The experts at Van Fleet World magazine have named Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as Van Manufacturer of the Year in the 2012 Van Fleet World Honours announced at an awards ceremony in central London this week.
As well as the top honour, Volkswagen also won two other awards, with the Caddy named as Best Small Van for the second year running, while the Transporter took the trophy for the Best Medium Van.
Commenting on Volkswagen’s trio of awards, John Kendall, Editor of Van Fleet World, said: ‘Across its model ranges, from Caddy to Crafter, the company has downsized engines and offers low emission BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology models. The DSG gearbox is still one of the best twin-clutch transmissions on the market and it’s available on Caddy and Transporter. Load sensing ESP is standard on Crafter, and the list goes on.’
For the Best Medium Van award the judges acknowledged that ‘to say competition is fierce in this sector is a bit of an understatement’, but put the Transporter at the top of the class because: ‘Volkswagen has one of the most comprehensive ranges with the Transporter offering two body lengths, three roof heights and a range of power and transmission options. It’s good to drive too and is popular with both retail and fleet customers.’
But these aren’t the only awards for Volkswagen’s van range recently as the Caddy and Crafter won Best Light Van and Best Large Van respectively in the VansA2Z Van of the Year Awards for 2012, while the Transporter was highly commended for its 4×4 Panel Van and Small Panel Van awards.
Alastair Hemmings, National Fleet Manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: ‘All these awards confirm that Volkswagen vans continue to be the best for any business.’ He continued: ‘We continue to improve our vans so that as well as being award winners, they also offer great value with lower ownership costs and competitive finance options.’
Full details of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range of vans, conversions, people carriers, pick-up and campervan are available by calling 0800 717131, or visiting volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
