Peugeot has won perhaps one of the most important awards in the calendar - the Fleet News 2011 Awards ‘Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’ accolade.

The award was decided by a panel made up of fleet industry experts and senior members of the Fleet News editorial team, chaired by former SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan and audited by Deloitte.

On presenting the award, Simon Harris, deputy editor at Fleet News, said: “Peugeot continued to drive down average emissions in 2010 and is upping the ante for 2011 with an electric vehicle, new low-CO2 diesel models, a new e-HDi micro-hybrid option and the launch of the world’s first diesel-electric hybrid.”

Phil Robson, fleet director for Peugeot UK, collected the award, saying: “We are absolutely delighted. This is a major accolade for us when efficiency and lower CO2 emissions are top of every fleet buyer’s agenda.

“It really is testament to the sustained effort that Peugeot has made over many years to refine its existing engine technology and to bring to market new, cleaner technologies that offer a genuine solution for everyday motoring. With the 3008 HYbrid4 – the world’s first diesel hybrid - coming later this year and a plug-in hybrid to follow soon after, we are the brand ‘on the move’ and one with a priority on cleaner, more fuel efficient motoring.”

2011 got off to a quick start for Peugeot with the arrival of the new iOn all-electric (zero emissions) vehicle, and is followed now with the remarkable 508 and 308 with models that feature the latest e-HDi micro-hybrid and Stop & Start System. The 3008 HYbrid4 is available from October and uniquely combines a HDi 163 diesel engine driving the front wheels with a 37bhp electric motor at the rear to give a maximum of 200bhp, drive to all four wheels, Auto, Sport, 4WD and ZEV (Zero Emissions Mode) selection, a potential of 74.4mpg with 99g/km CO2 and prices starting from £26,600.

The popular Peugeot 5008 Compact MPV was also Highly Commended in the Fleet News 2011 Awards ‘Best People Carrier’ category.