TODAY Fleet NewsNet's sister title Fleet News launches the search for the winners of the 2001 Fleet News Awards - the 13th year of the awards which have become known as the fleet industry 'Oscars'.

Once again, there will be awards to fleet managers, vehicle manufacturers and fleet supplier companies. The 31 awards - five fleet manager awards, 17 manufacturer awards, eight supply company awards and the coveted Fleet News Special Award - will be presented at the fleet night of the year on Wednesday, March 21, 2001 at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.

The search for Britain's finest fleet managers begins today, and once again, Fleet News is aiming to find the UK Fleet of the Year as well as the Fleet Manager of the Year in charge of under 250 vehicles and the Fleet Manager of the Year in charge of more than 250 vehicles.

In addition, reflecting the growing importance of fleet safety there is the Fleet Risk Management Award; while with the continuing emphasis on 'green' issues the Fleet Environmental Award is expected to be keenly contested by visionary fleet managers pursuing the path of personal mobility managers.

Vehicle manufacturers will be battling it out for 17 Fleet News Awards, including the new Fleet News Car of the Year Award and the prestigious Fleet Manufacturer of the Year Award.

This year Fleet News is also launching the Judges' Favourite Car Award which, with fleet choice lists becoming increasingly flexible and company car drivers demanding greater choice, will particularly focus on the exotic and unusual which, at first glance, may not ordinarily find their way on to choice lists.

Fleet supply companies will also be battling it out for eight Fleet News Awards, including a plethora of new sectors and a redefining of other awards.

For the first time, companies shortlisted for the final judging will be invited to 'make their case' and answer any judges' questions during a five minute interview at the final judging.

New awards include that for the Best Online Fleet Initiative, which reflects the increasing importance of the internet in fleet operations.

Click here for further information and how to enter.