INNOVATION IN GREEN TRAVEL

INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY

INNOVATION IN COST REDUCTION

INNOVATION IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

Launched in March last year, Stream Go for electric vehicles makes light work of optimising first and last mile deliveries. This cloud-based application gives excellent customer service by sending automatic text and email notifications to reduce the risk of failed deliveries and collections. It offers automated route planning and ‘track and trace’ deliveries and drivers in real time, plus electronic proof of delivery.

Following two successful pilots, Trackm8 launched its RH600 4G Camera in April 2018. Where the RH600 scores over other telematics cameras, is that it doesn’t just transmit GPS location data. Instead, it provides full telematics functionality, including driver behaviour analytics – which can also be integrated with Trakm8’s fleet optimisation solution.

An integrated ‘Grey-Fleet’ module added to their ‘Remote Mileage Manager’ service provides a mobile friendly driver portal for users to log on and manage their business and private journeys using the same existing virtualised expense process as their core Remote Mileage Manager Telematics service.

Rolled out this year, the ‘All Wheels-Up’ next-generation trailer extension for RACs patrol vehicles. The increasing numbers of SUVs, hybrids and EVs has led to the need to be able to fully lift a vehicle at the roadside – rather than with two wheels on the ground. In response, the RAC has developed Orange Plus, an extension to its rapid deployable trailer.

INNOVATION IN MOBILITY

INNOVATION IN REMARKETING

INNOVATION IN RISK MANAGEMENT

INNOVATION IN SMR

This is Europcar’s integrated multi-modal solution for all of a business’s mobility needs. Right from reservation creation, through the mobility service usage, to the point of invoicing. As this is a multi-modal solution Europcar One, rolled out to 780 B2B customers in 2018, offers a wide choice of booking options through a single login, from a taxi right through to a six-month rental.

Selsia has introduced a centrally managed bodywork repair remarketing service for its clients, including fleets, auction houses and fleet management companies. This service uses Selsia’s connected network of 200 British Standard, plus insurance and manufacturer approved bodyshops throughout the UK. These are used as drop off points for mid-contract returns, end of life and fleet rehoming.

Any organisations that requires or allows its employees to drive on their behalf, should have a system for checking driving licence validity, entitlements and convictions. Far from being a basic check, on top of being GDPR compliant, a DAVIS driving licence check can actually paint a picture of the driver and most significantly identify areas of risk.

Introduced at the end of 2017, ServicePoint is an on-line platform designed to make the management of service, maintenance and repair as easy as possible for business. This is particularly helpful for SMEs that maintain privately-managed company vehicles, but lack the resources normally required to proactively manage SMR.

FLEET MANAGER AWARDS

FINANCIAL SUPERSTAR

OPERATIONAL FLEET SUPERSTAR

FLEET HR SUPERSTAR

FLEET MANAGEMENT SUPERSTAR

ECO SUPERSTAR

Amey acheived a reduction of 38% at-fault incidents for its fleet drivers by ensuring its Driver Handbook was kept up-to-date, daily vehicle checks and fitment of the latest safety technology, such as telematics.

Johnson & Johnson’s global fleet safety programme ‘SAFE Fleet Caring About People’ is designed to reduce risk. By monitoring safety performance of the fleet, repair costs have fallen by around 30% and there’s been a collective improvement in fuel economy by a superb 13.5%.

By understanding the full range of driving activities undertaken by its staff, McLaren Automotive was able to develop its Driver Safety Policy, as well as reduce costs on insurance claims. The result has been a reduction in claims on their fleet policy by 21% per vehicle since 2014.

By using whole life cost data, drivers at Galliford Try aren’t forced into low CO2 cars, and instead are able to select from the most cost effective vehicles thanks to Alan Baker – head of fleet at Galliford Try. The result: a reduction in CO2 across the company car fleet from 125g/km in 2012 to 98g/km today.

Addison Lee Group is steadily moving towards its goal of operating vehicles with a maximum 75g/km CO2 output and zero-emissions capable. On top of this, the company is pursuing recycling where possible, including parts, tyres and even the water cars are washed with.

FLEET CAR AWARDS

BEST FLEET SUPERMINI

BEST LOWER MEDIUM FLEET CAR

BEST UPPER MEDIUM FLEET CAR

BEST COMPACT EXECUTIVE CAR

BEST EXECUTIVE CAR

WINNER: SEAT Ibiza

WINNER: Ford Focus

WINNER: Škoda Superb

WINNER: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

WINNER: BMW 5 Series

There’s an Ibiza for everyone, with an impressive choice of diesel and petrol engines. Plus, it looks great, has a spacious interior which is well-equipped and it drives well. A high-value supermini in a sector full of talent, the Ibiza still stands out.

All change for this long-established best-seller, but the latest Focus continues to push the boundaries. It boasts impressive interior space, is technology rich and we reckon offers the best ride and handling combination in the Lower Medium class. The choice of hatchback and estate models with diesel and petrol engines, mean there’s a Focus suitable for the majority of fleets.

Four-years on and the Superb shows no sign of relinquishing its hold on this sector. It still looks sharp, plus the interior remains classy and impressively spacious. Add in a large choice of fleet-friendly diesel and petrol engines, plus the choice of saloon and estate and it’s not really a surprise that this Škoda is still at the top.

The C-Class might not be the newest model in the Compact Executive sector and is up against stiff opposition, but this Mercedes wins for the sheer choice of engines. Diesel, check, petrol, check and perhaps most relevant in these emission-conscious times – PHEVs. The C-Class has you covered, add in the choice of versatile estate models and we think it’s the strongest offer.

Even one year on, this BMW still seems to be a technology tour de force. Yet in diesel form, the latest 5 Series is impressively affordable to run. Add in the fact that it’s great to drive, has impressive levels of standard equipment and there’s the choice of even more practical Touring estate and it’s not hard to see why the 5 Series wins here and is so popular.

BEST LUXURY CAR

BEST FLEET LARGE SUV

BEST FLEET SMALL SUV

BEST GREEN FLEET CAR

FLEET TECHNOLOGY AWARD

WINNER: BMW 7 Series

WINNER: Škoda Kodiaq

WINNER: Volvo XC40

WINNER: Hyundai Kona Electric

WINNER: Honda

Like the smaller 5 Series, the 7 Series is another showcase for BMW’s latest technology, that’s likely to filter down to the rest of the range in the near future. Yet, all that technology shouldn’t scare you off, as it’s still a great business tool, backed by finance packages tailored towards chauffeurs and a plug-in hybrid for urban fleets.

Škoda took a calculated risk with the Kodiaq, combining the endless flexibility of an MPV, with the versatility and driver appeal of an SUV. The result was never really in doubt, it offers space for up to seven adults on board, combined with plentiful storage, two and four-wheel drive versions and a large choice of trims and engines to suit the fleet buyer.

Practical, stylish, well-equipped and all with the safety kit you usually expect from a Volvo, it’s no wonder the XC40 has shaken up the small SUV sector since it went on sale over a year ago. Volvo’s excellent diesel engines should guarantee low running costs for fleets, and residual values are rock solid too.

The Kona Electric feels like a tipping point for EVs and in our opinion is exactly the product needed to make electromobility mainstream. With range often regarded as a major issue, even the smaller 39.2kWh version returns 180 miles to a full charge, while the 64kWh version is capable of 279 miles to a full charge.

Almost 20-years of hybrids has resulted in Honda selling some of the most-efficient models on sale. Easy to drive and genuinely efficient, the most recent addition, the hybrid version of the all-new CR-V SUV, is refined, spacious and obvious economical with a 53.3mpg figure and up to 126g/km emissions.

FLEET RISING STAR

FLEET MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

BEST NEW FLEET CAR

WINNER: Suzuki

WINNER: SEAT

WINNER: Ford Focus

An appealing range of cars, plus a commitment to evolve its dealer network, has deservedly resulted in increased sales. No other car brand has achieved the same sort of increase in fleet sales for the last year.

SEAT’s recent transformation is ongoing, with more brilliant new products such as the incoming Tarraco and its focus on putting fleet at the core of the business remains the same. The specialist team, strengthened dealer network, plus the web portals and four-day test drives which raises awareness and mean sales are unlikely to slow down any time soon.

Replacing the UK’s best seller, that’s a mainstay for fleets is no easy task. Yet, Ford has seemed to do the impossible, by building on its predecessor’s best points, but adding more space, a comfy ride to the dynamic drive, plus new connectivity and assistance features, to what was already a brilliant all-rounder.

FLEET VAN AWARDS

SMALL VAN OF THE YEAR

MEDIUM VAN OF THE YEAR

LARGE VAN OF THE YEAR

PICKUP OF THE YEAR

WINNER: Citroën Berlingo/Peugeot Partner/Vauxhall Combo

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ford Transit Connect

WINNER: Ford Transit Custom

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Volkswagen Transporter

WINNER: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Volkswagen Crafter

WINNER: Nissan Navara

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ford Ranger

This class of van has to cover everything and PSA’s new Berlingo, Partner and now Combo have all the bases covered. Offering two wheelbases with two body lengths, the vans deliver a load-hauling solution to suit all operations.

Our reigning Van of the Year from 2018 continues to dominate the UK LCV sector. Indeed, the Transit Custom was the third best-selling vehicle of any kind in the UK last year, a remarkable feat for a mid-weight van. A few miles behind the wheel is all it takes to see why operators continue to put their faith in the Ford.

With the addition of front- as well as rear-wheel drive, and more recently 4×4 versions too, Mercedes has something for everyone with the latest Sprinter. The technology and connectivity available to customers is second to none and the whole PRO Connect concept should make it far easier for operators to get the best out of their vans.

There are newer trucks and there are more powerful pickups available, but when we look for the best all-round package, we keep coming back to Nissan’s Navara. The combination of powerful yet relatively frugal engines, coil spring rear suspension and in-cab technology like Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility systems, make Navara hard to beat.

LIGHT TRUCK OF THE YEAR

GREEN VAN OF THE YEAR

VAN OF THE YEAR

VAN MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

WINNER: Iveco Daily

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Isuzu Grafter

WINNER: Renault Master Z.E. / Renault Trucks Master Z.E.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Iveco Daily NP

WINNER: Citroën Berlingo/Peugeot Partner/Vauxhall Combo

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

WINNER: Ford

Iveco’s Daily sits on the edge of the large van and light truck sectors, though there is no denying that a 7.2-tonne chassis should be treated as more than just an LCV. With the addition of Iveco’s Blue Power range of alternative fuel and low-emission vans, including Daily Electric and the CNG-powered Daily NP, the company is covering every base.

With Master Z.E. the company has done its own thing, opting for a 3.1-tonne van rather than relying on a rise in permitted weight to make the van a viable proposition. And when driving the van, you would hardly know that you’re behind the wheel of an electric vehicle, making it easy for fleets to adopt.

The new Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner are such a departure from their predecessors and such an improvement over those vans, that this was an easy choice for the judges. With Vauxhall now part of the PSA Groupe, the latest Combo also benefits from these advances in technology, driver safety and vehicle efficiency.

Light commercial vehicles are big business for manufacturers. With car sales dropping sharply, the van market remained strong in 2018. Having a van brand hit the number three spot in the overall vehicle market is an outstanding achievement. With one in every three van sales in the UK last year, it has to be Ford.