In the process the German marque became just the fourth manufacturer in the 29-year history of the ACFO Awards to capture the honour, which has previously been dominated by Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

BMW retained the Environmental Initiative of the Year Award for its low emission EfficientDynamics technology, while Ford saw its pre-eminence in the light commercial vehicle sector underlined once again as fleet operators voted the Transit Connect and Transit Small Van of the Year and Large Van of the Year respectively.

Vauxhall won the Green Vehicle of the Year Award with the Ampera, with the Fleet Safety Initiative of the Year Award going to Volvo, for the pedestrian airbag on the new V40.

Leasing company Alphabet GB won the Fleet Service Company of the Year with ACFO members declaring that the organisation offered the best overall combination of quality products, service and integrity and fully understood the requirements of fleet decision-makers.

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 and supplier companies to provide a first class service.

'Operating successfully in partnership it means that through the availability of top quality vehicles and first rate suppliers, vehicle downtime can be kept to an absolute minimum and fleet managers can focus on the efficient and effective operation of their vehicles to support their businesses.'

Results:

Fleet Safety Initiative of the Year
Winner – Volvo Pedestrian Airbag
Runner-up – Ford Focus Driver Assistance Pack

Fleet Service Company of the Year
Winner – Alphabet GB
Runner-up – Marshall Leasing

Environmental Initiative of the Year
Winner – BMW EfficientDynamics
Runner-up – Ford EcoBoost engine range

Small Van of the Year
Winner – Ford Transit Connect
Runner-up – Volkswagen Caddy

Large Van of the Year
Winner – Ford Transit
Runner-up – Mercedes Sprinter

Green Vehicle of the Year
Winner – Vauxhall Ampera
Runner-up – BMW 320d EfficientDynamics

Fleet Car of the Year
Winner – BMW 3 Series
Runner-up – Ford Focus