Trade Van Driver, the UK’s top van magazine for small business users, has announced the winners of the
2020 Trade Van Driver Awards.
Trade Van Driver is the only magazine which caters for the owner-driver and small fleet operator and as such its
awards are different from others as they are judged not only by the expert panel of journalists at the magazine but
also by a panel of readers who use light commercial vehicles as part of their businesses.
The TVD Awards aim to give recognition to the manufacturers, firms and people who, in the opinion of the judges,
offer the very best to retail van buyers.
Trade Van Driver Magazine editor Matthew Eisenegger commented: “Trade Van Driver Magazine prides itself on
offering a true reflection of the thoughts and feelings of its readership. Now in their ninth year, it is great to see
some products taking the accolade for an ninth time, as well as new products scoring a first win.”
And the WINNERS:
Best Workhorse Pickup – Isuzu D-Max
Judges’ Comments: There may be a host of 4×4 rivals stacked up against it offering all kinds of luxuries, but
for traders who are strapped for cash yet need a rock-solid, reliable off-roader, the D-Max ideally fits the bill. It’s
strong, practical and built to last yet it won’t break the bank buying it. A worthy winner for the eighth year running
in the view of the judges
Best Conversion Range: Vauxhall
Judges’ Comments: the needs and wants of Britain’s traders are many and varied – and so are their
requirements for vehicles. None have the time to buy vans and then get them converted for their special purposes,
so conversions are hugely important to them. Vauxhall’s range of off-the-shelf conversions fit the bill admirably in
the eyes of the judges and therefore takes the prize this year
Best Vehicle 3.5-7.5 tonnes – Iveco Daily
Judges’ Comments: Traders who want a tough vehicle for tough jobs at the higher end of the weight scale
would be most unwise to dismiss the Daily. It’s built on a rugged ladder frame chassis and feels as though it may
be hewn from a solid metal block, such is its build quality. Available in a huge variety of shapes and configurations,
no other manufacturer comes close in this sector, according to the judges.
Best Medium Van: Citroen Dispatch/Peugeot Expert
Judges’ Comments: the medium van sector is the most crowded of all, with a host of superb models on offer.
This was the most difficult sector to decide in the Awards this year but finally the judges were persauded by the
elegant looks, the delightful driving dynamics, the sheer practicality and of course the legendary fuel economy of
these PSA twins to award them the big prize.
Best Accessory Provider: Van Guard
Judges’ Comments: Van Guard offers a wide range of exceptional van accessories. Not only is customer service
second to none but the firm also offers an extensive returns policy, making sure that customers are happy with
their purchases. Van Guard undertakes a huge amount of design and manufacture of its product range to ensure it
meets the standards and needs of our industry and users. A worthy winner
Van of the Year/Best Large Van: Vauxhall Movano
Judges’ Comments: The Vauxhall Movano has been the unsung hero of the heavy van market for years now,
plugging away faithfully on Britain’s motorways but rarely winning the major awards it deserves. Now with the
PSA Group in charge at Vauxhall and a brand new model on offer featuring a host of improvements, it’s time for
this van to emerge from the shadows and take not one award but two trophies, including the top award of all.
Best Small Van: Ford Transit Courier
Judges’ Comments: The Courier may be the smallest van to bear the Transit name but it is built with the same
care and the same attention to detail as its bigger brothers. It’s a delight to drive in those small city spaces yet is
big enough to bear the loads and take the strain of a busy business life. In short, it’s a proper little miracle worker
for its size.
Editor’s Choice: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Editor’s Comments: The Sprinter has been king of heavyweight vans since its launch back in 1995 and despite
a range of superb models launched against it since then, none have quite managed to topple the mighty vehicle
from its throne. Macho looks, unbreakable engines, superb practicality and a host of technical innovations make
this the van I would choose personally if I was looking for a 3.5-tonne vehicle for my business.
Best Trade Van Range: Ford
Judges’ Comments: Whatever vehicle Britain’s traders need, there is a superb Ford to fit the bill, right down
from the chic little Courier up to the mighty Transit, not forgetting the macho Ranger for those who need a vehicle
with off-road capability. Backed by an unbeatable dealer network that ensures total aftermarket care, there can
only be one winner of this award – Ford.
Best Builder’s Truck – Isuzu Grafter
Judges’ Comments: In the eyes of the judging panel, the Isuzu Grafter is everything any business needs which
is looking for robustness and ease of access. Plus the award-winning sales and aftersales customer service
programme ‘CARE’ makes the Isuzu Grafter a clear winner for the eighth successive year
Traders’ Choice: Volkswagen Transporter
Judges’ Comments: Since its original launch in the 1950s, this van has proved itself a legend in the market,
filling the needs not only of trade van users but also the likes of surf dudes, camper van enthusiatsts and cab
drivers. Its ride and handling are superb, its reliability is legendary and to cap it all, when users come to sell a
Transporter, they will be inundated by eager second buyers. As such, the Transporter must be THE traders’ choice.
Best Alternative Fuel Truck – FUSO eCanter
Judges’ Comments: While many of the major manufacturers are now entering the alternative fuel market, FUSO
is way ahead of the game with the eCanter. Its technology is solid and proven, so any traders wishing to embrace
environmental concerns can do so with confidence when choosing this vehicle.
Best Heavy Duty 4×4 – FUSO Canter
Judges’ Comments: Many operators require a vehicle that can deal with extreme conditions and the Fuso
Canter 4×4 offers that solution – and more. Off-road ability combined with functionality make this feisty off-roader
the judges’ choice
Best Market Innovation: Renault Master High
As logistics are evolving, operators are constantly requiring different solutions. The team at Renault Trucks pride
themselves on innovation and have yet again raised the bar with the Renault Master High by Renault Trucks.
It offers a neatly-packaged logistics solution for operators who use smaller vehicles for long distance tasks.
Unprecedented living space for the driver, including a proper bed in an LCV, puts the Renault Master High by Renault Trucks ahead of the game.
Best Alternative Fuel Vehicle: Renault Master ZE Red Edition by Renault Trucks
With E-Mobility becoming front and centre in many operators’ procurement processes, Renault Trucks has
embraced the opportunity, offering vehicles spanning gross vehicles weights and a large variety of logistics tasks.
The Renault Master ZE Red Edition offers a full complement of LCV E-Mobility solutions, all supported by a truck
network, offering extended opening hours to further support the demands of round-the-clock logistics challenges.
