TWO Fleet News Award winners joined forces for a successful first-time auction, with BCA putting the Transit Connect under the hammer for the first time.

A batch of 21 Ford Transit Connect vans achieved on average 80% of list price. The vans were part of 82 commercial vehicles being auctioned at BCA Nottingham.

The Transit Connect was winner of Best Van Under 2.1 Tonnes and BCA was judged Best Disposal/Remarketing Company at this year's Fleet News Awards.

Steve Parker, director of commercial vehicles at Ford, said: 'Transit Connect's performance in its first auction confirmed our expectations of strong residual values. This is another significant milestone in the short life of Transit Connect.'

Chris Shambrook, auction manager at Ford, said the Connect had been well received in the industry. He added: 'Prices were strong, and confirmed our own high residual value expectations.'