OREANDA-NEWS. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is setting standards worldwide - also as far as fleet specialists in the UK are concerned. This was recently underscored once more when the vehicle won the Best Large Van award at the renowned 2013 Van Fleet World Honours. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Vans received the Safety Award for its safety concept.

“We’re delighted that Mercedes-Benz Vans scored this double success,” said Klaus Maier, Head of Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans. “The fact that the Sprinter was named Best Large Van demonstrates once again that we offer an ideal vehicle for fleet operators throughout the world.”

Presented each year in May, the Van Fleet World Honours are among the most prestigious awards of their kind. The awards are bestowed by the British Fleet World Group publishing company. The judging panel is made up of the Fleet World editorial team. Before being named Best Large Van, the Sprinter and its competitors had to undergo rigorous field testing. The final assessment also included an independent evaluation of the vehicles’ profitability, which was determined by leasing companies on the basis of the vans’ resale value, fuel consumption, and service costs.

The Sprinter has always been a pioneer with regard to driver assistance systems. The new model, which customers have been able to order since June 3, 2013, has five new assistance systems - including several van firsts - that will help to reduce the number of accidents even further.

In addition to Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, the brand’s cars have also been winning Fleet World Honours awards for several years now. This year, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class was named Best New Car and Mercedes-Benz passenger cars won the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer award – a testament to the major changes undertaken by the company in all areas of its fleet operations.

The awards were presented at a lavish event in the respected and time-honored Royal Automobile Club in London. Among the Club’s founders in 1897 was Frederick Simms, a close business partner of automotive pioneer Gottlieb Daimler.