FORD has been confirmed as the industry favourite by winning Fleet Manufacturer of the Year at the 2007 Fleet World awards. Honours also went to the Ford S-MAX, the Ford Galaxy and the Southampton-built new Ford Transit.

In addition, Ford won Van Manufacturer of the Year and Security awards.

The Fleet World awards are presented annually to manufacturers who have achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their sector - with Manufacturer of the Year recognised as the top title.

Fleet World editor Ken Rogers said: "Ford's line up has gone from strength to strength in recent years, to the point where it's hard to see a chink in its armour.

"There is also the excellent service provided by the Ford Business Centre in Byfleet, which was an important consideration when judging this award."

In selecting Ford as Van Manufacturer of the Year, John Kendall, editor of Van Fleet World, said: "Ford dominates the light CV market with the Transit, mainly sourced from the company's Southampton plant, while Transit Connect maintains Ford's grip on the UK small van market and the Fiesta remains a popular choice for car-derived van customers."

Ford S-Max won Best New Car with the judges impressed by its wide range of virtues including performance, value for money and safety.

Ken Rogers said: "The S-Max ticked all the boxes when it came to deciding the winner of this category. As well as being dynamically top of its market segment, S-Max just looks rather special."

The award for Best Large MPV went to the Ford Galaxy. Judges commented on its appeal as a well built, well engineered large MPV that is a pleasure to drive. Whole life costs also played a part in the decision, in their view making Galaxy, "an attractive fleet proposition".

Adding to the many awards it has collected since its launch, the Ford Transit was selected as the Best New Van.

John Kendall said: "Over 40 years as Britain's best-selling van means Ford has been doing something right with the Transit. The latest range went on sale last year and, even though last year's crop of new vans has put more pressure on the Transit, the latest version has risen to meet the challenges head on."

The Transit was also a key factor in Ford winning the security award with John Kendall praising its comprehensive range of security features which confirm that "security was a top priority for the new Transit designers".

Ford's successes at the awards were welcomed by Kevin Griffin, director of fleet operations.

"We aim to match closely the needs of our fleet customers and to retain and grow our customer base. These awards demonstrate that we have succeeded with both the vehicles we offer and the service we provide."