Most Improved Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz won ‘Most Improved Manufacturer of the Year’ for the second time at this year’s Fleet News Awards.
Speaking of the win, Sally Dennis, Head of Fleet at Mercedes-Benz UK, said:
‘We are delighted that we have won Most Improved Manufacturer of the Year for a second time. This is confirmation that our continued efforts across the board are being recognised and that we are on the right path, providing customers with a great range of tax and fuel efficient cars, as well as meeting and exceeding great levels of customer service. Our continued success is thanks to the great team effort from those in our retail network and based at Mercedes-Benz UK.’
As if that wasn’t enough, the brand also swept up the Best Premium Car for the C-Class, and Best Executive Car for the E-Class as well. Let’s take a look at what makes these cars such great fleet vehicles.
Best Premium Car – C-Class
The C-Class is a stylish looking car: with its sleek lines and sculpted sides, it’s a real head-turner. The new model is 100kg lighter than its predecessor, which means that ride comfort is exceptional, and steering is overall nimbler and more responsive. The best-selling 2.1-litre diesel engine provides plenty of power and has incredibly competitive fuel economy figures with 103g/km CO2 emissions and 70mpg – that probably explains its strong success as a fleet vehicle. There is also another diesel and one petrol engine on offer that also fare well in the economy stakes. The Executive Pack includes sat-nav, heated seats and a split-folding rear bench.
Best Executive Car – E-Class
Comfort and safety are top of the bill with the E-Class, which offers a refined driving experience like no other. Steering is direct and naturally weighted, and wind and tyre noise are at an absolute minimum. The driving position is nice, too, and really inspires confidence on the road. The E-Class is exclusively automatic. Diesel engines are the most popular with the E-Class, and it’s easy to see why. The hybrid BlueTec diesel is the best in terms of economy; it returns 68.9mpg and emits just 109g/km. The non-hybrid versions aren’t bad, either, though. The E220 CDI has combined CO2 emissions of 61.4mpg and emits 120g/km. Boot space is excellent, as is leg and headroom for all passengers. A combination of class and comfort, the E-Class is a sure-fire winner for Best Executive Car.