The Ford Transit Custom is VansA2Z.com Van of the Year 2013

Ford demonstrated why it remains the UK’s favourite commercial vehicle manufacturer by hitting the ball out of the park and winning an unprecedented six awards  at the recent VansA2Z Awards 2013 (apologies for the mangled sporting metaphors — the awards took place at Lords Cricket Ground, London).

The Brentwood-based company took home trophies for the following categories, with its new Transit Custom model (a direct competitor to the Mercedes Vito and Volkswagen Transporter) bagging no fewer than three:

• Ford Transit Custom – Van of the Year
• Ford Transit Custom – Best Small Panel Van
• Ford Transit Custom – Best Innovation
• Ford Transit – Best Minibus
• Ford FiestaVan – Best Small Van
• Ford Ranger – Highly Commended Pick-up

The Ford Transit Custom also claimed the overall Van of the Year award as well as winning in the Best Small Panel Van and Best Innovation categories. Its win in the Best Innovation category is particularly well deserved, as it is the first vehicle in its segment to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Ford Transit won Best Minibus for the third year running, and the frugal new Fiesta Van – which accounts more than 60 per cent of its segment – won Best Small Van. Ford Ranger, International Pick-up of the Year 2013, was highly commended.

Neil McIntee, VansA2Z editor, said:

“We’re delighted to award the Transit Custom Best Small Panel Van and the overall Van of the Year accolade. Ford has raised the bar to new heights with the introduction of Transit Custom. In terms of dynamics, refinement, safety and clever, functional design features, it is untouchable.”

The all-new Ford Transit Custom claimed the International Van of the Year 2013 title when it was launched last year and has sold more than 1,100 units since November 2012.