Great British Fleet Event

GBFE 2020  – Partners

GBF Awards 2021

Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards

The Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards celebrate the best of corporate motoring in the UK, from fleet managers to suppliers and manufacturers.

The awards were judged by Fleet World’s expert panel of editors and honour excellence in fleet management, and the products and services which support operators running safer, greener, more cost-effective fleets. 

Supplier Awards

Innovation in RISK MANAGEMENT

WINNER > VisionTrack

In 2020 VisionTrack launched Autonomise.ai, a cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform for the video telematics sector. It has provided risk management solutions to reduce risk, improve road safety, cut claims, eliminate fraud and reduce operational costs. Autonomise.ai vehicle data showed that during the first lockdown, speeding incidents increased by 2.6% despite a 22.6% reduction in miles driven. Autonomise.ai has enabled VisionTrack customer Speedy Services to successfully detect and guard against fraudulent claims. The system is already helping to shape advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) such as Driver Status Monitoring and Blind Spot Detection systems to prevent collisions. Forward-facing cameras monitor the road, while in-vehicle cameras monitor drivers for tired or distracted behaviours. A new AI-powered side camera can specifically detect vulnerable road users.

Innovation in COST REDUCTION

WINNER > The Algorithm People

The Algorithm People has made route optimisation accessible and affordable to fleet operators of all sizes, by introducing the UK’s first fully pay-as-you-go platform – My Transport Planner. My Transport Planner works via an online account, users buy credits priced at 99p – with one credit for one vehicle per day – and uploading their assets (vehicles and drivers), which are saved in the system for future use. After this, all jobs are imported, along with special requirements, such as customer delivery windows or tail lifts – which are then assigned to vehicles. What makes My Transport Planner so clever is that it optimises all these jobs to ensure all tasks are fulfilled in the lowest cumulative mileage. The algorithm will assign jobs to vehicles in the most efficient way possible, reducing mileage while increasing vehicle utilisation.

Innovation in MOBILITY

WINNER > Fleetondemand

Fleetondemand has retained its title thanks to the ongoing development of its existing Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform. This integrates a single desktop and smartphone, allowing customers to find, book and pay for their entire journey as one single door-to-door itinerary in seconds – saving time and money.
With the latest version of Mobilleo, which was released in December 2020, customers can search thousands of global travel providers for car hire, car clubs, flights, trains, trams, buses, ride hailing, taxis, bicycle hire, ferries, hotels, airport lounges and more. It offers easier access to integrated travel and service information, more reliable journey planning, in-app ticketing and a hassle-free payment system.
New features, such as the carbon footprint tool, also establish Mobilleo as an advocate for eco-friendly initiatives, giving users the opportunity to book their travel method dependent on its environmental impact.

Innovation in SMR

WINNER > ARI

For the second year in a row, ARI has claimed the Innovation in SMR award; this time for its portfolio management solution, which is delivered through VESL (The Vehicle Economic Service Life). Utilising its depth of fleet data and in-house analysts, ARI calculates the optimal time to replace a vehicle based on actual customer data, its declining ownership cost and rising operating cost. Using actual data and overlaying against real-life performance allows ARI customers to utilise their assets best. When coupled with ARI’s finance solution, FlexLease, they also benefit from no end-of-life charges, no mileage limitations and 100% profit on resale. One ARI customer in particular saved in the primary period of the lease c.£106,000 in maintenance underspend and a further £160,000 of savings by running their vehicles for a further twelve months – identified through their portfolio management solution.

Innovation in customer service

WINNER > Ogilvie Fleet

In what was a seismic year for the industry, Ogilvie Fleet’s approach to business during the pandemic was admirable, as it didn’t take customers April direct debits during the first lockdown in 2020. Plus, the business also gave a three-month payment holiday for those who requested it – which equated to around half of its client base. Ogilvie Fleet also found time to form a Green Fleet Task Force to support clients with the move to plug-in/electric vehicles. They added EVs to its Ogilvie True Cost (OTC) matrix calculator, to more precisely represent actual costs associated with EVs; and introduced a Structured Employee Car Ownership (SECO) scheme whereby the driver owns the vehicle from day one. No wonder then that 2020 showed Ogilvie Fleet had a client retention rate of 99.3% and increased its fleet size by over 1,000 cars and vans.

Innovation in Remarketing

WINNER > ADESA

Last year’s Innovation in Remarketing winner ADESA has retained its title thanks to its ongoing development of its existing fully digital remarketing solution, continuing to make the process faster, smarter and easier for fleets.
ADESA’s well-established digital-only proposition via its Upstream remarketing platform has enabled it to provide an uninterrupted defleeting service to businesses over the last 12 months despite the pandemic.
During this time, the business has also rolled out the next stage of its ADESA Intelligent Vehicle Inspection (IVI) service, billed as the first remarketing platform in the UK to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) technology and bringing a faster, more efficient means for inspections.
Additionally, its work has helped fleets lower their carbon footprint through reduced vehicle movements, while also cutting the extra traditional costs associated with storage charges; further ways ADESA is raising the bar in remarketing.

Fleet Manager Awards

Financial Superstar

WINNER > Auto Windscreens

Shaun Atton is responsible for managing 354 Auto Windscreens vehicles, while handling compliance and maintenance across the company’s 64 UK sites. Innovations introduced since 2019 include integrating Webfleet telematics software with VisionTrack cameras, helping to reduce insurance claims frequency from 21.8 per cent in 2019 to 14.4 per cent in 2020. Incident costs have been cut from £237,000 in 2019/20 to £98,000 in 2020/21. Fuel cards have been integrated with the telematics system, helping to reduce fuel costs by £93,441 since 2019. Atton’s team has worked with the Auto Windscreens IT department to develop a bespoke fleet management system, providing scheduling, personnel ID data, traceability and control. It has also helped the company to become carbon-neutral, offsetting emissions with BP Target Neutral. 11,683 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been offset. A new Euro 6 fleet has helped to reduce maintenance costs.

Fleet MAnagement Superstar

WINNER > Altrad Services UK

Under head of fleet Matthew Hammond, incident rates among Altrad Services drivers have fallen from 32 per cent to 11 per cent, with driver scores improving from 65% to 97%. Drivers are accurately profiled with E-learning and in-house courses. He has also developed a driver improvement programme for all 2,000 Altrad drivers. Driver management training for line managers was introduced In 2020. For 2021, the company is introducing virtual reality training for all commercial drivers. The driver manager training programme is already leading to reduced end-of-life costs. Hammond plans to switch 60% of the van fleet to electric power in three years. Initial cost savings are estimated at £144,000, rising to £750,000 after three years. A similar programme is being drawn up for company cars. Other areas under consideration include mobility allowances in lieu of company cars in more urbanised locations.

ECO Superstar

WINNER > Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority operates a pool fleet of 25 vehicles for use by wardens, planners and for staff attending meetings. A total of 88% of the fleet is already electric or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and Kevin Booker, IT systems and fleet, says that the Authority will have removed any non-plug-in vehicles by April 2021, with an aim to be zero-emission by 2025. Two fully electric tractors will be added this year. The Authority is also championing electric mobility locally through its education team. Working with Pod Point, the Authority has begun introducing publicly-accessible charge points at its facilities. 17 charge points are already in place with more scheduled for 2021, including rapid chargers. Solar panels have been introduced at all sites. Plans include generating an increasing share of electricity from renewable sources. In the last year, the grid-connected hydro scheme has generated enough electricity to take the authority’s vehicles 739,000 miles.
Fleet World

Manufacturer Awards

Best Fleet Supermini

WINNER > Vauxhall Corsa

One of the first new Vauxhall models to be launched under Stellantis ownership, the Corsa looks more attractive, stylish and modern than the outgoing car. The interior feels more spacious than its proportions would suggest, plus the dashboard is intuitively laid out. Underneath, the refined petrol and diesel engines are also impressively tax- and fuel-efficient, all adding up to a complete supermini package with genuine end-user appeal.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Renault Clio

Best Fleet SMALL SUV

WINNER > Renault Captur

The original Captur broke compact SUV ground, being one of the first on sale. This second-generation model gets the same CMF-B platform as the latest Clio, delivering a car that’s not only more spacious, but lighter and stronger too. It brings a wide range of efficient engines; likely to be of most interest to fleets is the recently launched E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid version, which is capable of covering 30 miles on electric power alone and has a total power output of 160hp.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Ford Puma

Best Fleet MEDIUM SUV

WINNER > Volvo XC40

The XC40 is in its fourth year on sale, but its sharp styling plus attractive and high-quality interior keep it at the top. The Swedish manufacturer hasn’t been resting on its laurels either, with plug-in or full electric versions of the XC40 launched in the last year, adding to the range of efficient engines that have already marked out Volvo’s baby SUV. This all adds up to a strong package – in a hard-fought sector – that is getting more attractive and relevant to fleet buyers.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Range Rover Evoque

Best Fleet LARGE SUV

WINNER > SEAT Tarraco

The largest member of SEAT’s SUV family holds onto its crown for the second year in a row. It’s all down to the Tarraco’s attractive combination of sharp styling on the outside and premium materials on the inside, alongside impressive stowage, and the ability to carry seven. These all remain unchanged, however the addition of cleaner, revised petrol and diesel engines makes the Tarraco even more affordable to run for fleet buyers.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Peugeot 5008

Best LOWER MEDIUM FLEET CAR

WINNER > Škoda Octavia

The latest Octavia proves that ‘different’ is a good thing, as the fourth-generation version of Škoda’s lower medium model is its most distinctive and attractive yet. The inside is another step forward, which, despite always being one of the most spacious models in this class, has been further improved by an additional 67mm, bringing impressive extra rear room and boot space. There’s also a wide choice of petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in engines to suit most fleets.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > SEAT Leon

Best UPPER MEDIUM FLEET CAR

WINNER > Škoda Superb

Key rivals might have been facelifted in the last 12 months, but it shows the strength of the Škoda Superb that it holds onto its crown for the second year in a row. Last year’s tweaks keep it looking sharp, the interior is exceptionally spacious and well-made, plus it boasts all the tech you could ever need. The efficiency of the iV plug-in hybrid version of the Superb is a welcome addition to the other large range of diesel and petrol engines.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Vauxhall Insignia

Best Compact Executive

WINNER > BMW 3 Series

BMW’s 3 Series continues to make an impact with an enviable combination of spacious interior, the option of saloon or Touring versions and a cost-efficient choice of petrol, diesel and even plug-in hybrid power to suit all budgets. Add in the fact that all models are a joy to drive, and are fitted with the latest technology, and it makes it hard to find fault with BMW’s compact executive. That’s why it deservedly remains our class favourite.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Volvo S60

Best Executive Car

WINNER > BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series has always been a top-seller since its launch four years ago. There is no doubt last year’s facelift, which tweaked only minor items, will increase sales momentum – but the original was an impressively complete fleet car. A sharp looker, with the choice of saloon or Touring estate versions, the 5 Series is also a fine drive with a refined ride. The 5 offers maximum engine choice, with the option of efficient petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid units.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Best Luxury Car

WINNER > Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Previous generations of Mercedes-Benz’s luxury saloons are well-known for their technological firsts and the latest model is no different. Cleverest on new S-Class has to be the Drive Pilot, which uses level four autonomy to locate and park itself. Then there’s the interior, which seamlessly blends technology with the luxury you would expect from a car in this class. Hybrid petrol and diesels give a refined but involving drive.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Audi A8

Fleet Rising Star

WINNER > Jaguar Land Rover

At the start of last year there were just two Land Rover models offered with plug-in hybrid powertrains. That’s now grown to five, with the recent introduction of Discovery Sport, Evoque and Velar – transforming their relevance to fleet buyers as they move to full electrification by 2030. Factor in Jaguar’s brand cachet – its award-winning I-Pace – along with a slick fleet support network and JLR is on an upward fleet trajectory.

Fleet Manufacturer of the Year

WINNER > Škoda

The Škoda brand and range looks pretty attractive to fleets right now. It has a selection of established models – all of which are well-suited to the current fleet market. Yet the brand continues to innovate, with the established iV plug-in hybrid range growing thanks to the addition of new Octavia models, plus the all-electric Enyaq. This is complemented by new services and innovations such as the app-based diagnostics – all making fleet managers’ lives easier.
EV Fleet World

Manufacturer Awards

Best EV City Car

WINNER > Fiat 500 e

The original 500 was a stylish, fashionable and affordable way to get around town. The second generation was just a light facelift of the first, but this third-generation car is a more radical update. Despite the similar looks, it is all-new and is now electric-powered. If fleets don’t buy the 500 e for its looks, or grin-inducing drive, they will for the keen range from a choice of battery options and all with competitive pricing.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Honda e

Best EV Supermini

WINNER > Peugeot e-208

Like the standard 208, the all-electric version of Peugeot’s supermini looks sharp inside and out. Designed for an EV drivetrain from the start, the e-208’s interior is roomy and uncompromised by the battery pack. Furthermore, all versions are well-equipped and the Peugeot feels well-made. The 134hp electric motor gives keen performance, yet it still offers an impressive 217-mile range.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Vauxhall Corsa-e

Best EV Small SUV

WINNER > Kia e-Niro

The e-Niro might not be the newest model in its class, but recent tweaks have kept the SUV shape looking fresh. The reason it is still top of our EV Small SUV pile is that this model offers a scarcely believable 282-mile real-world range. A tidy drive too, the Kia is confident and competent on the road. Plus, the e-Niro interior is impressively practical, spacious and well-equipped.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Volkswagen ID.3

Best EV Medium SUV

WINNER > Jaguar I-Pace

One of the first of a new wave of EV models launched back in 2017, the Jaguar I-Pace has gone on to define the EV medium SUV class with its attractive mix of performance and a practical, attractive, luxurious interior. Finally, and most importantly, there’s the standout near 300-mile range. On the road, the ride is refined; it also masks its 2.2-tonne weight in corners – with responsive steering and excellent body control.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Audi e-tron

Best EV Compact Executive Car

WINNER > Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 is proof that the Swedes have got serious about EVs. Outside, the overall looks suggest Volvo but, inside, there’s a simple, comfortable but attractive feel – with state-of-the-art features such as the 11.5-inch infotainment screen. On the road, the Polestar 2 is easy and fun to drive. This is an electric car with real ‘want’ factor. But it’s not just a pretty face, with impressive technology and long range being other highlights.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Tesla Model 3

Best Best EV Executive Car

WINNER > Porsche Taycan

On top of being the best EV executive car, the Porsche Taycan is an electric car with real driver appeal. Acceleration is strong, plus there’s the expected dynamic handling in the twisty stuff and if you go for the Performance Battery Plus option, this brings 300+ miles of range. Yet, there’s enough room for four adults inside the high-tech, high-quality interior, as well as a practical boot. With the Taycan, Porsche has given us a vision of the low-BiK all-electric executive future.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Tesla Model S

Best EV Van

WINNER > Citroën ë-Dispatch/ Peugeot e-Expert/ Vauxhall Vivaro-e

Our Best EV Van of the Year shows the advances in technology that electric vans have gone through in just a few years. We have praised it for its range potential and competitive price, and it is factors such as these which will really persuade van fleets to consider electric vans as a viable alternative to conventionally powered vehicles. The long driving range lead is already being followed by others and could be the game changer we have been waiting for.

One to Watch

WINNER > Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s first electric model doesn’t have any visible Ford badges on it at all – this is because it uses the iconic Mustang name and running horse badging. But while there are some styling similarities, that’s where the link with Ford’s performance model ends. What you will find instead is a well-thought-out and capable electric crossover. Being a five-door, the interior is practical and spacious – there’s a good-size boot too. It is refined to drive and boasts a sophisticated ride and up to 335 miles of range.

Innovation in Electric Vehicles

WINNER > Mina

The path to fleet electrification brings a number of issues for operators to address, not least the challenge of charging. However, an answer lies at hand in Mina’s fleet EV charging solution, which has been developed to allow fleets to move at scale to electric vehicles, without having to worry about managing the complexity of EV charging costs.
Its ‘EV Fuel Card’ integrates the driver’s home charge point – regardless of the brand – along with their energy supplier and the national grid, while also providing a ‘Chargepass’ RFID card that enables charging in thousands of public charge points across the UK.
The resultant solution allows businesses to easily pay for their employees’ EV charging costs on a single invoice, whether they charge at home or on the road.
By making EV charging vastly simpler for both the fleet manager and the EV driver, Mina is helping to accelerate the move to electric vehicles.

Innovation in Technology

WINNER > GRIDSERVE

Described as the most technically advanced EV charging site in the country, the GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® at Braintree in Essex brings levels of innovation to match those seen in electric vehicle powertrains.
The site is the first dedicated EV charging site in the UK to combine multiple ultra-rapid EV chargers with a grid-scale 6MWh battery, all powered by 100% renewable energy from a solar farm.
It’s backed by a driver-focused charging experience that will rapidly roll out across the country; more than 100 Electric Forecourts in total are planned.
For fleets making the switch to EVs, the groundbreaking work by GRIDSERVE will help ensure drivers benefit from a charging experience without parallel, while also making EV driving greener, cheaper and more straightforward than ever before. In short, many of the elements needed to increase electric vehicle adoption pre-2030.
Van Fleet World

Manufacturer Awards

SMALL VAN of the year

WINNER > Ford Transit Courier

Transit Courier has the small van market covered alongside the Fiesta van and shares major driveline components with it. Buyers can choose between petrol or diesel power. There’s a choice of van or kombi body styles – the load space offers up to 590kg of gross payload and 2.3m3 of body volume. The space can be extended further with a folding mesh bulkhead, offering an easily accessible load space in a van with a small footprint.

Compact High-Cube Van of the Year​

WINNER > VW Caddy Cargo

Caddy has helped to set the standard in the Compact High-Cube van segment and the latest fifth-generation model looks set to continue the trend. It’s larger and easier to load. Engines are tried-and-tested familiar diesels with petrol and hybrid variants to follow. Buyers will have a choice of analogue or digital instruments to suit a variety of users and the tablet-like touchscreen is intuitive to use. It’s as smooth and comfortable to drive as you would expect from a Caddy. In short the Caddy is an impressive all-rounder and looks set to win new fleet customers in its first year on sale.

HIGHLY COMMENDED> Citroën Berlingo/ Peugeot Partner/ Vauxhall Combo/ Toyota Proace City

Medium Van of the Year

WINNER > Ford Transit Custom

It was the UK’s best-selling van in 2020. Continual updates have ensured that the Transit Custom has remained a firm favourite with medium van fleets. Active and Trail models have been added this year and the plug-in hybrid model is the only van in its class to feature the technology. Then there’s a choice of efficient diesels with a mild-hybrid option. Two lengths, two roof heights and a choice of panel van, double cab in van and kombi variants maximise customer choice. Up to date connectivity also ensures that Transit Custom will slot straight into fleet management and monitoring systems, in tune with the needs of many fleets.

HIGHLY COMMENDED> VW Transporter

Large Van of the Year

WINNER > Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Sprinter remains a firm favourite with fleet buyers thanks to its available combination of three roof heights and four lengths as well as conversions, chassis cab and crew cab options. It was the UK’s best-selling large van in 2020 and it’s easy to see why. Front- or rear-wheel drive – as well as automatic transmission options, a range of driver assistance, safety and connectivity features – provide customers with a wide range of choices. Add in the availability of an electric model and the Sprinter really offers something for all fleets.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Ford Transit

Pickup of the Year

WINNER > Toyota Hilux

Hilux is one of the few names that would be recognised just about anywhere in the world. The Toyota pickup has just about become a byword for dependability. Until late 2020 it largely shunned the fashionable end of the pickup market where wheels rarely get dirty. Although Toyota gave it a 201hp engine option at the end of the year, Hilux has a strong following among working users, providing single, extended and double cab options to suit the varying needs of working pickup users.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > Ford Ranger

Light Truck of the Year

WINNER > Iveco Daily

The 3,500kg GVW to 7,500kg GVW sector is a small but significant area of the market with no shortage of competition. Daily offers the broadest weight range in the sector, a choice of diesel or natural gas power, manual or automatic transmission, as well as an array of body sizes and conversion options. It is one of the most flexible vehicles in its class. Revised in 2019, Daily is now available with new driver assistance systems and a range of connectivity options.

HIGHLY COMMENDED > MAN TGE

VAN of the year

WINNER > Citroën ë-Dispatch/ Peugeot e-Expert/ Vauxhall Vivaro-e

Recent growth in the electric and hybrid van sector has been impressive even through the pandemic and lockdown. One van stands out clearly from the crowd though because of its competitive pricing and long range potential with a WLTP combined range of 143 or 205 miles according to the battery chosen. The Citroën ë-Dispatch/Peugeot e-Expert/Vauxhall Vivaro-e is the value for money champion in the van sector. Its pricing really makes this electric van an affordable alternative to petrol or diesel power, while its driving range means that operators who may have been put off before could find that an electric van is completely viable for them.

Van Manufacturer of the Year

WINNER > Ford

A manufacturer who recently racked up their 55th year as the best-selling light CV brand must be doing something right. The company’s original Transit put the company there back in 1965 and it is Transit that has kept Ford at the top ever since. Apart from a comprehensive range of LCVs, the list of additions to the Ford range in the past year demonstrates how the company has maintained its position – New 5-tonne Transit, Ranger MS-RT range, Ranger chassis cab, Active and Trail models… The only thing that stands still for Ford is its position at the top of the LCV sales ranking.
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