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Peugeot was honoured with three accolades at this year’s Fleet World Honours Car Awards saluting its product, environmental leadership and innovation at a special ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall on Tuesday 21st May.

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector.  The Fleet World Honours Car Awards are open to all motor manufacturers and the judging process combines the expert opinion of the Fleet World editorial team with the values provided by a number of leading leasing companies and fleet data providers.

Environment award: Peugeot Partner Electric

Fleet World Van Editor, John Kendall, said: “The Peugeot Partner Electric demonstrates how EV prices are continuing to fall with a list price starting from £21,300 (ex-VAT), making it an affordable alternative to a conventionally powered van. The Peugeot Partner Electric also provides a payload and load volume that is similar to its diesel equivalent.  A rapid charge facility will help to deal with range anxiety issues – the Peugeot Partner Electric range is quoted as 105 miles (NEDC). Many fleets operating in urban areas could operate EVs and the Peugeot Partner Electric gives van fleets more choice.”

Best Light Van: Peugeot Bipper

Fleet World Van Editor, John Kendall, said: “The Bipper is a compact practical design offering a good payload and high load volume, particularly compared with the hatchback competition, which can offer only half the load volume, while Bipper is far easier to load with rear asymmetric doors and side loading door options. The diesel offers low running costs and the inclusion of automated transmission is good for those using the Bipper in stop/start traffic. It’s easy to drive, has a comfortable cab and the folding passenger seat offers more space and a longer load floor if needed.”

Innovation Award: Peugeot HYbrid Air Technology

Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, commented on the innovative HYbrid Air technology: “It’s not often that a new propulsion system comes along that makes everyone sit up and wonder why they hadn’t thought of it, but Peugeot has achieved this with HYbrid Air. Its clever pressurised air system can propel the car at zero emissions, while the relative simplicity of the system makes it much cheaper than other hybrid drivetrains.”

Fleet World Motoring Editor Alex Grant also commented: “Peugeot has a long-standing reputation as a technological pioneer, and HYbrid Air is the latest in an impressive lineage of green innovations which have debuted in its product portfolio. Using technology which is already familiar in the aeronautics industry, this simple but effective solution will offer substantial efficiency improvements for Peugeot’s future products without the expense of hybrid batteries.  A lot of other manufacturers will be wondering why they didn’t get there first.”

Commenting on the overall standard of entries in this year’s awards, Fleet World Managing Editor, Ross Durkin, said: “This was without doubt the hardest year ever for the judges. The industry has been undergoing substantial change for some time and we are now on the cusp of seeing the introduction of some really exciting new technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells and credible electric vehicles, alongside highly fuel-efficient yet desirable petrol and diesel powered cars.”

Ross continued: “You really have to take your hat off to the car manufacturers who continue to rise to the challenges set by government and fleet buyers alike. The fleet service providers have also demonstrated an appetite for innovation and it is a real pleasure to recognise the achievements of the best of these.”

The judging panel is chaired by Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World, and includes John Kendall, Alex Grant, Natalie Wallis, Dan Gilkes and Ross Durkin from the Fleet World editorial team. Residual value, maintenance and reliability data is provided by ALD Automotive, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, Lex Autolease, LeasePlan and Arval. Market value data is provided by EurotaxGlass and VIPDATA.