The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was crowned 'Fleet Van of the Year' and 'Large Panel Van of the Year' at the 2013 Fleet Van Awards.

Stephen Briers, editor-in-chief of Fleet Van, said: “The 'Large Panel Van' was awarded to the Sprinter because it is packed with the latest technology that will appeal to safety-conscious fleets. It tops the table for residual values and also for driver appeal. Backed by Mercedes-Benz’s excellent dealer network with 24/7 response and roadside fixes, the Sprinter remains the one to beat.

Focusing on the category 'Fleet Van Van of the Year', Briers continued: “The Sprinter was already a 10 out of 10 vehicle and now Mercedes has made it even better! A host of technological innovations to boost safety are ahead of their time, while the first Euro6-compliant engines, excellent network back-up and good availability of new models combine to provide a compelling package for fleets.

“Sprinter has won 'Large Panel Van' every year since we launched the awards in 2008 – so six times in total. Perhaps surprisingly, it has been 'Van of the Year' just once, this year.”

In May 2013 the Sprinter became the World’s first van range to meet Euro VI emissions standards. Armed with a broad selection of new engines the New Sprinter sets benchmark in fuel consumption, delivering a combined cycle of 44 mpg and CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.

In addition to class leading fuel economy, the New Sprinter comes equipped with a range of new safety assistance systems, including World firsts in the van segment. These new features include Crosswind Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Assist, all of which augment the standard fit ESP.

The Fleet Van Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts, including Stephen Briers; Simon Harris, deputy editor of Fleet News; Trevor Gelken, associate editor of Fleet Van; Alastair Houston, Northgate Vehicle Hire; George Alexander, Glass’s Guide; Ken Brown, CAP; Steve Crawshaw, LeasePlan; and Gary Banister, Lex Autolease senior manager, CVs.

Andrew Lawson, national account sales manager - van aales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, said: “We are thrilled to have won both 'Van of the Year' and 'Large Panel Van of the Year'.

"It’s truly outstanding that Sprinter has now been awarded Fleet Van’s, 'Large Panel Van', for the sixth time in a row.

“We know the vehicles work hard for their keep and that they are the backbone of many a business, including supermarket home delivery, parcel courier forwarding, major construction works and blue light services, just to mention a few and these accolades show just how the Sprinter range is both perceived and loved in the market.”