The WhatVan? Awards for 2014, sponsored by LeasePlan, recognised the most successful commercial vehicles in the UK.
Since establishing its specialist Commercial Vehicle division in March 2011, LeasePlan has focused on delivering solutions that actually deliver what operators need – rather than merely adapting the standard models of car leasing for vans. It is therefore proud to support awards which recognise equivalent excellence and innovation from manufacturers.
The big winner at the awards was Ford, which has also conducted a major overhaul of its approach to the LCV sector during the past two years, and which won with the Transit Custom in both Medium and Van of the Year categories. In the latter class, it became the first van ever to win the award two years in a row. The company also won in the Small Van section (with the Ford Fiesta Van) and, with the Ford Ranger, in the Pick-Up category.
The awards, at a lunch at Zaika in Kensington, west London, were attended by 60 of the most influential figures in the field and also inaugurated the WhatVan? Hall of Fame, which recognised the Vauxhall Vivaro, which debuted in 2001.
Other vans to come away as winners from the awards included the Mercedes Sprinter (in the Large Van class) and the Mitsubishi Outlander (Best 4×4 Van) while, for the second year running, the Fiat Doblo Cargo and its twin, the Vauxhall Combo, took the honours in the Light Van class.
LeasePlan’s support for the awards reflects the growing importance of the CV sector to the company, which now has a fleet of more than 37,000 vehicles, comprising 27% of the entire fleet, and becoming its fastest growing division. The company’s success springs from its recognition that the needs of car and commercial vehicle drivers are different.
Crucial to that approach is the insight that managing downtime is of critical importance to Commercial Vehicle operators, and working with manufacturers to ensure that the servicing, maintenance and repair schedules meet the customers’ needs. The proactive use of telematics can help to optimise driver behaviour and cut costs and, by monitoring use and mileage every 24 hours, cut the time that vehicles are off the road by up to 60%.
LeasePlan’s dedicated Commercial Vehicle team, along with its sponsorship of the WhatVan? Awards, is a commitment to the needs of the operators of commercial vehicles. And like the awards, LeasePlan recognises that the van you need depends on the work you do, and understands that vans are working vehicles, treating them as “small trucks, rather than big cars”.
LeasePlan will be exhibiting at The Commercial Vehicle Show 2014 on 29 April – 1st May [Stand 5H120].
