Manufacturer Awards
Best Small Car: Mini Cooper/Cooper Electric
The Mini Cooper’s simplified styling looks great. The retro-influenced interior is high-tech, with the circular OLED display in the centre. All models are fun to drive, and the all-new Mini Cooper SE Electric has an excellent WLTP driving range of 250 miles.
Highly commended: Citroen C3/E-C3
Best Family Car: Vauxhall Astra/Astra Electric
For the third year in a row, Vauxhall’s Astra is again our favourite family car. Not many rivals can offer the version and bodystyle options of the Astra. Its design remains eye-catching and attractive, with low running costs, and all are well-equipped.
Highly commended: Toyota Corolla, MG4
Best Value Car: MG3 Hybrid
Following the success of its maker’s EV models, the MG3 supermini is back as a hybrid. The result looks modern inside and out, is impressively frugal with its 64.2mpg consumption figure, and is amazing value for money. Prices start at just £18,495.
Highly commended: Suzuki Swift
Best Premium Car: BMW i4
Despite more EV and ICE-powered rivals, none can touch the BMW i4. Whether you go for the eDrive 35, or the range-topping M50, the excellent electric range is trustworthy, it oozes driver appeal, and it’s practical with the hatchback design.
Highly commended: BMW 3 Series, BYD Seal
Driver’s Choice: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The Ioniq 5 N EV never feels slow, but it’s the dynamics where this Hyundai really impresses. The steering is precise, and the handling amazes, disguising its two-tonne weight. Then, there’s a likeable, natural feel to the N-tuned brakes. It even feels composed and comfortable at low speeds – and all at 2% BIK.
Best Compact SUV: Hyundai Kona/Kona Electric
The second-generation Kona follows on from the first, by offering petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains. Highlights include the spacious and well-built interior, distinctive styling, and if you go electric, a first-rate range of up to 319 miles.
Highly commended: Kia Niro/Niro EV
Best Medium SUV: Skoda Enyaq
Former ‘Business Car of the Year,’ the Skoda Enyaq received some significant drivetrain, battery, and infotainment upgrades this year. Better to drive and more efficient, it remains one of the best EV all-rounders and deserves its continued success.
Highly commended: Ford Explorer
Best Premium Medium SUV: BMW iX1/X1
The BMW iX1/X1 makes it two years in a row as our favourite Premium Medium SUV. An attractive package, with spacious interior, willing performance, plus EV and plug-in versions equal low running costs.
Highly commended: Mini Countryman/Countryman Electric
Best Premium Large SUV: Kia EV9
The idea of a £65,000+ Kia SUV would not have been possible before the EV6 that was launched in 2021 – such is the acceleration of the Korean brand. The EV9 looks distinctive, but it’s a practical seven-seater, that’s good to drive, and the efficiency is ace.
Best Executive Car: BMW i5/5 Series
The replacement for the previous 5 Series had big shoes to fill, but whether you choose EV, PHEV, or ICE power, the i5/5 Series remains our executive pick. It looks great inside and out, there’s the additional choice of Touring estate versions, and all offer a keen drive.
One to Watch: Renault 5
In simple terms, the Renault 5 is a B-segment replacement for the Zoe. However, it’s much more than that – it’s the latest in a series of iconic Renault models reworked for the future. On sale next year, it’s sure to challenge the Mini Cooper Electric, with a choice of 40kWh and 52kWh battery packs, and prices expected to start under £25,000.
Fleet Manufacturer of the Year: BMW
With its model range growing again this year, especially from the Mini side, BMW has its most complete offering ever for fleet and continues to build on its strong record – particularly with EVs. Support for company car drivers is equally impressive, with further innovations for its ‘Corporate Certified’ programme, aimed at improving the retailer experience.
Most Improved Manufacturer of the Year: Renault Group
The arrival of a new head of fleet, Justin Costello, and the significant investment in people, programmes and processes, has signalled Renault Group’s ambitions in the sector this year – but it is the sales results that truly underpin its status as a rapidly improving fleet operator, with car market share up by more than 50%.
Supplier Awards
Best Customer Service: Ogilvie Fleet
Ogilvie Fleet believes its people are its biggest asset when it comes to providing exceptional customer service. It works hard to support and champion team-members at all levels, and, as a result, Ogilvie Fleet has an exceptional customer retention rate of 99.4%, year-on-year fleet growth of 14%, and a referral-fed customer base growth of 4%.
Highly commended: The AA, Arval UK, Chevin Fleet Solutions
Best Eco Initiative: Northgate Vehicle Hire
Northgate recognises fleet efficiency is key. It can help fleets calculate their running costs while going electric. Then, to allow businesses to explore hands-on electrification, Northgate runs ‘EV roadshows’. The result is 56 fleets have begun to adopt EVs already, with pre-ordered stock, meaning there is a suitable vehicle ready to use.
Highly commended: Europcar Mobility Group UK, Lightfoot
Best Telematics Product: Lightfoot
Lightfoot combines an in-cab driver coaching device, a driver rewards app, and a comprehensive management suite. Last year it launched an AI-powered dashcam solution – Lightfoot Vision – that caught our attention. A fully integrated camera system, it can be used in tandem with Lightfoot’s in-cab coaching device for comprehensive risk management.
Highly commended: Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, SureCam
Best Fleet Software: Engineius
Engineius has been praised for its technology, and the great service it can therefore deliver. However, with the move towards net zero a big fleet topic, the company hasn’t rested on its laurels. Engineius annually offsets its carbon emissions, and now its software allows customers to do the same for each vehicle movement.
Best Remarketing: Aston Barclay
Aston Barclay wins because it continues to make sustainability a key focus of its business, while supporting customers in their quest to reduce their emissions. On top of investing in charging infrastructure it has received its third EVA accreditation, while continuing to extend its roll out of EV-only auctions.
Highly commended: Wilsons Auctions Ltd
Risk Management Award: Fleet Operations
Fleet Operations’ innovation in risk management for business fleets caught the attention of our judges – through its groundbreaking MOVE platform. This is a network of interconnected technology, with a mobile driver app, plus driver, stakeholder, and analytics portals. The result being 92% of drivers rating the app as ‘excellent’.
Highly commended: Lightfoot
Leasing Company of the Year (under 25,000 vehicles): JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions (VLS)
JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions (VLS) impressed our judges because it puts its customers at the heart of everything it does. Plus, in the last 12 months, its prudent approach to residual value risk has left it less exposed to external market factors than some competitors – resulting in 19% funded fleet growth.
Highly commended: Ogilvie Fleet, Marshall Leasing, SG Fleet
Leasing Company of the Year (over 25,000 vehicles): Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) Fleet
VWFS Fleet’s dedication to partnering with its customers via innovative, cost-effective fleet solutions caught the attention of our judges. Managing residual value risk and clever fleet management solutions being two examples. It seems its customers value this approach, which is why its customer base has grown 2.3% in the past year.
Highly commended: ALD Automotive | Leaseplan, Novuna Vehicle Solutions
Best Fleet Website: Vauxhall
Vauxhall’s bright website design was praised by our editorial team. In our opinion, it’s the best all-rounder, as we felt it had an exceptional fleet focus. As such, it wins our Best Fleet Website accolade again for 2024.
Best Innovation: Geotab
Geotab’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through data-driven insights has seen it introduce Geotab Ace, a generative AI (GenAI) assistant. Harnessing the power of large language models, it allows users to interact with complex datasets as if they were engaging in a straightforward conversation.
Highly commended: Diode, Fleetondemand, Grosvenor Leasing
Innovation in EV: Bridgestone Mobility Solutions
Webfleet, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions’ fleet management platform, is transforming the landscape of fleet electrification. It is doing this via its new EV Services Platform, unifying energy and mobility service providers – offering a seamless, integrated approach to electric fleet management. In our opinion, this demonstrates unparalleled innovation and commitment to helping fleets electrify.
Highly commended: Athlon UK, Ohme
Best Fleet Management Company: Fleet Operations
Fleet Operations’ strength is that it offers bespoke, end-to-end solutions for its customers to deliver long-term cost savings while maintaining the highest standards of risk management and sustainability. The result is a client retention rate of 98.6%, and an average relationship length of more than 10 years.
Highly commended: CLM Fleet Management, Knowles Fleet, runyourfleet
Best Fleet Management Software: Chevin Fleet Solutions
Chevin Fleet Solutions’ FleetWave SmartForms, launched this year, attracted our judges’ attention, as it allows users to create bespoke data capture forms and automate tasks. Data flows between the FleetWave software and the newly enhanced FleetWave Driver App, allowing live push notifications and instant actions, while reducing the need for multiple third-party apps.
Highly commended: Fleet Operations
Best Rental Company: Enterprise Mobility
Enterprise Mobility was identified by the judges for its committment to advancing customer mobility. It continues to offer a wide portfolio of both vehicles and additional services and is a key innovator in future mobility. For example, its EV First policy ensures customer company vehicles and lead-in vehicles are always EVs.
Highly commended: Europcar Mobility Group UK, Nexus Vehicle Rental, Scot Group T/A Thrifty Car & Van Rental
Headline Awards
Hall of Fame: Duncan Webb, The AA
Duncan Webb is head of fleet at the AA and is responsible for its fully electric recovery trucks, that will be hitting the UK’s roads thanks to this pioneering launch. The move will see the AA become the first UK-based roadside assistance firm to add fully electric recovery vehicles to its fleet.
Wellbeing Award: Arval UK
Arval’s health and wellbeing initiatives impressed our judging panel, as they are proven to have a positive impact on employees. These are part of an established people strategy – with four dedicated work streams comprising colleagues across the business, who drive forward health and wellbeing initiatives alongside the company’s HR teams.
Highly commended: FMG, Ebbon Group
Editor’s Choice: SG Fleet
SG Fleet’s ‘customer first’ ethos is truly at the heart of everything it does and a key differentiator in the market. As a result, its customer retention rate stands at 96%. SG Fleet has also won more than 19 new customers this year, increasing its managed fleet by around 12%.
Fleet Supplier of the Year: The AA
Our judges were impressed by the AA’s figures for the past year, as it has retained 100% of its key accounts, with an 85% renewal rate for SMEs, and its overall holdings have grown by 12%. On top of this, in the past 12 months it has signed and retained all its strategic accounts.
Highly commended: Nexus Vehicle Rental, SG Fleet, FMG
Fleet Manager of the Year: Wayne Warburton, Siemens
Warburton impressed our judges as he fully understands the demands of a fleet manager role, which includes specific and detailed plans to enforce change. These include consideration of the complexities of managing a large fleet and a significant Environmental, Social, and Governance agenda for Siemens.
Highly commended: Chris Bland, Center Parcs; Colin Jones, Cancer Research; Craig Login, Vodafone; Steve Openshaw, Eric Wright Group
Business Car of the Year: Mini Cooper/Cooper Electric
This year the Mini hatch – now called the Cooper – received a high-tech makeover, but its premium feel remains unchanged, and whether you choose ICE or EV power, all are great to drive. Add this all up, with the Electric version’s credible range, and this is an attractive small car package that will really appeal to fleets.
Sponsors of the Business Car Awards 2024 were Headline sponsor MG, Premium Plus sponsor Fleet Operations, and award sponsors the AA, Engineius, Grosvenor Group, and Ogilvie Fleet.
