Ford Triumphs At 2011 ACFO Awards

BRENTWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM – Nov 3, 2011: UK market leader Ford came home from the 2011 ACFO awards having won four of the seven available fleet business trophies.

Two of Ford's awards went to the all-new Ford Focus launched this year – which was named Fleet Car of the Year by the premier organisation for fleet operators.

The other pair of Ford awards was won by its commercial vehicle stars – the Ford Transit, which is the UK's top selling van, and its compact sibling, the Ford Transit Connect.

Ford Transit Connect Van was voted Small Van of the Year for the ninth year in succession, while its Transit stablemate returned to the winner’s rostrum to become Large Van of the Year for the 15th time in the awards' history.

Determined by influential ACFO fleet operator members, their Fleet Car of the Year trophy went to the new Ford Focus – within months of going on sale. Its innovative Driver Assistance Pack, which offers seven advanced accident prevention technologies for only £750, is ACFO's Fleet Safety Initiative of the Year.

Kevin Griffin, Ford of Britain fleet director, said: "This early industry endorsement of our new Ford Focus confirms it as a company car of choice. ACFO members' opinions are highly prized as they reflect the day-to-day operational experience and expertise of fleet decision-makers.

"Ford's safety award for the all-new Ford Focus' Driver Assistance Pack is further proof that our investment in technology is relevant, affordable and recognised by company car drivers. Winning two further awards for Transit and Transit Connect reinforces the choice and value we offer to commercial vehicle as well as car customers.”

Ford's acclaimed Driver Assistance aid features Traffic Sign Recognition, which uses a forward-facing camera to scan speed signs and displays a reminder of the last sign passed, Active City Stop to brake the car if the vehicle in front stops suddenly, an alert to static or moving obstacles in the blind spot, auto high beam, lane keeping aid and lane departure warning, and a warning if erratic driver behaviour could indicate excessive fatigue.

ACFO chairman Julie Jenner said: “Fleet decision-makers are reliant on motor manufacturers to deliver vehicles that are cost effective to operate, safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly.

“The availability of top quality vehicles maintains downtime to a minimum and fleet managers can focus more on the efficient and effective operation of vehicles to support their businesses.”