Value for money and vehicle reliability are vital characteristics for cars and vans winning fleet decision-makers’ plaudits and those features were crucial in Volkswagen and Ford retaining their respective ACFO Car and Vans of the Year Awards. Ford scored a double win again, with the Ford Transit Connect named as “Fleet Light Van of the Year” for the sixth time while, for the 14th year in succession, the all-round excellence of the ubiquitous Ford Transit won ACFO’s “Fleet Panel Van of the Year” Award.Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Golf range won the ACFO “Fleet Car of the Year” Award for the second time after making the breakthrough to top spot last year. The 2008 Awards will be presented on Wednesday, November 26 at ACFO’s annual Awards Dinner being held at the Lea Marston Hotel, Sutton Coldfield. Vincent Kinner, head of fleet services at Volkswagen UK, said: “It is a tremendous honour for the Golf to receive this award - made particularly special given the strength of the competition in this market. The Golf is now in its 34th year and continues, as it did in 1974, to set new benchmarks in terms of value, safety, practicality and refinement. On behalf of Volkswagen UK I’m extremely proud that AFCO members have seen fit to name it their Fleet Car of 2008.” Ford’s director, fleet operations, Kevin Griffin said: “The Transit family is built tough. We have ensured over the years that any product bearing the Transit brand delivers up to and beyond customers’ normal expectations. This is the 14th consecutive year for Transit and the sixth consecutive year for Transit Connect. The views of the ACFO membership are very important to us. We are aware that there is a great deal of choice in the marketplace and to be voted best Fleet Panel Van and best Fleet Light Van by the members of ACFO makes us very proud of our investment. We will not rest on our laurels in a market, which is more dynamic than ever.”ACFO chairman Julie Jenner said: “Ford’s light commercial vehicles are known as the ‘backbone of Britain’ and for good reason. The steady evolution of the vehicles in terms of the engine choice, specification and range of derivatives continues to prove to be a winning combination for fleet operators.“The Awards continue to represent the true face of fleet operations, rather than showroom appeal. By voting for a lower medium sector model as ACFO Car of the Year for the fifth year in succession, fleet operators are sending a clear message to the Government that companies are looking to operate the most environmentally-friendly vehicles available subject to them being fit-for-purpose and offering excellent whole-life costs. “With the onset of recession, cost management is the number one priority for fleet decision-makers and the trio of winners all offer value for money.” Julie added: “Aftersales service is also crucial to fleets and ACFO members particularly appreciate the level of professionalism from dealer networks. A high quality aftersales experience is crucial to cost-effective hassle-free motoring for fleets. ACFO believes that its Fleet Car and Vans of the Year Awards are highly prized by vehicle manufacturers, because they are based on members’ detailed day-to-day operating experience of vehicles actually in use in their fleets, over a minimum12-month period. This provides a clear separation of the ACFO poll from many others as success relies on hard, practical experience in all aspects, including dealership backup.