The Motoring Matters Magazine Group (MMMG), publishers of PowerTorque Magazine and Delivery Magazine, has announced the annual light commercial vehicle awards for the following categories:
- Delivery Magazine Best Ute of the Year – Ford Ranger
- Delivery Magazine Best Small Van of the Year – Renault Kangoo Maxi
- Delivery Magazine Best Medium Van of the Year – Renault Trafic
- Delivery Magazine Best Large Van of the Year – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- PowerTorque Magazine Technology and Innovation Award – TNT Australia
- TrailerTorque Technology and Innovation Award – Knorr-Bremse Australia
The Delivery Magazine Awards resulted from five days of intensive, back-to-back testing of light commercials carrying payloads of 400kg (medium and large vans and utes) or 200 kg (small vans), travelling consistently over the same 25 km test loop of duel carriageway and B-roads to simulate real world driving conditions.
The judging panel for the Delivery Magazine awards included well-known industry motoring writers Stuart Martin, Chris Gable and Chris Mullett, joined for this occasion by Kurt Grossrieder, National Fleet and Equipment Manager TNT Australia.
“ The judges reached a unanimous decision in relation to each vehicle category,” said managing editor of MMMG Chris Mullett.
“The Ford Ranger with it’s strong and capable 3.2 litre diesel engine and well adjusted ride and handling characteristics now adds sophisticated car-like safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Stability Programme, Driver Impairment Monitor and Emergency Brake Assist.
“Offering higher safety levels, with more usable horsepower and torque ratings than its competitors in this segment, the Ranger is a stand out winner for Ford Australia,” said Chris Mullett.
The success of Renault Australia in winning both the Best Small Van and Medium Van categories is testimony to how this company has restructured itself and its products to lift the standard of light commercial vehicles.
“The judges were impressed by the car-like driving attributes and clever introduction of technology and smart design to make the delivery driver safer, reduce fatigue and provide a better workplace,” said Chris Mullett.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter wins recognition for the third consecutive year, incorporating the highest of safety standards with an excellent drivetrain including the 7GTronic automatic transmission.
“In terms of ride and handling, comfort and safety, nothing in the market can match the Sprinter. It is maintaining its lead in this market segment. An amazing achievement,” said Chris Mullett.
TNT Australia, winner of the PowerTorque Technology and Innovation Award was recognized for the company’s industry leading testing of low emissions Euro 6 compliant vehicles for linehaul application.
“TNT has challenged the market to reduce exhaust emissions and improve the environment,” said Chris Mullett.
“In conjunction with Scania Australia, the TNT test programme, conducted in association with PowerTorque Magazine, has produced solid results that justify the early adoption of Euro 6 emissions levels,” he added.
Konrr-Bremse Australia was recognized for the iTAP diagnostic system that enables a driver or mechanic to check on the safety working parameters of a heavy vehicle trailer through an APP on their Smart Phone or tablet using a wifi connection.
“Without having to connect equipment to a trailer physically, it is now possible to confirm brake line pressures, tyre pressures, system compliance and even activate and control air suspension systems to match varying loading dock heights, all from a Smart Phone. It is a safety system for diagnostics that fits into your pocket,” said Chris Mullett.
The MMMG awards were presented to representatives of the companies concerned at a function held at the Melbourne Convention Centre attended by over 100 senior commercial vehicle, trailer and equipment industry executives.
