Entries are now being taken for the 2012 Fleet News Awards, which recognise the best people, companies and vehicles in fleet.

For 2012 there are four new awards – three in fleet and one in the manufacturer category. For further details about how to enter, visit the awards website – www.fleetnewsawards.com. Deadline for entries is October 31, 2011.

The winners will be announced on March 21, 2012, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Awards categories

Fleet Awards

In the fleet categories, the judges will be looking for detailed understanding of all aspects of fleet management including awareness of current and future legislation and a commitment to training. Innovation and a clear plan for cost control are also important. Examples of best practice, including gaining support within the company, will be valuable as is knowledge of most factors relating to the fleet.

Fleet of the year – up to 250 vehicles
Sponsored by Nationwide
2011 winner: The Independent Group

Fleet of the year – 251-500 vehicles
Sponsored by Volkswagen
2011 winner: Iron Mountain Europe

Fleet of the year – 501-1,000 vehicles
2011 winner: Kelly Communications Plant

Fleet of the year – 1,001-plus vehicles
2011 winner: Johnson & Johnson UK

Safe fleet of the year (NEW AWARD)

The judges will be looking for clear evidence of safety initiatives introduced by the fleet and how they have impacted on safety. Vehicles, drivers and the journey will all be key considerations during the judging process, as will the fleet’s incident rates, training records and attitude towards risk management.

Green fleet of the year (NEW AWARD)

Environmental concerns are high on the agenda. Cutting CO2 emissions enables fleets to meet corporate responsibilities, win more business and reduce costs through reducing the fuel bill. This award will reward forward looking fleets that have introduced initiatives to reduce their CO2 emissions year-on-year, delivering financial and environmental benefits

Cost saving measure of the year (NEW AWARD)

This award will focus on the single best cost saving initiative or group of cost saving initiatives with a common aim driven by the fleet operator or at boardroom level. The initiative can be in any area, from the environment to risk management, from vehicle choice to driver management, but it must be well-planned and well executed, with clear evidence of the positive impact it has had on costs.

Manufacturer awards

No entries required. Fleet News will create a list containing every model on the market in each of the nine categories. The judging panel will then select the winners against the awards matrix of the 10 key criteria that fleets consider when adding cars to their choice lists. They are: Cost of ownership (SMR, depreciation, fuel); CO2 emissions/fuel efficiency; Euro NCAP rating; Reliability; Fleet back up/aftersales support; Manufacturer support (conversions, business support, bespoke relationships); Driver appeal; Residual values; Employer/employee tax burden; Range consideration.

Best Small Car
2011 winner Volkswagen Polo

Best lower medium Car
2011 winner Volkswagen Golf

Best Upper Medium Car
2011 winner Skoda Superb

Best estate car
2011 winner BMW 5 Series Touring

Best off-road vehicle (NEW AWARD)

Best people carrier
2011 winner Ford C-Max

Best Crossover
2011 winner Kia Sportage

Best Premium Car
2011 winner BMW 3 Series

Best Boardroom Car
2011 winner BMW 5 Series

Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year
2011 winner Peugeot

This award has been created to recognise the efforts of manufacturers that are developing cars which are greener and more economical. It will also take into account manufacturers’ own environmental credentials, in terms of sustainability in action and production.

Most improved fleet manufacturer of the year
2011 winner Renault

This category is designed to honour those manufacturers that have made the biggest strides forward in terms of their relationships with fleets over the past 12 months, considering new initiatives, improved service or simply a new approach towards fleet.

Supplier Awards

Leasing company of the year
2011 winner Arval UK

Recognising the companies that focus on services, cost reduction, environmental initiatives, safety and risk management, as well as customer care and innovation.

Best short-term rental company
2011 winner Hertz UK

The judges will be looking for innovation, new services, a clear understanding of customers’ needs and case studies which show evidence of the company’s impact on a fleet operator.

Customer service award
Sponsored by Skoda 2011 winner: LeasePlan

Recognising customer service initiatives that help make running a fleet easier and less stressful.

Best new product or service
2011 winner Arval UK

This award is designed to recognise a new product or service launched by a supplier during 2011. Innovation and the ability to show how the product/service benefits fleets will be key.

Environmental award
2011 winner The Miles Consultancy

This award is open to service providers who can show how they are helping fleets reduce their impact on the environment.

Headline Awards

Fleet Manager of the Year
2011 winner Val South, Xerox

Key to the success of any fleet operation is a dedicated fleet manager. For this award, the judges will be looking for a co-ordinated commitment to efficiency, safety, environment and driver satisfaction, with an inclusive approach covering fleet management, HR, procurement, health and safety and senior executives.

New company car of the year
2011 winner Ford C-Max

Voted for by fleet decision makers, this award recognises the best company car that was launched or significantly refreshed in 2011. Readers consider wholelife costs, reliability, safety and driver appeal in their deliberations.

Fleet manufacturer of the year
2011 winner BMW

Being a successful fleet manufacturer is about more than selling cars. The award, voted for by Fleet News readers, recognises the efforts made in new products and support services that make a fleet manager’s life easier.

Fleet News Hall of Fame
Sponsored by Seat
2011 winner: Phil Redman

Decided by Fleet News editor Stephen Briers in consultation with experts in the fleet sector, this is the lifetime achievement award for somebody that has made an exceptional contribution to the fleet industry. Nominations can be made by emailing fleetnews@bauermedia.co.uk (please put ‘Hall of Fame’ in the subject line)

The judges

Fleet awards
Stephen Briers, Fleet News editor; Julie Jenner, ACFO chairman; James Langley, ICFM deputy chairman; Val South, Xerox & 2011 fleet manager of the year.

Manufacturer awards
Stephen Briers; Simon Harris, Fleet News deputy editor; Julie Jenner; Martin Ward, CAP relationships manager; Andy Cutler, EurotaxGlass’s editor, cars; Kirsty Gibson, Deloitte head of benefits; Tony Leigh, PricewaterhouseCoopers head of car fleet services; Estelle Howick, Pfizer fleet manager (TBC)

Supplier awards
Stephen Briers; John Maslen, Sewells brand director; Debbie Floyde, Bauer fleet manager; John Pryor, Arcadia car fleet and travel manager; Damian James, Bracknell Forest Borough Council head of transport; Liz Hollands, FTA fleet and facilities manager; Tristan Campbell, Chivas fleet manager

How to enter

Fleet and supplier awards:

Go to www.fleetnewsawards.com for entry details or email nicola.baxter@bauermedia.co.uk. Shortlisted fleet entrants will be invited to make a presentation to the judges in early February 2012. Deadline for entries: October 31, 2011.

Manufacturer awards:

Entries only for green manufacturer and most improved manufacturer. All models categories are judged on a 10-point matrix.

Headline awards:

Hall of Fame and fleet manager are judged. Fleets vote for their car and manufacturer of the year – they decide the winners.
 

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