News from Ford and Volkswagen: Both Ford and Volkswagen had something to celebrate in the commercial vehicle categories at the 2014 Auto Express Awards.
The Ford Transit was named ‘Van of the Year’ for the second consecutive year, while Volkawagen’s able pick-up truck, the Amarok, completed its hat-trick by scooping ‘Best Pick-Up’.
The Transit’s win makes it two out of two for Ford’s commercial vehicle top seller, as the smaller Ford Transit Custom last year won the first award.
Steve Fowler, Auto Express Editor-in-Chief, said, “Ford really has thrown absolutely everything at it and come up with one of the best vans we’ve ever seen. The numbers stack up so well for businesses, while it’s easier than ever to load and more enjoyable to drive.”
The Ford Transit combines best-in-class cost of ownership with unbeatable load-carrying capability for commercial customers. It marks the completion of an unprecedented 24-month renewal of Ford’s entire European CV range. Available with various wheelbases, cab-styles and roof-heights, Ford Transit sells alongside the smaller Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier vans.
Ford was also commended for the Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi XLT in the Pick-up class.
Volkswagen’s Amarok picked up ‘Best Pick-Up’ for the third consecutive year, and was praised for its rugged styling, carrying capacity, efficient engines and high-quality interior the Amarok remains the vehicle of choice in the pick-up sector.
Fowler added, “The Amarok remains the best pick-up by some margin. Nothing comes close to its brilliant combination of carrying ability and car-like road manners, with the efficiency expected by demanding buyers. The fact it has the rugged looks required of a class-leading pick-up is the icing on the cake.
Commenting on the award Kirsten Stagg, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen, said, “We are thrilled to receive this award for Amarok. To gain this level of recognition for the third year running from such a respected title is testament to the quality and engineering excellence of the vehicle.”
Using Volkswagen’s latest 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine to bring new levels of refinement and efficiency to the pick-up market, the Amarok is just as powerful as, and more efficient than, rivals that use larger capacity units. It also has some of the lowest emissions in the sector. The Amarok range offers three trim levels, a choice of permanent or selectable 4MOTION, and a load area wide enough to fit a Euro pallet.
