All the winners and judges comments from the 2011 Fleet News Awards

Supplier Awards

Environment - The Miles Consultancy
Judges comments:
“TMC doesn’t just provide a tool for data, it analyses the data in order for fleets to really drive environmental benefits. This is a tool that is of use to everyone. It reduces admin because the impetus is on the drivers to input data which TMC then analyses.”

Customer service - Leaseplan
Judges comments:
“LeasePlan takes a flexible, top down/bottom up approach to customer service with plenty of innovation and actions that make a real difference. It has good processes to monitor and anticipate complaints – and takes immediate action. “

New product/service - Arval
Judges comments:
“An innovative new product that should help companies with their overall travel and mobility plans. In the current economic climate, this is the sort of idea that will help fleets to tackle their massive cost base and utilise all the available assets. We believe this will be a trend setting product that other leasing companies are likely to follow.”

Safety award - Peak Performance
Judges comments:
“Useful training courses and excellent, in-depth products creates a comprehensive offering for fleets. Extensive tests include on and off-road training and post crash analysis. This is a product that anyone can use whether company car driver or grey fleet driver.”

Short-term rental company of the year - Hertz
Judges comments:
“Good, clear rental initiatives and outstanding levels of innovation. Hertz clearly goes the extra mile on customer service and is using the latest technologies with great impact for their fleet customers. The environment is also high on the agenda with its green collection.”

Leasing company of the year - Arval
Judges comments:
“It took close to three hours for the judges to separate the top two companies in this category. Arval’s wide range of services and its coverage of the entire fleet sector, from SMEs to large corporates just gave it the edge. The company majors on CSR and safety and provided outstanding testimonials to back up its entry. Its latest tools really deliver efficiency and cost savings.”
 

FLEET

Fleet initiative of the year - Balfour Beatty
Judges comments:
“Balfour Beatty was one of the first companies to embark on a policy of Zero Harm – it’s now being emulated by many others. Every year the company adds new initiatives to strengthen its risk management and 2010 was no different. This really is the template that other fleets should follow.”

Fleet of the year – under 250 vehicles - The Independant Group
Judges comments:
“A finalist last year, The Independent Group has succeeded on every initiative it showed the judges last year. Cost savings, safety improvements and a greener fleet have all been achieved with compelling evidence. The Independent Group uses a mix of carrot and stick to control its drivers – and it’s working.”

Fleet of the year – 251-500 vehicles - Iron Mountain
Judges comments:
“A 93% reduction in accidents and a comprehensive driver policy that incorporates both company cars and the grey fleet led Iron Mountain to success in this category. Good measurement controls and a close working relationship with its key suppliers underpin Iron Mountain’s achievements.”

Fleet of the year – 501-1000 vehicles - Kelly Communications
Judges comments:
“A highly professional fleet operation that focuses on a range of key performance indicators to monitor and measure its actions. Kelly employs hard hitting practices where necessary to drive good behaviour, but also gives its employees training and support to help them improve.”

Fleet of the year – 1000+ vehicles - Johnson & Johnson
Judges comments:
“No stone is left unturned by Johnson & Johnson as it seeks fleet perfection. Excellent business controls and performance monitoring – for both its grey fleet drivers and company car drivers - enable it to tackle every aspect of the total cost of ownership model, driving up and maximising efficiencies.”

MANUFACTURER

Best Small Car - Volkswagen Polo
A broad range of engines with low-CO2 choices and a choice of three door and five door models make it appealing to fleets and drivers.

Best Lower-Medium Car - Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf offers unrivalled depth to its range from Bluemotion right up to GTI and R models. It is a strong proposition on running costs and attractive to drivers thanks to its image.

Best Upper-medium Car - Skoda Superb
A combination of low running costs, a broad range, high quality and a luxury car feel eventually gave it the nod over the refreshed Ford Mondeo by the smallest of margins.

Best People Carrier - Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max
The new C-Max and Grand C-Max stand out thanks to clever and flexible seating and sliding rear passenger doors in a highly competitive sector with a range of new entrants.

Best Estate Car - BMW 5 Series Touring
Strong performance with low-CO2 technology, desirable image and competitive running costs make the BMW 5 Series stand out as the estate car you can choose with your head and heart.

Best SUV - BMW X3
An all new model brings BMW’s EfficientDyanmics technology to the compact SUV sector, with class-leading CO2 emissions for a four-wheel drive car, strong residual values and low BIK tax liability.

Best Premium Car - BMW 3 Series
The introduction of the 320d ED saloon in 2010 moved the game on in the premium sector and the other manufacturers are playing catch up, while the 3 Series also has great depth in its range.

Best Boardroom Car - BMW 5 Series
The new 5 Series allows drivers to choose versions with CO2 emissions below 130g/km at the lower and of the range, but also high-performance diesel versions at below 160g/km. Excellent residual values, low overall running costs, spacious interior and engaging driving behaviour add to its appeal.

Best Crossover - Kia Sportage
The Sportage benefits from high quality, attractive styling and low running costs, and is supported by a brand increasing its profile in the fleet sector. The Sportage also represents excellent value.

Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer of the Year - Renault
Renault’s efforts in listening to what fleet operators want and going the extra mile to deliver it has resulted in a transformation in how it is now perceived in the industry.

Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year - Peugeot
Peugeot continued to drive down average emissions in 2010 and prepares for 2011 with an electric vehicle, new low-CO2 diesel models, a new e-HDi micro-hybrid option and will launch the world’s first diesel-electric hybrid

HEADLINE

Fleet supplier of the year - The AA
Judges comments:
“This was a unanimous decision. The AA is a true fleet supplier with a wide catalogue of services. Its fantastic range of products and services all do what they say and all benefit the fleet end user. From accident management to breakdown and recovery to driver training and windscreen replacement, the AA has a wide range of fleet enhancing services to help drive efficiency.”

Fleet manager of the year - Val South
Judges comments:
“Although Val has been fleet manager at Xerox for 32 years, she has never taken her foot off the accelerator. New initiatives are sought out and employed to constantly drive efficiencies and reduce costs. The judges were impressed by her strategic thinking and knowledge of both the Xerox fleet and the general principles of fleet management. A remarkable fleet manager and a deserved winner.”

Voted for by Fleet News Readers

New company car of the year - Ford C-Max/Grand C Max
Fleet manufacturer of the year -BMW
Fleet News Hall of Fame -Phil Redman