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GBFE 2020 – Partners
The best in fleet!
The Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards 2024 celebrated the best in fleet in style! The black tie awards ceremony showcased the very best the fleet industry has to offer, from superstar fleet managers and suppliers, all the way through to the best cars, EVs and vans on the market today.
Congratulations to all the worthy winners of this year’s awards!
Innovation in RISK MANAGEMENT
WINNER > Geotab
The Geotab Safety Center is breaking new ground in the field of fleet safety, leveraging the predictive power of AI and data analytics.
Built to empower fleets with enhanced visibility into risk factors that lead to collisions, it proactively pinpoints potential safety breaches and guides managers in executing focused coaching and informed operational decisions.
It’s available within the MyGeotab platform and complemented by Geotab’s new Enhanced Collision Detection feature, which focuses on improving the precision and accuracy of collision detection to avert incidents before they unfold.
The new solution builds upon a robust suite of safety functions that Geotab already offers – such as risk event reports, safety scorecards and video telematics – and is helping reshape the face of fleet risk management.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > FORS (Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme)
Innovation in COST REDUCTION
WINNER > Holman
Holman’s Portfolio Management maximises return by using data to inform customers which vehicles to defleet and when to reduce spending on poorly performing vehicles.
Each vehicle is treated as a unique asset, with performance explored using real-time data. This allows customers to make the most efficient and cost-effective fleet decisions about whether to invest in maintenance and repairs, or replace the vehicle altogether.
Examples of annual customer savings include one logistics fleet that saved £11k across 26 assets in 12 months.
Hand in hand with vehicle monitoring, strategic investments and other improvements, Holman has been able to save its customers more than £100m in the last year – including significant reductions in maintenance spend and on lease extensions – helping customers optimise fleet performance and achieve unparalleled efficiency.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Trakm8
Innovation in MOBILITY
WINNER > Fleetondemand
In the world of business transportation, the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional rental services often falls short of the needs of modern businesses and their employees.
Recognising this gap, Fleetondemand created GT Suite, an enhanced ground transportation platform that helps customers to choose the best mobility option for their business needs.
GT Suite offers access to fully integrated Fleetondemand services, including UK and international vehicle hire, taxi, private hire, and car sharing services, in addition to Fleetondemand’s flexible mid-term rental products – Select Plus and EV Plus.
It provides fully integrated booking, management, reporting and centralised billing for all business journeys – and gives fleet managers and bookers a powerful tool to make transport decisions based on cost, productivity and carbon emissions.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Northgate
Innovation in customer service
WINNERS > Fleet Service GB and Innovation Professional Services
As joint winner of this award, Fleet Service GB has been praised for building strong and long-term relationships with their clients and working collaboratively to find solutions… in turn delivering not only class-leading customer standards, but also performance.
Innovation’s feedback from AFP members’ drivers has been exemplary and nothing is ever too much trouble for the company, with them standing out for always taking time to ensure any queries are resolved… And even being flexible enough to implement new bespoke policies to improve fleet efficiency!
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Fleet Check and Enterprise Mobility
Innovation in SMR
WINNER > Fleet Assist
Fleet Assist has re-engineered and relaunched its core Atlas Business Intelligence platform to provide fleets with valuable SMR EV information as they continue to come to terms with how EVs and ICE vehicles are performing at different life stages.
The tool collates all customer servicing and MOT jobs across a customer fleet of 1.3 million car and LCVs at just under 8,000 individual UK garage data points.
All data is available online to customers in real time and free of charge. In a marketplace full of erroneous messages, it gives a unique view of a customer’s SMR performance and unprecedented insight to help establish real trends as EV penetration continues to increase.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > CLM Fleet Management
Innovation in FUNDING
WINNER > Grosvenor Leasing
Grosvenor Leasing’s new EValuate service offers used electric vehicles over flexible lease periods – delivering an innovative funding solution that’s helping fleets kickstart their electrification journey.
Developed in close consultation with fleets, EValuate delivers all the benefits and support of leasing, with an emphasis on providing electric cars and vans that are two to three years old.
It’s offered with flexible hire terms, from one month to three years, allowing companies to stage their EV transition. Fleets can return vehicles early without penalty if needed or extend to a standard lease where vehicles prove a good fit. EValuate vehicles can also be delivered through Grosvenor’s salary sacrifice scheme.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > JCT600 VLS
Innovation in remarketing
WINNER > epyx
Launched in 2002 and already one of the most popular remarketing platforms for fleets, 1link Disposal Network was further enhanced in late 2023.
A key strength of the platform has always been that it is completely channel-agnostic and the new Multi-Channel Remarketing builds on this strength.
The key shift is the ability to simultaneous offer vehicles for sale across different channels with different needs. This enables fleets to ensure that the remarketing strategy adopted has the best possible chance of maximisation – essential in a volatile market.
It also delivers a new marketing tool that enables fleets to add a range of ‘special offers’ to vehicle disposals, speeding up sales and turning assets into cash quickly – further adding to the 1link Disposal Network’s ground-breaking functionality.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Autoserve
Innovation in digital
WINNER > Diode
Diode’s EV Readiness platform provides a simple yet highly sophisticated way to simplify the pathway to fleet electrification.
It creates a driving profile on each individual vehicle within a fleet, which is used to simulate the real-world replacement with an electric vehicle under a full year of temperature scenarios. It also identifies charging needs, allowing the expected costs and charging behaviour to be accurately estimated.
Results can be aggregated up to a fleet level, including overall running cost and CO2 savings, as well as the need for workplace charging. This builds a full picture of EV readiness across company cars and LCVs.
Already deployed by financial giants such as NatWest Group, Athlon and Fleet Alliance, it’s having a big impact on fleets’ journey to net zero. Not bad for a small start-up!
HIGHLY COMMENDED > DAVIS Coaching
Fleet Manager Superstar
WINNER > Andrew Teer
Smith Brothers Stores
Since joining the team at Smith Brothers Stores (SBS) just before the pandemic, transport operations manager Andrew Teer has managed to achieve its first-phase decarbonisation goals while also implementing wider transformative changes across the fleet. The business has now replaced all its conventional petrol/diesel cars with BEVs and PHEVs, backed by companywide charging infrastructure.
That’s by no means all though and Andrew spearheaded the business’s FORS Gold application, further demonstrating exemplary levels of best practice in transport safety, efficiency and environmental protection. SBS is also laying the foundations to ensure the decarbonisation of its LCV and HGV fleets. Its work will definitely be one to watch.
Financial Superstar
WINNER > Matthew Neale
Platform Housing Group
Since joining the group in 2021, Matthew Neale has adopted and embedded all four values within the fleet team – with some impressive results.
Achievements include implementing a new fleet management system alongside telematics technology and latest vehicle safety tech. He’s also created a best-in-class fleet management team, revamped the driving for work policy and handbook, shifted to an outright purchase model, introduced electric vans supported by chargers, shifted to a new solus fleet supply deal and launched a sal-sac scheme – among many other accomplishments too.
The result has been savings of some £1.9m – not to mention strong advances in fleet efficiency and driver safety.
ECO Superstar
WINNER > Sarah Wellstead
Hoare Lea
Going electric can bring many challenges but Sarah Wellstead, senior fleet co-ordinator at engineering consultancy firm Hoare Lea, has shown how a determined and targeted approach can reap benefits.
In the last four years, she’s helped change the fleet profile to predominantly BEV, supported by employee events and education and the launch of a BEV-only salary scheme. While the company has also retained a traditional fleet scheme for job-need drivers who can’t go electric, it’s capped CO2 to ensure only low-emission PHEVs are available.
The result has been a big drop in CO2 emissions, some strong results for the ESG team and a great example for other fleets to follow.
Best Fleet Supermini
WINNER > Renault Clio
Available with hybrid or petrol engines, the striking new Clio offers plenty of choice for drivers in a package that offers plenty of comfort, performance and economy. The interior layout and seats are particularly impressive, along with the running costs.
Best Fleet Small SUV
WINNER > Mazda MX-30
Mazda remains committed to petrol and diesel models but is also progressing with alternatives and the MX-30 – with upgraded EV and plug-in hybrid variants – is a great illustration of what the company can do in covering all bases.
Best Fleet MEDIUM SUV
WINNER > Kia Sportage
Retaining its 2023 GBF Award, in a super-competitive segment, the Sportage still impresses as a fantastic all-rounder. The interior is particularly user-friendly, while hybrid technology puts it firmly on the list of cars that fleets will be considering now and in the future.
Best Fleet LARGE SUV
WINNER > Volkswagen Touareg
The new Touareg represents a big step forward when it comes to interior quality, refinement and performance. The latest plug-in hybrid model is an impressive and viable option for drivers who are keen to reduce fuel costs, but still experience all of the benefits of a large SUV.
Best FLEET MEDIUM CAR
WINNER > Peugeot 308
The 308 stands out as a vehicle that does everything really well. Comfort, refinement and a well laid-out interior are just three of the elements that make it such a popular choice with fleets. The option of the SW alongside the standard model just adds to the Peugeot’s appeal.
Best FLEET EXECUTIVE CAR
WINNER > BMW 5 Series
Best Luxury Car
WINNER > Range Rover
Another year on from the introduction of the latest Range Rover and it continues to impress – and attract buyers. The moment you step through the door, it oozes class – and it is equally impressive on – and off the road. Drivers and passengers will be transported in comfort, with ultimate refinement and performance added in.
Fleet Rising Star
WINNER > BYD
BYD made an impressive entry into the UK market with Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal last year and all the signs are that the company will build on that success through 2024 and beyond. For those drivers looking to make a move into an electric vehicle from a petrol or diesel car, BYD’s models should definitely be on the shortlist
Fleet Manufacturer of the Year
WINNER > Volkswagen
Volkswagen’s ever-growing ID lineup of EVs continues to impress, offering fleet drivers more viable options for their next car. Meanwhile, a continuing commitment to hybrids and ICE models ensures that the firm has the broadest range of powertrains for drivers and managers, with excellent all-round support for fleets too.
Best EV COMPACT Car
WINNER > MG4 EV
A mightily impressive component of the MG range, which continues to launch products that enable drivers to transition to electric vehicles in a cost-effective way. Value for money isn’t the only positive here, though – the MG4 EV is great to drive, spacious and offers an excellent driving range.
Best EV SMALL SUV
WINNER > Volvo EX30
One of the most eagerly-awaited cars of recent times – electric or otherwise – the EX30 has won a lot of admirers with its performance, use of sustainable materials and comfort. The Tesla-inspired minimalist interior will appeal to a lot of drivers, too.
Best EV Medium SUV
WINNER > Audi Q4 e-tron
With the usual high interior quality drivers expect from an Audi – and impressive driving dynamics – the Q4 e-tron is still the go-to electric SUV in this segment. Other e-tron models have taken inspiration and confidence from the success that Audi has had with the Q4.
Best EV LARGE SUV
WINNER > Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 could be the electric vehicle that moves more drivers away from petrol or diesel car than any other. Key attributes include seven seats, a high-quality interior and more miles from the battery to cure almost any case of range anxiety.
Best EV EXECUTIVE CAR
WINNER > Hyundai IONIQ 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 truly stands out from the crowd, maximising efficiency with its aerodynamics and ultra-fast charging capabilities. Meanwhile, the high quality and hi-tech interior provides a comfortable and relaxing environment for every sort of journey.
Innovation in Electric Vehicles
WINNER > Motor Assist
Developed by AX, Motor Assist is an innovative and modular incident and claims management service designed to be fully flexible to support the varied needs of fleet operators and drivers.
Backed by a dedicated team, the technology-led solution covers every process including FNOL, triage, repair deployment, downtime management, mobility solutions, and now also incorporates AX’s EV-for-EV replacement vehicle guarantee.
The service uses a cutting-edge, platform MAccess that has been built to its own specification to optimise the customer journey. It also harnesses the data generated by vehicles allowing effective management of downtime and control of costs. Fleets can choose between a full end-to-end offering or a bespoke modular approach that best suits their needs.
It’s an innovative approach that’s working to take the headache out of incident management, helping fleets get back on the road faster.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > AnnexusEV
Innovation in Technology
WINNER > Allstar
Allstar Chargepass is supporting UK businesses to transition to EVs by providing an all-in-one payment solution that can help businesses work smarter across the board.
Through the acquisition of Mina by Allstar’s parent company, Fleetcor, Allstar Chargepass has enhanced its offering, blending Mina’s start-up ingenuity of a start-up with the market-leading capabilities of Allstar. It enables fleets to switch to full electric, hybrid or mixed fuelled fleets by combining the payment of on-the-road and at-home charging into a singular proposition, alongside traditional refuelling.
Customers get a holistic view of all charging sessions across the fleet alongside any traditional refuelling, with consolidated billing, accurate driver settlement and online reporting simplifying charging and fuel needs by combining them under one payment solution. It’s a game-changer for fleets going electric – and a core part of Allstar’s work to help companies drive down CO2 emissions long into the future.
HIGHLY COMMENDED > Iveco
SMALL Van of the Year
WINNER > Toyota Corolla Commercial
Winning for the second year in succession, the Toyota Corolla Commercial is an impressive car-derived van, offering an accessible load space, easy driving experience with Toyota’s latest generation hybrid system and impressive fuel consumption. 60mpg is easily achievable. It’s built and converted at Toyota’s Burnaston facility near Derby. The latest version, launched about a year ago is even better than the original, with improved fuel consumption and driveability. Add in Toyota’s enviable reputation for reliability and it offers an excellent solution for short or long-distance work.
Compact High-Cube Van of the Year
WINNER > Ford Transit Courier
Just hitting showrooms now, the latest Transit Courier is larger than before and is also the most comprehensively equipped to date. There’s a choice of petrol (with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission) or diesel engines, which will be joined later this year by a battery electric model. All variants are well specified and Transit Courier offers a wide range of options with the full backing of the Ford Pro network and support services. Transit Courier offers a payload of up to 465kg and a load space of up to 2.9m3. It’s well-equipped, easy to drive and offers a broad range of trim and power options.
MEDIUM van of the Year
WINNER > Ford Transit Custom
Another new Ford this year and a crucial one for the company. Transit Custom is not only Ford’s best-selling van in the UK, but also its best-selling model. The range is comprehensive with a panel van, double cab in van, kombi and kombi van, as well as the Tourneo people mover. Then there are two lengths and two roof heights, available with both body lengths. It’s a comprehensive range, specification is generous and there are numerous options, including the Multicab, offering more versatility than a double cab. Plug in hybrids should join the diesels soon and electric variants are due later in the year.
Light Truck of the Year
WINNER > Iveco Daily
The big change for the Daily range this year is the arrival of the electric variant, featuring a modular battery pack. Depending on wheelbase, customers can choose between one, two or three battery packs, thereby optimising payload or range as needed. Add in three drive modes, three regenerative braking modes, the same body configurations that are available with diesel models, plus a long list of options and eDaily has a lot to offer. The modular battery pack means that battery modules can be added or removed throughout the life of the vehicle, something unique to the eDaily.
Large Van of the Year
WINNER > Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
The Sprinter has been an enduring favourite in the large van sector thanks to the winning combination of a wide range of body variants and chassis, a range of power options and transmissions, a choice of powertrains offering low running costs and plenty of driver appeal. The latest revisions to electric models arrived too late for these awards but these will make them more competitive when they arrive shortly. Vans come in three lengths and there is a long list of options that should satisfy most van fleets. The cab interior resembles that from the Mercedes-Benz car range, adding further to the driver appeal.
Pickup of the Year
WINNER > Ford Ranger
The Ranger has been the UK’s best-selling pickup truck for some time and the latest model is already highly visible on our roads, even though it has only come to market in the past year. It’s larger, more comfortable and capable and offers a range of power options, including four and six-cylinder diesels with a petrol plug-in hybrid expected next year. There’s V6 petrol power too but aimed more at leisure users than business fleet customers. It’s the 2024 International Pickup of the Year and its versatility and ability mean that it’s an easy choice for fleets needing a pickup truck with universal appeal.
EV VAN OF THE YEAR
WINNER > Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
We couldn’t help liking the ID. Buzz Cargo. The design stopped people in the streets, the simple instrumentation and clean cab design is shared with the ID. passenger car range and the 245-mile range helps to add to its practicality. Sliding doors each side are standard, as are twin rear doors and a wooden floor covering. With space for two Euro pallets in the back, the load area is well thought out too. Payload could be better, but it’s good to drive and a great way to get noticed if you need a vehicle that attracts attention. It’s a good counter to those who think electric vans are dull.
ONE TO WATCH
WINNER > Canoo
A new name for the UK market, but not a new startup. US-based Canoo builds a range of electric vehicles from cars to vans and a pickup truck. The company has an impressive client list in the US and is expanding into other markets too. Visitors to the Great British Fleet Event will have seen one of Canoo’s vehicles and the company will also be attending the CV Show. The light CV EV transition in the UK is happening faster than critics would have you believe and Canoo intends to be part of it.
Van Manufacturer of the Year
WINNER > Stellantis
Merging two vehicle brands is enough of a challenge, but trying to bring five together certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted. In the past year, Stellantis has revised the van ranges for Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot, Vauxhall and Opel. Each model has received a facelift and range has been extended for all electric models, while all new vans are now equipped for connectivity from the factory. The largest electric vans now all get the same motor and battery, while there are new transmissions for diesel models. At the same time, Stellantis has formed a new business unit, Pro One to handle LCV sales for all brands. It’s been quite a year…