As we approach the end of 2016, we also approach the end of the 2016 awards season – and it seems that Renault, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are going out on a high.
Renault is 2016 Greenfleet LCV manufacturer of the year
Renault has been crowned LCV manufacturer of the year at the 2016 GreenFleet Awards. This recognises the range-wide efforts the company has made to reduce fuel consumption and improve emissions, placing it ahead of Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Fiat Professional, Nissan and LDV, which were all commended.
GreenFleet Event Manager, Colin Boynton said: “In a sector that requires all van manufacturers to comply with Euro 6 legislation, it was always going to be interesting to see which one came to the fore, and Renault seems to have done just that.
“In an impressive range of small, medium and large vans, the new Trafic stood out as a great option for fleet managers, and a huge increase in sales figures seems to reflect that. Its Twin Turbo technology, Stop & Start and Energy Smart Management, all helping it achieve impressive combined fuel consumption figures, means Renault are worthy winners of the award.”
Renault van sales are up 10% in the UK so far in 2016, and that’s in a market that’s grown just 1.4% overall. This builds on a 40% increase in 2015. In Europe, Renault has been the best-selling LCV brand for 18 consecutive years, and looks set to retain that position this year.
Mercedes and Volkswagen take home ACFO prizes
Meanwhile, at the 2016 ACFO awards, the prize for best small van of the year went to the VW Caddy and the prize for best large van of the year went to the Mercedes Sprinter.
ACFO is a representation organisation for fleet operators, and the awards are voted for by its members. That Mercedes has won the large van category with a vehicle that’s approaching its dotage (it’s due to be replaced in 2018, and this model began life back in 2006) just goes to show how highly regarded the Sprinter is among the people who work with them every day.
By contrast, the Caddy is a much newer, the current generation debuting in 2015. Volkswagen will perhaps be hoping for a clean sweep in the not too distant future, as it’s just launched an all-new version of its large van, the Crafter. (Particularly since the Crafter was previously built as a variant of the Sprinter).
Read a Renault van review on Parkers Vans
Click here for a full review of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on Parkers Vans
Click here for a full review of the Volkswagen Caddy on Parkers Vans
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