The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has collected yet another accolade for 2016 – Large Van of the Year.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has collected yet another accolade for 2016 – Large Van of the Year at last night’s ACFO Awards, voted for by the membership of the fleet operator organisation.

Ricky McFarland, Head of Strategic Accounts, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, said:

“We are delighted to have won yet another award for this impressive van and are especially pleased that it is from fleet operators themselves.

“We are passionate about keeping businesses moving, so to keep winning awards for a van which is now three years old, is a real testament to the strength of the Sprinter; it defined the large van market in Europe – known as the Sprinter class – and in the UK, it continues to define the fleet market.”

The Iconic Ford Transit Van has been awarded entry to the What Van ? Hall of Fame.

The Ford Transit has rounded off its 50^th year by joining What Van?’s Hall of Fame. What Van? editor, Paul Barker said, “The Transit is the most iconic of vehicles in the UK, and its dominance looks as controlled now as at any point in the last 50 years. 

It’s impossible to not encounter the influence of the Transit van on a daily basis in all walks of life, and this legendary figurehead of British industry, business and society looks set to rule for a long time yet.”

The Ford Transit’s 50^th anniversary celebrations led up to August 9, 1965 when the first Transit rolled off the production line. More than eight million Transit and Transit Custom models have been built since which, lined up end-to-end, would circumnavigate the globe. More than 2.5 million of these have been sold in the UK alone.

Ford continued its winning streak with the Transit Courier also picking up Small Van of the Year, the second year it has won the accolade since it was launched in 2014.

“The Transit Courier proves that small can still be fun, sensible, practical and high-quality,” Paul Barker continued. “Our 2015 Van of the Year is, a year on, still the most impressive vehicle in its segment by a distance, and very easy to recommend for businesses that don’t need to be hauling large or heavy loads.”

The Transit Courier completed the Transit line-up when it was launched last year and has become a strong contender in its segment. Over the summer, Ford introduced even more fuel-efficient engines – strengthening the Courier’s position as the most efficient petrol and diesel vehicle in its class. Fuel consumption for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine equipped with Auto-Stop-Start is improved by a further three per cent to 55.4mpg, with 115g/km CO₂. The 1.6-litre TDCi with Auto-Start-Stop remains at a class-leading 76.3mpg and 97g/km CO₂**.

Ford was also highly commended in several categories including Medium Van of the Year with Transit Custom, Pick-Up of the Year with Ranger, 4x4 Van of the Year with Transit AWD and the Innovation Award for Ford Telematics powered by Telogis.

Kevin Griffin, sales director, Ford of Britain said: “We are immensely proud of the Transit and its enduring success in the UK so I am delighted to receive this award. In its fiftieth year of sales leadership, the Transit doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. This year for the first time since 1989, sales of Ford’s commercial vehicles have topped 100,000 with both Transit and Transit Custom leading their segments.”  

The entire Ford commercial vehicle range is now available from Ford’s designated 105-strong commercial dealer network, called Transit Centres.

USA - The Transit from Ford, America's #1 Van, now gets the motorhome treatment, in a way the Americans know how.

Recreational vehicle manufacturers are offering all-new motorhome models based on Ford Transit – America’s best-selling commercial van.

The newest Transit RV is the Winnebago Fuse, a Class C motorhome built on the new Ford Transit cutaway chassis. It is the latest in a growing number of Transit-based options for active families.

“Many of these customers are interested in outdoor adventures like kayaking, mountain biking, snowboarding and such — more national park than RV park,” explains Yaro Hetman, Ford brand manager for Transit, Transit Connect and E-Series. “Sales of smaller Class C motorhomes have been on the rise for the last few years as younger, more active buyers enter the market.”

Class C motorhomes include vehicle frame, suspension, powertrain and cab, with the living area accessible behind the driver’s compartment. The all-new Ford Transit cutaway offers customers additional options for lighter-weight chassis in Class C motorhomes – a segment where Ford is already a popular choice. Ford E-Series cutaway is the top-selling chassis in this market.

“Outdoor adventure-seeking RV customers want compact, maneuverable motorhomes that can comfortably carry their families and gear from one adventure to another,” Hetman says. “Transit’s efficiency, comfortable ride and affordability make it a great choice as a motorhome for these outdoor enthusiasts.”

Winnebago Fuse goes on sale in January, offered in two configurations – one with a rear bedroom slide-out featuring a queen-size bed, and another with a front slide-out, two twin beds and a rear bath. Each is available with the Ford Power Stroke^® 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel.

Other manufacturers building motorhomes on the new Transit platform include Thor Motor Coach and Coachmen RV, a division of Forest River, Inc.

Transit also gives customers additional choices for Class B motorhomes.

Commonly called camper vans, Class B motorhomes are built using OEM vans or panel trucks. Class B motorhomes drive like vans, and retail for between $60,000 and $130,000, according to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

Transit’s choice of three roof heights, two wheelbases and three powertrains gives customers the ability to customize their camper van cost-effectively, as choosing the high-roof Transit model eliminates the need to raise the roof or drop the floor of a traditional van.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has reduced the price of Shogun by up to £5,000

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has reduced the price of Shogun by up to £5,000 making it an even more attractive proposition for those who need a practical and powerful off-roader that can tow 3.5 tonnes. The Shogun has built up a reputation for being tough, reliable, perfect for towing with a go-anywhere off-road capability; and has won countless awards too.

The permanent price change is attributed to MMUK’s determination to further increase sales volume during 2013 and beyond. So far this year Mitsubishi sales are up over 41% establishing MMUK as the fastest growing car brand of 2013.

Shogun is a highly capable on or off road vehicle. The LWB version has 7 seats making it a highly practical vehicle. It can also tow 3.5 tonnes.

Beneath Shogun’s bold, square-jawed styling sits a built-in frame, monocoque chassis, optimised All-Wheel Control system, and wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension which gives the Shogun its rounded, rugged ability.

Appealing to drivers who demand a vehicle that can tackle the toughest and most inhospitable of terrains yet deliver a thoroughly composed road drive, Shogun buyers can be sure that on top of being great off-road, the vehicle can meet the needs of families and business buyers. The Shogun is offered in either three-door five-seat or five-door seven seat guises in three comprehensively specified trim levels.

Mitsubishi also sell a commercial vehicle version of Shogun. This has become one of the most popular commercial off-roaders on the market. Available in a wide range of specifications and with a huge accessory range the Shogun Commercial can be perfectly tailored to suit both business and family life. Prices of this version have also been reduced.

Lance Bradley, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors UK, said:

“Shogun has always had a loyal following among customers wanting a rugged, well-equipped, sensibly priced full-sized 4x4 model and now with our announcement on pricing, Shogun is even more affordable. Shogun remains an extremely competitive and capable vehicle for those demanding its extraordinary capabilities.

Pricing now starts at just £26,199 for the short-wheelbase 3.2 DI-DC SG2 variant, with the top of the range long-wheelbase 3.2 DI-DC SG4 auto available at just £36,799.