Ford Transit: the most reliable van in the UK

Ford commercial vehicles are the most reliable in Britain, according to the managers of the 50 largest fleets in the UK.

The Brentwood-based blue oval replaces Volkswagen as the most reliable manufacturer, according to the results of the FN50 survey, which surveys the 50 largest UK contract hire and leasing companies.

Commenting on the results, Stephen Briers, editor of Fleet News, said:

“Van reliability is arguably more important than car reliability. A van driver can’t work from home if he or she needs to deliver vital equipment or provide a necessary service. Ford’s commitment to ensuring the Transit and Transit Connect perform well in the key area of reliability should help strengthen its position as the biggest manufacturer in the UK van market.”

The Ford Transit came top of the van reliability survey with the Ford Transit Connect, retaining its second place from a year ago. In the manufacturer table, Ford moved up into the top spot ahead of Volkswagen, who also fell behind fellow German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, in what must be a disappointing result for VW.

The Ford Transit Connect came second in the FN50 survey to find the most reliable van in the UK.

Here are this year’s top ten most reliable vans (last year’s position in brackets):

1 Ford Transit (4)
2 Ford Transit Connect (2)
3 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (1)
4 Volkswagen Transporter (5)
5 Volkswagen Caddy (3)
6 Mercedes-Benz Vito
7 Vauxhall Vivaro
8 Renault Trafic
9 Vauxhall Movano
10 Citroen Berlingo

Top 10 most reliable van manufacturers (last year’s position in brackets*)

1 Ford (2)
2 Mercedes-Benz (3)
3 Volkswagen (1)
4 Vauxhall (-)
5 Citroen (-)
6 Renault (5)
7 Nissan
8 Peugeot
9 Fiat (4)
10 Toyota

(*2011 tables ranked only top five)

Those responding to the survey have a combined LCV fleet size of 160,000. The FN50 reliability survey is the largest study of its kind in the UK. For more information on the survey see www.fleetnews.com.