FLEET WORLD HONOURS - Skoda wins again in the Estate class.

• ŠKODA Octavia named best Estate car in annual Fleet World Awards
• Back-to-back victories for the multi-award-winning Estate
• ŠKODA’s fifth win in a row in the Estate category
• Octavia Estate praised for its practicality and low running costs

The ŠKODA Octavia Estate has been named Best Estate Car for the second year running by Fleet World. The latest in a growing list of industry accolades for the Octavia was announced at the annual Fleet World Awards in London and means that ŠKODA has won the Estate car category for the past five years.

ŠKODA’s dominance of the Fleet World Estate category further highlights the brand’s commitment to the fleet market, where value, practicality and low running costs are key criteria for both fleet buyers and drivers. 

Launched in 2013, the third-generation Octavia has already proved to be an incredibly attractive option for fleet operators thanks to its 1,740-litre boot, low CO₂ emissions (from just 90g/km) and competitive P11D values (from £16,230).

Commenting on the award, Fleet World Editor Steve Moody said: “The Octavia triumphed once again thanks to its great value and premium quality finish. ŠKODA’s development of fleet-focused trims and low emission engines continue to make it a great choice for fleet users.”

Patrick McGillycuddy, Head of Fleet at ŠKODA UK, added: “For the Octavia to win this fiercely competitive category for the second year running shows what an incredible package the Octavia Estate is. 

We’re passionate about building cars that appeal to fleet buyers and drivers, and that’s why ŠKODA has dominated this award for so long. We’re delighted that the winning streak has continued!”

The latest award from Fleet World adds to an impressive list of industry accolades for the Octavia Estate. 

Since its launch, it has been awarded Best Estate Car 2015 by Diesel Car magazine, Best Estate Car in both the 2014 and 2015 Fleet News Awards, and Best Estate by CarBuyer in 2014 and 2015.  

Built on a state-of-the-art platform, the Octavia Estate features a blend of cutting edge technology and the Simply Clever features for which ŠKODA is renowned, along with low running costs and a great driving experience. 

The extensive range includes a frugal GreenLine model capable of returning up to 88.3mpg, a sporty vRS version with 220PS and 142g/km of CO₂ and a rugged Scout model with four-wheel-drive transmission that emits just 125g/km of CO_2.

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - Mercedes takes a triple win at this years awards.

• Mercedes-Benz wins Fleet Manufacturer of the Year 2015
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class recognised as ‘Best Luxury Car’
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class awarded ‘Best Executive Compact Car’
• The Awards recognise innovation, quality and sustainability across the Fleet Industry

Mercedes-Benz has been recognised as the best in the Fleet Industry by winning the prestigious Fleet Manufacturer of the Year 2015 Award at the Fleet World Honours 2015.

The Fleet World Honours – divided into a series of categories representing car and fleet management – recognise innovation, quality and sustainability and the judges look for evidence of these characteristics when evaluating submissions.

In announcing the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year Award, Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World magazine, commented: “The progression has continued for Mercedes-Benz with year-on-year fleet sales increases and an ever-strengthening line-up of vehicles, such as the A-Class, GLA-Class and the excellent new C-Class. The result is a wide range of cars and an offering that is second to none in the fleet market.”

Sally Dennis, Head of Fleet at Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “We are extremely proud to be recognised as the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year 2015. It’s a testament to our Fleet Team, our Retailer partners, the unrivalled product over recent years and our development of the  Mercedes-Benz Fleet offering to the Fleet and Business Industry.”

In announcing the S-Class Award for Best Luxury Car, Steve Moody, said:  “The S-Class continues to set the benchmark in the luxury sector with its quality, comfort and refinement, and while many imitate, few manage to beat it. The choice of super smooth diesels, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains mean there always the right type of car for every senior executive.”

In the UK, the S-Class – priced from £66,910 OTR – remains the number one luxury car in its market segment with over 2,700 vehicles registered in 2014 and over 1,400 vehicles registered so far this year.

In announcing the C-Class Award for Best Executive Compact Car, Steve Moody, commented: “Mercedes-Benz seems to have skipped a generation with the C-Class, which now looks and feels like a downsized S-Class. Technology-rich, its home to the best interior in the segment and features a wide choice of engines, including diesel hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version. This should prove invaluable for the brand’s aspirations in the premium sector.”

The C-Class – priced from £27,270 OTR – returns up to 134.5 mpg with CO₂ emissions from 48 g/km. Almost 20,000 C-Class vehicles have been registered so far this year with almost 7,500 registered to the Fleet industry.

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - Jaguar's new XE takes another award, "Best New Car 2015".

• Jaguar XE picks up the honour of Best New Car in prestigious fleet awards
• Second award this month for Jaguar XE, which is available in retailers from June
• XE’s success in awards strengthens Jaguar Land Rover’s new dual-brand approach to fleet and business sales

The Jaguar XE has been named the Best New Car of 2015 in the Fleet World Awards. It marks a triumphant few weeks for the new sports saloon after it won Best Large Car at the Diesel Car Magazine awards earlier this month.

The XE arrives in retailers from June and has already scored rave reviews for its beautiful design, sporty driving dynamics and class-leading low cost of ownership.

Fleet World Editor Steve Moody said: “The Jaguar XE is a brilliant new addition to the compact executive sector, with handsome looks, a class-leading, brand new diesel engine, strong whole-life costs and high RV predictions.

“Not only that, but it is wonderfully refined and drives incredibly well too. It is a sure fire winner in the corporate market.”

In April, Jaguar Land Rover announced changes to its fleet and business division that has seen it move to a dual-brand approach to corporate sales. 

Commenting on the change Jon Wackett, Fleet & Business Sales General Manager for Jaguar Land Rover, said: "By uniting our two iconic brands we are able to offer a unique portfolio of cars to our fleet and business customers, build strong customer relationships and simplify the ownership experience for company car drivers. 

“The Jaguar XE is entering one of the most competitive segments in the industry – so to have a publication as respected as Fleet World praise it as not just the best in its class but the best new car on sale is a huge honour.

“Jaguar Land Rover now has one of the most capable and diverse vehicle line-ups in the industry – one that consists of desirable vehicles that appeal to the head as well as the heart.”

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - Volkswagen takes award for the 2015 Passat.

The new Volkswagen Passat, which went on sale in the UK in January, has been named Best Upper Medium Car at the 2015 Fleet World Honours.  The trophy was presented at a ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club in London today.

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually, and the judging process combines the expert opinion of the Fleet World editorial team with the objective values provided by a number of leading leasing companies and fleet data providers.

This year’s judging panel was chaired by Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World, and includes John Kendall, Alex Grant and Ross Durkin from the Fleet World editorial team.

Judges were looking for vehicles which had a significant impact in the fleet market, offering the right combination of low running costs, environmental credentials and driver appeal.

Commenting on the Passat, Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, said: ‘Smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, yet larger inside, the Passat shows premium quality isn't the reserve of the premium brands.  

The new SE Business trim offers all the essentials the fleet-heavy customer base demands, while the forthcoming BlueMotion version and plug-in hybrid can only build the Passat appeal.’

National Fleet Sales Manager, Mark Johnson, collected the award on behalf of the Volkswagen brand and said: ‘The new Passat is Europe’s Car of the Year for 2015 and we’re pleased to be able to add this Fleet World trophy to the cabinet.  

This car is hugely important to us and the most significant fleet vehicle we’ve launched in a number of years.  It’s great to see that since launch the Passat has proved its appeal to fleet managers and drivers in equal measure, and the range will be expanded further later this year with the addition of the BlueMotion, the Alltrack and the GTE plug-in hybrid.’

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - Hyundai takes the Best City Car award for the great little i10.

• “Hyundai is leading the pack with New Generation i10” – Alex Grant, Fleet World
• i10 contributing to strong true fleet growth for Hyundai in Q1 2015

Hyundai Motor UK is celebrating yet another accolade for New Generation i10 after the remarkable car was hailed ‘Best City Car’ at the 2015 Fleet World Honours. The award was presented this morning at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, with judges praising the i10 for its desirability and low running costs.

Steve Moody, Editor, Fleet World, said: “The smallest sector of the market is also the most demanding, and Hyundai is leading the pack with New Generation i10. 

Sales of 25,000 units in its first year set a new record for a Korean car, and take-up is heavily weighted towards top trim levels. It’s a sign that demand is driven by desirability as well as low running costs.”

Martin Wilson, Fleet Director at Hyundai Motor UK, added: “This award from Fleet World reinforces i10 as an extremely attractive proposition. The car’s sophisticated looks, refined interior and best in class space proves to be a winning formula with fleet and retail customers alike.”

Hyundai has seen a strong start to fleet sales in the first quarter of 2015, with true fleet registrations up 15% versus Q1 2014 and outpacing the market average of 12%. 

With the strength of the Hyundai range catering for all sizes of business, a key area of growth for Hyundai UK has been its Hyundai Contract Hire operation, which serves the SME market. 

Over the same period, the brand’s Motability sales recorded a 22% rise as buyers responded to the company’s mix of efficient, comfortable and flexible vehicles, including New Generation i10.

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - Citroen takes Best MPV with the C4 Picasso range of cars.

For the second year in succession, the Citroën C4 Picasso range has scooped the Fleet World Honours ‘Best MPV’ title. The award was presented to Citroën at the Fleet World Honours 2015 ceremony in London earlier today.

Fleet World Honours judge, Steve Moody, named the Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso as joint winners in the ‘Best MPV’ category, and commented; “Citroën has form as a manufacturer of excellent MPVs and the C4 Picasso takes full advantage of this. 

It manages to be infinitely practical, yet also distinctive and stylish, while the Grand C4 Picasso remains the only 7-seat MPV to emit less than 100g/km of CO₂ without hybrid technology. Despite a multitude of strong contenders, the C4 Picasso continues to set the standard in its class.”

Both the 5-seat C4 Picasso and 7-seat Grand C4 Picasso are offered with a wide choice of equipment, including dual-zone air conditioning, panoramic windscreen, active radar-guided cruise control, 7-inch Touch Drive interface and a 12-inch panoramic HD central display. 

The range-topping C4 Picasso Exclusive+ even has a front passenger seat with a massage function and an electric leg rest, as standard.

Martin Gurney, PSA Peugeot Citroën UK’s Director – Fleet & Used Vehicles, remarked; “Citroën is delighted that the C4 Picasso range has won the Fleet World Honours ‘Best MPV’ award again this year. 

These successful 5 and 7-seat C4 Picassos are now widely recognised for their innovative, stylish and practical design, which is reflected in their growing sales. 

The EMP2 platform, which is common to both versions, plays a key role in the excellent fuel economy figures and CO₂ emissions as low as 98g/km. All of which – combined with segment leading residual values – gives C4 Picasso significant fleet-appeal.”

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - renaults baby car the Twingo scoops design of the year award.

• Twingo scooped best design prize in 2015 Fleet World Honours
• Another major industry award for Twingo
• Innovative rear-engined city car is priced from £9,495

The Renault Twingo has been awarded the title of ‘Design of the Year’ in the 2015 Fleet World Honours at a ceremony held this afternoon at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

The All-New Twingo was launched in the UK last autumn and has already scooped a number of major industry awards including TopGear Magazine Awards, 2014 City Car of the Year; British GQ Car Awards, 2015 Best answer to the City Car Dilemma and the UK Car of The Year Awards, 2015 City Car of the Year.

Commenting on the decision to award the title of ‘2015 Design of the Year’ to Twingo, Alex Grant, Deputy Editor, Fleet World said: “The new Twingo combines the best bits of Renault’s expertise – small cars and MPVs. 

Its chic styling is a nod to the Renault 5, while the rear-mounted engine enables a large and flexible interior to fit into a small, manoeuvrable body. Clever, customisable and great value, it represents Renault at its very best.”

Ken Ramirez, Managing Director, Renault UK said: “With its bold and playful design, we always knew that our All-New Twingo would be a hit so we’re delighted that the judges from the 2015 Fleet World Honours agree and have decided to add to Twingo’s tally of major industry awards with this ‘Design of the Year’ accolade.”

Now in its third generation, the latest Twingo city car has an innovative rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout that allows for a clever use of internal space as well as being very nimble and practical to drive around town with a tiny turning circle of just 8.59 metres and the ability to park in the tightest of spaces.

There are four versions of All-New Twingo – Expression, Play and Dynamique and Dynamique S, powered by a choice of two engines – the new 1.0-litre 70 hp SCe three-cylinder normally aspirated engine and a Dynamique TCe 90 with a 0.9-litre 90 hp three-cylinder turbocharged unit.

CO₂ emissions are as low as 95 g/km and fuel economy as high as 67.3mpg on the combined cycle.  Twingo is priced from £9,495.

FLEET WORLD HONOURS - Nissan accepts the most improved fleet Manufacturer of the Year award.

Nissan has been named Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer of the Year at the prestigious Fleet World Honours in London. A panel of expert judges selected the carmaker as their winner following its outstanding performance in 2014.

They also named the British-built Nissan Qashqai – one of the nation’s most popular and successful company cars – as its Best Crossover. Nissan registered 63,358* passenger cars during the calendar year – an increase of 13.6% on 2013 – to break all previous fleet sales performance records.

It also launched a number of new products, giving it one of the youngest and most exciting line-ups in the industry, and overtook premium competitors to become the country’s seventh largest fleet manufacturer.

At the same time, Nissan also strengthened and expanded its corporate sales team, introduced new systems for the benefit of fleet customers and made improvements to its nationwide network of specialist business centres.

Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World magazine, said: “Nissan has invested heavily in its fleet team in recent years, launched excellent new cars such as the Qashqai, revamped its website and enforced new fleet service standards on its network.

“Alongside that, its sales in the corporate sector have also increased too, meaning that the firm is increasingly a major force in fleet.” Of the Qashqai’s Best Crossover award, he added: “Despite a swell of competition in the crossover segment, the Qashqai remains the benchmark.

“It’s the only car in its class to offer CO₂ emissions under 100g/km, and strong residual values reflect its ongoing desirability. With purposeful styling, clever on-board technology and a hatchback-like driving experience, Nissan is leading the pack.”

Receiving the awards, Michael Stewart, Fleet Planning Manager at Nissan Motor (GB), said: “We are thrilled to receive two such prestigious awards from an organisation that understands exactly what fleet operators are looking for in a vehicle and a manufacturer.

“The improvements made to the Nissan line-up in recent years are there for all to see, with the new Qashqai, Juke, Pulsar and X-Trail all being launched during 2014.

“But we have been busy working behind the scenes, strengthening our team and our processes, to ensure we offer fleet customers levels of support and services befitting the quality of the products in our range. “This award shows that we are on the right track but we will be making further improvements in the months ahead.”