The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bagged the 2013 Fleet Van of the Year and 2013 Large Panel Van of the Year awards at least week’s Fleet Van awards.

It’s the sixth consecutive year in which the Sprinter has won the Large Panel Van award, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Ford’s all-new two-tonne Transit, which goes on sale in the UK next year.

Earlier this year, the Sprinter range became the first van range to meet Euro VI emissions standards. The new Sprinter can deliver fuel consumption of up to 44mpg and emissions as low as 165g/km, depending on the precise model. Stephen Briers, editor-in-chief at Fleet News, says that it was simply a case of the best getting better:

The Large Panel Van was awarded to the Sprinter because it is packed with the latest technology that will appeal to safety-conscious fleets. It tops the table for residual values and also for driver appeal. Backed by Mercedes-Benz’s excellent dealer network with 24/7 response and roadside fixes, the Sprinter remains the one to beat.

In addition to class leading fuel economy the New Sprinter comes equipped with a range of new safety assistance systems, including World firsts in the van segment. These new features include Crosswind Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Assist, all of which augment the standard fit ESP.

The Fleet Van Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, including  Stephen Briers, Editor of Fleet News, Simon Harris, Deputy Editor of Fleet News, Trevor Gelken, Associate Editor of Fleet Van, Alastair Houston, Northgate Vehicle Hire, George Alexander, Glass’s Guide, Ken Brown, CAP, Steve Crawshaw, LeasePlan and Gary Banister, Lex Autolease Senior Manager, CVs.