VAUXHALL and Ford have picked up top awards at the annual Association of Car Fleet Operators' (ACFO) awards.

ACFO members chose the Vauxhall Vectra as the 2003 Car of the Year after a three-year absence for the Luton-based manufacturer from the car awards, while the Ford Transit Connect and Ford Transit won the awards for light van and panel van respectively.

Votes came from among the 700 members of ACFO who are collectively responsible for 600,000 vehicles in the UK fleet market.

Tony Leigh, ACFO chairman, said: 'Our members are continually evaluating vehicles and use their expertise to assess cars and vans against a range of criteria, including wholelife costs, operational performance, suitability for the task and fleet and driver appeal.

'Fleets have never had such a wide choice of excellent cars and vans. The winners of our awards have clearly excelled against high quality competition.'

Maurice Howkins, Vauxhall fleet sales director, said: 'We are delighted to have won this award as it has been voted for by full-time professional fleet managers whose business it is to make the right choice of car for their companies.'

Kevin Griffin, Ford fleet operations director, said: 'Our investment in Transit and Transit Connect provides all commercial vehicle operators with tremendous choice and value.'

The winning manufacturers will be presented with inscribed silver salvers at a dinner hosted by ACFO on Wednesday, October 22.