The Ford Ranger has won the Commercial Vehicle of the Year title in the 2012 Fleet Van Awards.

The pick-up truck, which was introduced a year ago, offers substantially better quality, running costs and ability than its predecessor, and fought off the challenges of other class winners in this year's awards.

The Ranger, which is available in a broad range of body styles, as well as a choice of diesel engines, equipment grades and the option of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, also won its category as Pick-up Truck of the Year, beating the new Isuzu D-Max into second place.

Ford took a hat-trick of awards at the event by winning Green Van Manufacturer of the Year.