The Awards, now in their 28th year, are voted for on line exclusively by the ACFO membership – the largest UK body representing the interests of businesses which operate cars and vans as part of their normal commercial activities – and are highly prized because unlike many other awards they reflect the day-to-day operational experience and expertise of fleet decision makers.  

The Volkswagen Golf is a four-time ACFO Car of the Year winner and this year the range’s 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion model, which offers a combined fuel economy of 74.3 mpg and has carbon dioxide emissions of 99 g/km, was named Green Vehicle of the Year.  This comes shortly after the Golf BlueMotion claimed What Car? magazine’s small green family car accolade and Auto Express gave the Volkswagen BlueMotion range its Green Award honour.  

Julie Jenner,  ACFO chairman, 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 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.’

Collecting the award on behalf of Volkswagen UK was Head of Fleet Services, Vincent Kinner, who commented: ‘I’m delighted with this award for the Golf BlueMotion – which now has five green car accolades to its name.  It not only reinforces the strength of the Golf, but also underlines the popularity and success of Volkswagen’s BlueMotion “theory” of taking a popular, practical, conventional model and maximising everything about it to produce an environmental champion.’

The Volkswagen Passat and Golf models were also shortlisted for the Fleet Car of the Year award, while the Caddy was nominated in the Small Van of the Year category.