- Ford named Fleet News manufacturer of the year for the third year running
- New Ford Fiesta is Fleet News best small car
- Ford Kuga and S-MAX take top compact SUV and people carrier prizes
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 20 March, 2009 –Fleet managers made Ford their manufacturer of the year at the21st annual Fleet News awards. Thousands of authenticated fleet decision-makers voted for Ford as title winner via the magazine's secure and audited website.
The publication said that Ford’s high levels of fleet back-up, combined with fresh products such as Kuga, Fiesta and Ka, helped keep the brand on top among Fleet News readers.
Best Small Car: Fiesta
Fleet News chose Britain's top selling car as its favourite small car for fleets, saying: "A great all-rounder, which will appeal to user-choosers and the public sector, the Fiesta will also make an excellent used car and should hold its value well."
Best People Carrier: S-MAX
Ford's seven-seater S-MAX brought a new chapter in design and performance to the multi-purpose vehicle segment. "Its styling veers more towards sporty hatchback. S-MAX also drew praise for the way it drives," said Fleet News.
Best Small SUV: Ford Kuga
The Kuga won praise for its sensible pricing, its strong focus on design, build quality and very good driving experience. This year's arrival of a front-wheel drive sub-160g CO2/km version helped sway the decision to the Ford, Fleet News reported.
Kevin Griffin, fleet director for Ford Britain, said: "We are truly delighted that our customers have voted Ford fleet manufacturer of the year for the third year in succession. We have tailored and implemented a strategy that delivers customers' needs and this is part of the reward. It's not just about the provision of vehicles – it's making desirable and exciting product available at the right price, through an excellent dealer body providing after-market support, and maintaining the highest residual values.”