FLEET WORLD - Volkswagen is named manufacture of the year for its commercial side.

• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles claims top Van Fleet World Honours award
• Brand is named Manufacturer of the Year in 2017 awards
• New services and initiatives aimed at fleets are key to success
• Crafter wins first UK awards: named ‘Best New Van’ and ‘Best Large Van’

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has taken home the triple crown from the 2017 Van Fleet World Honours, with the brand winning the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award and the new Crafter claiming the ‘Best New Van’ and ‘Best Large Van’ accolades.

Van Fleet World judges commended Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ work over the past 12 months, with a number of initiatives piloted by the brand now being adopted by the Van Centre network.

Commenting on the win, Dan Gilkes, editor of Van Fleet World, said: “Volkswagen has worked hard over a number of years to develop an outstanding Van Centre network that delivers a dedicated service to fleet and retail customers across the UK. However in the last 12 months the brand has piloted a number of initiatives that are now being adopted by the network, all aimed at improving service for fleet customers. It seems to be working too. 

Volkswagen is number two in the UK light commercial vehicle market with sales having doubled since 2009. More importantly, the company recorded record levels of customer satisfaction in 2016, making it a worthy winner of our Van Manufacturer of the Year Award.”

Initiatives introduced include head of business development support at every Van Centre, with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ensuring the needs of trade customers are being fully met through business experts employed at each location. An extended hours offer is also being rolled out across all Van Centres, along with Mobile Service Clinics.

The new Crafter also picked up two key awards – its first in the UK after being named International Van of the Year in September 2016. In awarding the Crafter its Best New Van and Best Large Van accolades, the Van Fleet World judges said: “It’s not often that a van manufacturer has the chance to create a new vehicle, not just from a clean sheet of paper, but with a completely new factory dedicated to its production. Volkswagen has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, to meet the needs of large van users in every sector.”

Praising its wide range of drivetrains, bodies, engines and driver assistance systems, Gilkes concluded: “Volkswagen had one chance to get new Crafter right and it seems to have hit the spot first time.”

Chris Black, head of fleet at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, collected the awards on behalf of the brand at the ceremony in London.  He said:  “We’re overjoyed to be named Manufacturer of the Year and for all of the brand’s hard work to be recognised. It’s also great for the all-new Crafter to have its first two UK awards, reinforcing the strength of the brand and quality of our products.”

Mazda Motor Co has been named as Manufacturer of the year from Automotive Management Magazine

• Automotive Management Magazine has named Mazda Manufacturer of the Year.
• Mazda took the title at AM’s annual award ceremony in London last week.
• 2017 sees the launch of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF and the all-new Mazda CX-5.

Mazda has lifted the title of Manufacturer of the Year at the 2017 Automotive Management Awards.

Following the fourth-generation MX-5's unprecedented clean sweep of victories last year – taking the 2016 World Car of the Year, 2016 World Car Design of the Year and 2016 UK Car of the Year awards - it's clear that Mazda's driver-focused approach to its current model range is finding favour with judging panels and the general public alike.

In 2016 Mazda recorded 2.4 per cent year-on-year sales growth with retail sales increasing by 10 per cent in a UK market where total retail sales grew by just 2 per cent, while the launch next month of the all-new MX-5 RF Retractable Fastback will bolster the Mazda range to seven models, including the Mazda2, 2017 Mazda3, Mazda6, and both the CX-3 and CX-5 SUVs.

Mazda maintains a highly focused automotive philosophy which links every model in the company's new-generation line-up.  Its standout KODO - Soul of Motion design approach and its unique SKYACTIV Technology deliver entirely human-centred design and engineering ensuring Mazda’s customers benefit from elegant, refined and efficient cars whichprioritisethe Jinba-ittai car-and-driver-as-one driving experience exemplified by the MX-5.

Commenting on the Mazda brand, Automotive Management's panel of judges said: “They're now a brand of great cars, not just the one. Attractive, reliable and great to drive, if you weren't familiar with the brand, or it was hidden from you, you'd think you were driving one of the premium brands”.

Collecting the award Peter Allibon, Sales Director of Mazda UK said, “We are absolutely delighted to have our unique approach to automotive design and engineering recognised through the winning of such a prestigious award.'  And Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director Mazda UK added  “everything we do at Mazda is dedicated to making things better for our customers and our range of stylish, spirited and we are very happy that our great to drive cars continues to win praise from media and our customers alike.”

USA - FCA take home a handful of prizes at the Ruedas ESPN Awards ceremony.

• FCA US LLC is named “Manufacturer of the Year” at the 2016 Ruedas ESPN Awards as part of the 46th Miami International Auto Show
• Chrysler Pacifica earns top honor, winning “Vehicle of the Year” Award
• Fiat 124 Spider, Ram 1500 Rebel and Chrysler Pacifica win “Best Vehicles” in their respective segments

"Ruedas ESPN" has named FCA US LLC the “Manufacturer of the Year” and selected the Chrysler Pacifica as the “Vehicle of the Year” at the 2016 Ruedas ESPN Awards as part of the 46^th Miami International Auto Show.

The Chrysler Pacifica, Fiat 124 Spider and Ram 1500 Rebel were also honored, winning “Best Minivan,” “Best Convertible” and “Best Pickup Truck,” respectively.

"Winning the prestigious ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award shows that FCA US is listening to consumers by building vehicles that fit a wide variety of needs in today’s competitive market," said Jaime Florez, "Ruedas ESPN" director and host. "In addition to the three FCA US vehicles winning in each of their segments, the Chrysler Pacifica takes home ‘Vehicle of the Year,’ impressing the judges with its innovative technology, versatility and bold styling.”

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 standard and available safety and security features, the all-new Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today's families.

Awarded “Best Convertible,” the all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider nearly 50 years after its introduction, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate fun-to-drive Italian roadster experience with technology, safety and iconic Italian design.

The Ram 1500 Rebel, winning “Best Pickup Truck,” brings one-of-a-kind, off-road design to the full-size truck segment with unique design cues and can-do attitude backed by Ram Truck engineering. Equipped with a factory lift, 33-inch tires, standard air suspension, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, tow hooks and other off-road-ready features, the Ram 1500 Rebel appeals to the truck owner looking for a less beaten path.

For almost a decade and a half, "Ruedas ESPN" has carefully established the criteria to choose the nominees in every category. The vehicles must have been – or are scheduled to be in the market – before the last day of the current year, must have proven standards of quality, high levels of popularity among Hispanics, all while providing value.

The "Ruedas ESPN" executive committee was responsible for generating the nominations. Industry experts group of jurors selected the winners of the 12 basic categories in addition to the top prize, Ruedas ESPN Vehicle of the Year.

Jaguar Land Rover takes two Manufacturer of the Year titles in less than one week, well done to all concerned.

• Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant helps the company to two ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ titles in one week
• Latest accolades see Halewood’s award tally hit 13 in 5 years making it Jaguar Land Rover’s most awarded plant

Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant is today celebrating after helping the UK's largest car producer, claim two ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ titles in less than a week. 

On Friday 17 June, Jaguar Land Rover was named as Britain's Manufacturer of the Year at the Made in the UK Awards and last Thursday night the company, represented by the Halewood plant, took the Manufacturer of the Year title at The Echo Regional Business Awards. 

This latest award success sees the Merseyside based plants award tally rise to 13 since 2011.

Richard Else, Jaguar Land Rover, Operations Director - Halewood, said: “I am delighted that Halewood has been recognised for the role it has played in helping Jaguar Land Rover to become the UK’s largest vehicle manufacturer. 

It’s been an incredible few years for the plant since the introduction of the Range Rover Evoque in 2011. Production is at record levels as we continue to build cars on three shift 24 hour production to meet global demand. 

“External recognition of the contribution we are making to the business and the UK economy is always heartening and is in no small part thanks to our passionate and committed team”.

One of Jaguar Land Rover’s three UK based vehicle manufacturing plants, Halewood Operations, is now in its 53^rd year as an automotive manufacturing facility and has witnessed a dramatic transformation since it secured production of the Range Rover Evoque in 2011. 

Since that time production and headcount has trebled as Jaguar Land Rover invested more than £600mn to support the introduction of new models, including the Land Rover Discovery Sport and most recently the Evoque Convertible.

These awards follow hot on the heels of the company’s Engine Manufacturing Centre (EMC) receiving its first award win when it was crowned ‘The Manufacturing Champion’ at the Express and Star Business Awards earlier this month. Commended for its “world class innovation, first class sales performance and a huge awareness of environmental responsibility” the EMC represents a £1bn investment in the largest new manufacturing plant to be built in the UK in a decade.

Halewood Operations Awards 2011 – 2016

2011	Knowsley Business of the Year	Knowsley Council Business & Regeneration Awards 2011
2012	Judges Choice Award for Business	Knowsley Council Business & Regeneration Awards 2012
2013	Export Business of the Year	The Liverpool Post Regional Business Awards 2013
2013	North West Manufacturer of the Year	TheBusinessDesk North West Business Masters 2013
2013	Liverpool CR Apprentice Employer of the Year	Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards 2013
2013	Outstanding Contribution to North West Manufacturing	Insider Made in the North West Awards 2013
2014	Apprentice Scheme Award	Insider Made in the North West Awards 2014
2015	Business of the Year	Liverpool Echo Regional Business Awards 2015
2015	Outstanding Contribution to Manufacturing	Insider Made in the North West Awards 2015
2015	Business of the Year	Knowsley Business & Regeneration Awards 2015
2016	Manufacturer of the Year (NW)	Insider Made in the North West Awards 2016
2016	Manufacturer of the Year (UK)	Insider Made in the UK Awards 2016
2016	Manufacturer of the Year	Liverpool Echo Regional Business Awards 2016

Halewood – Facts & Figures

• Halewood Operations manufactures the multi award winning Range Rover Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the most versatile premium compact SUV.
• The plant is operating at full capacity, 24 hours-a-day.
• Jaguar Land Rover invested more than £600 million in Halewood between 2011 and 2015
• Jaguar Land Rover has also invested more than £5 billion in UK supply contracts linked with Evoque and Discovery Sport production.
• Over 2200 Halewood employees have completed Apprenticeships in the past two years.

McLaren Automotive is named as Manufacturer Of The Year from the BBC Top Gear Magazine.

McLaren Automotive has been presented with the accolade of Manufacturer of Year in the 2016 BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards in recognition of the rapid growth and global success of the company, both achieved in so short a time. 

The announcement follows a ’vintage’ year for McLaren, its most successful to-date, with five new cars launched and another sales record achieved. McLaren also predicts 2015 will be its third consecutive year of profitability.

Models across the three-tier McLaren range also received praise with the overall strength and breadth of the line-up highlighted as key to the award: ‘We’re not evaluating them as a product line-up, but assessing each in its own competitive environment. 

All of them are exceptional, arguably the very best in their class. That McLaren has got to this stage in such a short time frame speaks volumes for the company.’

Particular attention is drawn to one model in the Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series, all launched during 2015: the 570S Coupé, 675LT Coupé and McLaren P1™ GTR.  Each is individually commended. Of the 570S Coupé, Top Gear states: ‘It might actually be the strongest – and certainly the most important.’

Commenting on this latest award, Jolyon Nash, Executive Director – Global Sales and Marketing for McLaren Automotive explained: ‘2015 was the biggest year in the relatively short history of McLaren Automotive, with an unprecedented five new models launched at motor shows across three continents. 

We also experienced another year of increasing sales and further strengthening of the global retailer network. 

To be recognised by BBC Top Gear Magazine as Manufacturer of the Year, and to receive such a prestigious award which commends each of the three model tiers independently, underlines the efforts and the progress that have been made by the team based in Woking, our retailers and across all our regional offices.’

Mercedes-Benz has been named Manufacturer of the Year at the prestigious AM Awards.

Mercedes-Benz has been named Manufacturer of the Year at the prestigious AM Awards, which celebrate exemplary performance in the UK motor industry. Accepting the award at a ceremony last night in Birmingham was Mercedes-Benz UK CEO, Gary Savage.

Gary Savage commented: “This award is a true reflection of the hard work that goes in to Mercedes-Benz from across the business. It’s thanks to this dedication that we have virtually doubled sales in the past five years. I’d like to thank the amazing and passionate team working for Mercedes-Benz across the UK, who are the most professional in the industry.”

The AM judges said: “Mercedes-Benz’s latest-generation cars have style, substance and affordable monthly payments, and appeal to young executives and 30-something professionals as well as its traditional customers. Mercedes-Benz makes products people want, in every sector, with amazing quality, safety and environmental considerations.”

Gary Savage was also recognised individually, as the Business Leader of the Year. The judges selected him thanks to his significant influence on the success of Mercedes-Benz UK over the past two years.

On Gary Savage’s award, the AM judges said: “Our business leader of the year oversaw the biggest volume increase in registrations of any manufacturer in 2015. He has transformed the dealer-manufacturer relationship to a productive peer-to-peer partnership, resulting in the manufacturer being the highest ranked franchise for the past two NFDA dealer attitude surveys.”

In 2015, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK achieved yet another record year with sales growth of 17%. This year looks set to be even more successful: in January, Mercedes-Benz sold 12,474 cars – a 26% increase over January 2015.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is celebrating a double triumph at the GreenFleet Awards 2015.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is celebrating a double triumph at the GreenFleet Awards. Not only did it repeat last year’s success by taking home the trophy for PHEV Manufacturer of the Year, but it also took the title of Outstanding Achievement, in recognition of its dedication and commitment to cleaner, greener driving.

The event, held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground and hosted by comedian Jo Caulfield, celebrates individuals and organisations that strive to reduce the environmental impact of fleet transport through innovation.

Mitsubishi faced competition from Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi to be named PHEV Manufacturer of the Year, which recognises the manufacturer of either a commercial or consumer plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that has demonstrated the best performance and best suitability for purpose in its class.

Clive Messenger, Head of Corporate Sales, said: ‘What a night and what a fantastic result for Mitsubishi! We are all thrilled at this recognition. To be named PHEV Manufacturer of the Year for the second year running and also receive the prestigious honour of Outstanding Achievement is a resounding tribute and testament to all the hard work that has gone into designing, making and selling the Outlander PHEV.’ 

Richard Gooding, the Acting Editor of GreenFleet Magazine, said: ‘Mitsubishi has set the standard for PHEVs as well as the wider EV market. Sales of the Outlander PHEV are at a level that the industry could only have dreamt about when it was introduced two years ago. The Outlander’s technology and pricing strategy really has changed the market forever and the introduction of a revised and updated model can only boost the sector still further. Therefore, Mitsubishi is a very worthy winner of both the PHEV Manufacturer of the Year and the 2015 Outstanding Achievement Award.’

The Outlander PHEV is the UK’s most popular plug-in, with more than 12,500 of them having been sold here since it was launched last year.

The awards are just the latest of many for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK to add to its trophy cabinet. They include being named Low Carbon Manufacturer of the Year last month by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, while in May this year the Outlander PHEV was named Best Ultra Low Emission Vehicle at the Fleet World Honours. Last year, the SUV won Diesel Car’s Best Alternative Fuel Vehicle award as well as Business Car’s Best Green Development trophy in its Techie Awards.