Confusion reigns in the press over who has the best company car, and it’s not helped by two completely different magazines having awards coming out at the same time. But the only winners can be the drivers, because they get two different opinions from two reliable sources – and the only arguments are between the award winners. Maybe hey sort it out after school behind the bike sheds?

FLEET NEWS awards are voted by a panel made up of fleet industry experts as well as senior members of the Fleet News editorial team, chaired by former SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan and audited by Deloitte with the New Company Car of the Year and Fleet Manufacturer of the Year voted on by fleet operator readers of Fleet News.

BUSINESS CAR MANAGER (the online car magazine for company cars) had its winners chosen by an editorial panel headed by editor Ralph Morton and road test editor Sam Hardy, with the Awards identifying winners in 9 different categories ranging from the environmentally and financially responsible – Best Sub-100g/km Business Car – to the more frivolous – It’s My Business and I’ll Buy What I Want To.

So, who won?

In Fleet News, they voted the Volkswagen Passat as the best new company car of 2011 using criteria based on operating costs (depreciation, fuel, servicing, maintenance and repair, lease rates, tax liability), suitability for their use as business cars and the level of support from the manufacturers and their corporate sales teams.

But Business Car Manager had the new BMW 3 Series in 320d form as its overall winner; with the judges commenting that is was a car “offering an unbeatable combination of competitive running costs, strong performance, low driver taxation, impressive environmental credentials – and good, old fashioned driving fun.”

Admittedly BMW was crowned as the Fleet Manufacturer of the Year voted for by readers of the Fleet News so at least there is some sort of synergy there and other awards between the two publications went to Ford, Kia, Skoda, SEAT, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Range-Rover, Mini, Audi, Hyundai, Toyota and BMW in the car categories.

But of course it all depends what you are looking for and the wording of the awards. Some of the wording is decidedly “we want to give an award to someone but can’t think of a name so let’s make one up!”

FLEET NEWS AWARDS:

Ford Fiesta won Best Small Car, with its very close relative, the Ford, Focus, picking up the award for Lower-Medium car.

Best Upper-medium Car went to The VW Passat (which, as you know, also won best in breed!) and Best People Carrier went to the SEAT Alhambra.

Best Estate Car was awarded to the Skoda Superb estate and best all-round 4×4 to the Toyota Land Cruiser. (How do you to get to be all-round?)

In the big boys classes, Best Premium Car went to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and, up there at the pinnacle of the “look at me; I’ve made it” tree, sits the BMW 5 series with its Best Boardroom Car award.

Oooh! Even more awards with indescribable titles. Best Crossover (what does that mean?) went to the Nissan Qashqai, Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer of the Year and went to Skoda, and Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year went to Toyota/Lexus; who were described as “environmental beacons not just for the motor industry, but for every industry” by the judges

BUSINESS CAR MANAGER aims to help small businesses and SME firms to run their cars efficiently and cost- effectively. And their WINNERS were.

Best Sub-100g/km Business Car was the Kia Rio 1.1 EcoDynamics and Best Business Car for First Year Allowances (sub 110g/km), the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics.

Obviously by Company Cars here, they mean business cars, especially as the winner of the Best Company Car is the Ford Focus 1.0T EcoBoost 125PS.

Best Estate Car was the Hyundai i40 Estate (with Fleet News’ winner the Skodia Superb nowhere!) and the Best Executive Car, the New BMW 3 Series.

Other award winners were the Audi A6 Avant, MINI Countryman Cooper D (Best Micro Business Owner’s Car – how appropriate!), and the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics as best SME Director’s Car.

They even had an award called the “It’s My Business and I’ll Buy What I Want To” award, won by the Range Rover Evoque SD4 with commendations for the Audi Q5 3.0TDI,  BMW 640d and the Porsche Panamera Diesel. I presume they mean the “Car I WOULD get if they let me” award.

And comments from the winners backstage as seen on ITV2 hosted by some 5th rate celebrity who used to be a reality star before the scandal with their ex-partner’s dog?

SEAT UK Managing Director Peter Wyhinny was at the Fleet News Awards dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel to celebrate the Alhambra’s latest success. He said: “To receive this trophy from Fleet News means a great deal to us at SEAT. We know the Alhambra is a very impressive MPV and the near-constant stream of important awards such as this reinforces that belief.”

And Martin Burke, ŠKODA UK’s Head of Fleet Sales, was also delighted. “To be receiving [an award] for our work in the corporate sector, so crucial to our future plans, makes these awards all the more satisfying.”

If you love a bargain, check out our great pre-registered 12 plate deal on the Hyundai i10, in stock to lease from just £104.95 + VAT a month with FREE Metallic Paint.

Boasting one of the best standard specifications in its sector including body coloured bumpers, blue dash illumination and USB connection, the Hyundai i10 represents excellent value for money, offering all the style and comfort you’ll ever need without the high price tag.

For a strictly limited time, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a limited number of pre-registered 12 plate Hyundai i10 1.2 Classic‘s in stock to lease from £104.95 + VAT with FREE Metallic Paint in Phantom Black, Sapphire Blue, Ice Silver, Carbon Grey and Sleek Silver.

To take advantage of this Hyundai car leasing deal, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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Back in September 2010, after a two-year long tender process, car maker Hyundai was awarded ‘preferred supplier’ status by the National Association of Police Fleet Managers meaning that all UK police forces were able to purchase Hyundai cars and vans.

Each area have their own choice as to what they spend their money on, and  now the North West’s police forces have caused outrage among workers at Vauxhall in Ellesmere Port by switching to Hyundai for their new cars.

With the Ellesmere Port plant in danger of closure by its owners General Motors, the choice by the ‘local’ force to use a foreign car manufacturer’s product has angered local politicians and unions wanting to know why they’re putting millions into the economy of another country when David Cameron, in a visit to India recently, was urging that country to buy British.

Lindsay Hoyle, Labour MP for Chorley said: “This is bad for the North-West and bad for the country. It doesn’t make sense.” Yet Cheshire police say that by buying 40 new cars from Hyundai it saves them £150,000 a year, as the government continues to cut budgets.

Not all forces are going Korean. The National Association of Police Fleet Managers released a statement saying: “The UK police fleet comprises of almost 50,000 cars – around a fifth of which are being replaced. Most regions actually selected Vauxhall apart from two – the North-West being one of them.”

But, at a time that General Motors are said to being ready to “bite the bullet” in Europe to stem losses on the Continent, should the North-West police be giving preferential treatment to suppliers in the UK?

In China, the Beijing government is considering plans to stop using foreign brands as state cars and only use local manufacturers instead.

According to a proposal from the Ministry of Industry and Information technology, all 412 models approved for purchase will have to be Chinese brands; which will benefit FAW (builders of the quizzically named Hongqi) and Red Flag, makers of Chairman Mao’s custom-built limousine back in 1958.

Not such good news for General Motors and VW, whose Audis account for around a third of the government and State fleets, and definitely not for the cadres and bureaucrats who treasure their Audis and GM cars.

Quality has improved in the Chinese motor manufacturing industry, but not to the standard of western creations, so they have a lot of catching up to do. But it seems to be the thin end of the wedge to force local overseas car makers out of a very lucrative £8.2 billion section of the world’s biggest car market.

Maybe this is what the North-West police force should be considering when it comes to car supply, or is it the government’s fault for cutting budgets so severely?

The eagerly anticipated 2012 Hyundai i30 has been added to the Nationwide Vehicle Contracts website with prices starting from just £185.95 + VAT a month.

Due to hit UK showrooms in March, the all-new Hyundai i30 boasts a revamped style, four new trim levels and a range of new diesel and petrol engines, including a frugal 1.6 CRDi Blue Drive unit.

Inside, the new Hyundai i30 comes well-equipped with voice-activated Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights, a multi-function steering wheel and electric, heated door mirrors all offered as standard.

Under the bonnet, six engines are available from launch including 3 petrol units – a 1.4L 100bhp, 1.6L 120Bhp or 1.6L 135bhp – and 3 diesel options – a 1.4L 90bhp, 1.6L 110bhp and 1.6L 128bhp. The frugal 1.6 CRDi Blue Drive unit, which comes in two power outputs and features Stop-Start as standard, is expected to be a popular choice with the 108bhp guise emitting 97g/km CO2 whilst achieving an impressive 76.3mpg.

The all-new Hyundai i30 is now available to lease from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts with prices starting from just £189.95 + VAT a month for the Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic.

To find out more about the all-new Hyundai i30 and to get an instant quotation on any model, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Like this deal? Join our mailing list to receive weekly emails with our latest car leasing offers straight to your inbox!

It’s your last chance to take advantage of some fantastic pre-registered 61 plate deals on the Hyundai i30 before stock runs out.

First up is a great deal on the Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort (Pre-Reg 61 Plate), in stock to lease from just £149.95 + VAT a month. Boasting a revamped style for 2011, improved safety features and more equipment than ever before, the Hyundai i30 is the ideal car for families of all sizes.

For those after a bigger engine, we’ve also got a great offer on the Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Comfort (Pre-Reg 61 Plate), in stock to lease from £149.95 + VAT a month. The powerful and economical 1.6 CRDi engine range boasts impressive power and performance whilst its well-equipped interior and Hyundai 5 Year Triple Care Package offers exceptional value for money.

Both of the above vehicles come well equipped with the following features as standard:

• Air Conditioning

• Leather Steering Wheel & Gear Knob

• USB & Aux Connections

• Electric Rear Windows

• Steering Wheel Audio Controls

• Follow Me Home Headlights

• 16″ Alloy Wheels

To find out more about these fantastic pre-registered 61 plate deals and to get an instant quotation on any model in the Hyundai i30 range, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595 or follow the above links.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Like this deal? Join our mailing list to receive weekly emails with our latest car leasing offers straight to your inbox!

If you fancy yourself behind the wheel of the all-new Hyundai Veloster, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can now save up to a whopping £137 a month when you lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.

Combining the style of an athletic coupé with the practicality of a passenger-friendly hatchback, the all-new Hyundai Veloster is set to take the hatchback market by storm thanks to its fierce design, luxurious interior and a quirky 1+2 door configuration.

Under the bonnet, the Veloster boasts a 1.6 litre direct injection engine, producing an impressive 138 bhp whilst keeping fuel costs to a minimum. An economical Blue Drive model is also available offering Hyundai’s state-of-the-art Stop & Go technology as well as rolling resistance tyres.

You can now save up to £137 a month when you lease with the Hyundai Veloster with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts before 29th February.

Our cheapest deal is on the Hyundai Veloster 1.6 GDi available to lease from just £229.95 + VAT a month. Standard features on this model include:

• Bluetooth Connectivity with Voice Recognition

• 7″ Touch Screen

• Reversing Aid Sensors

• USB/Aux Input Socket

• Automatic Headlights

• LED Daytime Running Lights

• Cloth Upholstery

• Thatcham Cat 2 Engine Immobiliser

• 17″ Alloy Wheels

To find out more about the Hyundai Veloster and to get an instant quotation, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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With the new 12 plate just weeks away, there has never been a better time to bag a bargain on a great pre-reg vehicle, particularly the Hyundai iX20.

Offering a stylish, spacious and practical alternative to the conventional, boxy compact MPV, the new Hyundai iX20 effortlessly blends ‘fluidic sculpture’ design with impressive comfort levels and top class safety features.

The latest generation Hyundai iX20 is also jam packed with loads of clever innovations such as folding, sliding and reclining rear seats, offering plenty of versatility and extra space to suit your busy lifestyle.

For a strictly limited time, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some fantastic pre-registered 61 plate offers on the Hyundai iX20, in stock to lease from just £169.95 + VAT a month.

First up is a great offer on the pre-reg Hyundai iX20 1.4 Style in stock to lease from just £169.95 + VAT a month.

We’ve also got a limited number of pre-reg Hyundai iX20 1.6 Style Auto in stock from just £179.95 + VAT a month.

The top-of-the-range Style trim comes well-equipped with the following features:

• Bluetooth Connectivity

• Reversing Sensors

• Panoramic Sunroof

• Leather Steering Wheel

• Air Conditioning

• Privacy Glass

• 16’’ Alloy Wheels

To take advantage of these fantastic pre-reg Hyundai deals before stock runs out, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Like this deal? Join our mailing list to receive weekly emails with our latest car leasing offers straight to your inbox!

With the new 12 plate just around the corner, there has never been a better time to bag a bargain on a pre-registered 61 plate.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is pleased to offer savings of up to £60 a month on the pre-registered 61 plate Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort, in stock to lease from just £134.95 + VAT a month.

Featuring a recently revamped style, improved safety features and more equipment than ever before, the Hyundai i30 is the ideal mid-sized car for families of all sizes.

The mid-spec Comfort trim also comes well-equipped boasting air conditioning, leather steering wheel, USB & aux connections, follow me home headlights and 16″ alloy wheels, all offered as standard.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer on the Hyundai i30, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Like this deal? Join our mailing list to receive weekly emails with our latest car leasing offers straight to your inbox!

Don’t miss out on these fantastic pre-registered 61 plate offers on the Hyundai iX35 with prices starting from as little as £194.95 + VAT a month.

Beautifully designed, ingeniously efficient and with all the comfort, space and safety features you’d expect from a Hyundai, the new iX35 has everything you need in a new car – plus much more.

From the outside, the Hyundai iX35‘s Fluidic design perfectly blends style with aerodynamic practicability, whilst it’s comfortable and well-equipped interior makes the iX35 the perfect choice for all the family.

For a strictly limited time, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some fantastic pre-registered 61 plate deals on the popular Hyundai iX35, with cars in stock for quick delivery.

Prices start from as little as £194.95 + VAT a month for the Hyundai iX35 1.6 GDI Style 2WD. Standard features on the entry level Style trim include:

• Air Conditioning

• Reversing Sensors

• Bluetooth Connectivity with Voice Recognition

• Leather Steering Wheel and Gear Knob

• Eco Drive Indicator

• Heated Front and Rear Seats

• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

• 17” Alloy Wheels

To view the full Hyundai iX35 range and to take advantage of these fantastic pre-reg deals, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Like this deal? Join our mailing list to receive weekly emails with our latest car leasing offers straight to your inbox!

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is marking the launch of the all-new Hyundai i40 Saloon by announcing reductions of up to £145 a month across the range.

Due to hit UK showrooms this month, the all-new Hyundai i40 Saloon follows in the successful trackmarks of the Hyundai i40 Tourer, boasting a new fluidic design, advanced intelligent features and new environmental technologies to keep CO2 emissions and fuel consumption low.

Three engines are available including a 1.6 petrol and two 1.7 diesels. An automatic gearbox is also available as an option on the higher-powered diesel engine.

The Hyundai i40 Saloon also comes well-equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric heated door mirrors, Bluetooth and an electronic parking brake all offered as standard.

You can now save up to £145 a month on the Hyundai i40 Saloon when you lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts before 31st January.

One of our best deals is on the Hyundai i40 Saloon 1.7 CRDi 115 Blue Drive Active, available to lease from just £211.95 + VAT a month. Thanks to its advanced Blue Drive technology, this superb model boasts engine stop-start as standard, delivering CO2 emissions below 120g/km!

To find out more about the all-new Hyundai i40 Saloon and to get an instant quotation on any model, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.