To say that the A-Class has been a success for Mercedes-Benz would be a huge understatement, especially in fleet with registrations up 84 percent so far this year.
With a growing number of trophies in the A-Class’s cabinet already, the premium hatchback now has another to polish as the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO) has named the A-Class as its 2014 Fleet Car of the Year.
There was some stiff competition in the category too with almost 20 other models competing for the top prize – including the top-selling Ford Focus, which was named runner up.
ACFO supports fleet managers to improve the efficiency of the cars and vans on their fleet. The Awards, voted for online by members, are highly prized as they reflect the day-to-day operational experience and expertise of fleet managers.
In announcing the award, John Pryor, ACFO chairman, commented: “The A-Class’s triumph in this year’s ACFO Awards is reflective of the changing shape of the UK company car market. The importance of the company car as an employee recruitment and retention tool means that vehicles across all market sectors are today being considered by businesses and their staff. However, vehicles must continue to be fit-for-purpose and deliver excellent total cost of ownership as well as first class MPG and low emissions. In voting the A-Class Fleet Car of the Year, the ACFO membership clearly believes the vehicle is cost effective to operate, safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly.”
Sally Dennis, head of fleet, Mercedes-Benz UK, commented: “We are delighted that the A-Class has won the Fleet Car of the Year Award – it highlights our continuous drive to offer efficient, low-emission vehicles to our Fleet customers as we strive to meet their needs with an ever-improving product range.”
This year the A-Class’s range was expanded with the new A180 CDI ECO edition which features weight-saving measures, powertrain refinements and improved fuel consumption: achieving 78.5 mpg with CO2 emissions of only 92g/km placing the car in a 14 percent BIK tax band for the 2014/15 tax year.
