrates with a double win at the CV show, for the Ducato and Fiorino.

• FIAT Ducato wins the “Trader’s Choice” award in the 2015 Trade Van Driver Awards
• FIAT Fiorino takes the Trade Van Driver “Best City Van ” award for the second  time
• Trade Van Driver Awards expert jury comprised of experienced LCV journalists and a panel of readers who use LCVs as part of their businesses
• Awards presented to Sebastiano Fedrigo at the 2015 Commercial Vehicle Show (NEC Birmingham) where the new FIAT Doblò Cargo, new FIAT Ducato and FIAT Fiorino Adventure are on display

Trade Van Driver has named the FIAT Ducato as the “Trader’s Choice” in the 2015 Trade Van Driver Awards. The magazine, which is the only publication to cater specifically for owner-drivers and small fleet operators, also named the FIAT Fiorino as the “Best City Van” for the second time.

Adjudicated not only by a team of expert Trade Van Driver journalists but also by a panel of readers who use light commercial vehicles as an integral part of their businesses, the Trade Van Driver awards offer a true reflection of the thoughts and feelings of its readership.

Commenting on the FIAT Ducato, the judges noted: “Trade van buyers have special needs. They want low front end costs, good build quality, frugal running costs and good residual values. The Ducato ticks each one of these boxes, making it an ideal winner.”

Commenting on the second win for the FIAT Fiorino in the “City Van” category, the jury said: “The Fiat Fiorino well and truly broke the mould in the city van sector when it was first launched in 2008, with its tough build quality and high-cube loadspace. Since then, in the eyes of the judges, no other rival has come close to matching the style, practicality and cost-effectiveness of this cheeky little performer.”

Sebastiano Fedrigo, Director, FIAT Professional UK, said: “We are very happy that the editorial experts and readers of Trade Van Driver have recognised the class-leading attributes of the FIAT Ducato, not only in terms of versatility, performance and features but also the equally important elements that owner-operators and small-fleet managers really appreciate – the customer service, the real-world running costs and peace of mind you get from knowing you’re running a tough and dependable van. This is equally true of the FIAT Fiorino – it may be much smaller and more affordable, but our Fiorino operators get the same high levels of engineering, content, support and service as all FIAT Professional customers.

The Trade Van Driver Awards aim to give recognition to the manufacturers, firms and people who, in the opinion of the judges, offer the very best to retail van buyers. Both trophies were presented to Sebastiano Fedrigo, Director, FIAT Professional UK, by Matthew Eisenegger, editor of Trade Van Driver, at the 2015 Commercial Vehicle show held at The NEC Birmingham this week.

CV SHOW 2015 - Mercedes-Benz wins its first award for the all new VITO LCV

The New Vito, launched in the UK at the CV Show in Birmingham on 14 April, has scooped its first award – Best Newcomer at the Trade Van Driver Magazine Awards. In addition, Sprinter collected Best Large Van, for the fourth year in a row.

Matthew Eisenegger, Editor, Trade Van Driver Magazine, commented: “The legendary build quality and class-leading safety systems offered by the three-pointed star have led to a string of awards for the Sprinter over the years. And the applause goes on – for the fourth year running the Sprinter takes the prize in this hotly-contested sector.

“Such is the might of its bigger brother the Sprinter, the Vito has always been rather overlooked in the medium van sector. However, a new model launched this year sees the Vito take the limelight with fresh looks and a host of improved features.”

The Trade Van Driver Magazine Awards are judged by a panel of readers who use light commercial vehicles as part of their business, alongside an expert panel of journalists.

The two awards were presented to Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans at the CV Show.

Steve added: “To be collecting an award for the New Vito as it launches at the CV Show is an amazing feat – the vehicle is a game-changer and we are honoured with its first award.

“For Sprinter to have received the Best Large Van Award for a fourth consecutive year is something we are also very proud of. Sprinter has proven itself time and time again, and to keep collecting awards – this marks the third award win of 2015 – is testament to this reliable and rugged workhorse.”