Ford Transit Custom steals the show at 2013 What Van? Awards

Ford Transit Custom steals the show at 2013 What Van? Awards

Ford and Vauxhall were the big winners at this year's What Van? Awards, when they took home three honours at the ceremony apiece.

The Transit Custom was the standout vehicle from Ford at the show, after it picked up the awards for Medium Van of the Year and the overall Van of the Year.

In fact, it was almost a triple-whammy of treats when What Van? gave the vehicle high praise in the Innovation category. However, the Emerald Automotive van walked away with that honour.

Despite the minor setback, What Van? editor Paul Barker was keen to stress: "The new Transit Custom does the name and heritage of the UK's dominant van proud by improving vastly over its award-winning predecessor, particularly in terms of innovation and interior quality, which is superior to anything van drivers are used to.

"Replacing the vehicle that dominates the UK market was never going to be easy, but Ford has certainly produced the goods and deserves continued success."

Upon receiving the awards for the Transit Custom, Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain's managing director, stressed that the vehicle has been granted "an amazing start".

Reflecting on Mr Barker's comments about the Custom having to fill big shoes, Mr Ovenden noted: "The Transit has been the best-selling van in the UK for 46 years, and continues to go from strength to strength."

Ford capped off a brilliant night at the What Van? Awards ceremony by seeing its Ranger vehicle named Pick-up of the Year.

It was not just the American manufacturer that was celebrating though, as Vauxhall also achieved an incredible hat-trick at the event.

The Vauxhall Corsavan received the prize for Small Van of the Year, the Vauxhall Ecoflex was applauded when receiving the Green Award and the Vauxhall Combo shared the Light Van of the Year feat with the Fiat Doblo Cargo.

"Congratulations to all our winners and those awarded highly commended status – they really are a testament to the quality of the light commercial vehicle market," Mr Barker added.

Posted by Louise Clark