The accolade, presented at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, recognised the inroads Fiat Professional and the Ducato large van have made into the fleet market, with its expanding model range, growing dealer network and greater dedication to commercial customers.
The Motor Transport judging panel of more than 50 industry experts also saluted the Ducato’s chassis, becoming widely recognised for its excellent payload, flexibility and durability.
Commenting on the award, the judging panel described Fiat as “one of the most flexible manufacturers to deal with”.
“Servicing intervals are now at 30,000 miles (48,280km) and the Ducato has been improved with a new clutch system, upgraded brakes, stronger door hinges and body panel reinforcement,” the panel says. “These changes have been made to help prolong the life of the vehicles, and helped secure it some impressive new customers.”
In Australia, service intervals for the Fiat Professional Ducato are 12 months or 48,000km.
An “absolutely delighted” Fiat Professional UK brand country manager Richard Chamberlain says: “We are confident that the Ducato is an excellent van choice for large and small fleets. So to have that confirmed by a panel of esteemed judges makes the award all the more important for us.
“This is also recognised by many ambulance authorities, saving lives across the UK, who run Fiat Ducato as their core front line choice of vehicle.”