TWO Fleet News Award Winners combined to great effect when Ford's new compact panel van, the Transit Connect, made its used market debut in a special sale at BCA Nottingham. The Ford Transit Connect was voted 'Best Van under 21.1 Tonnes' in the Fleet News Awards 2003 and BCA won the 2003 Fleet News Award as 'Best Disposal/Remarketing Company'.

The sale was staged alongside a specialist LCV Forum hosted by BCA and was watched by representatives from many of the largest UK commercial fleets and editors from CAP and Glass's Commercial Guides.

The Ford Closed auction attracted 123 Ford Dealers and Approved Buyers to register – the highest figure so far in 2003 – and offered nearly 300 vehicles direct from the manufacturer, with 87 commercials featuring. Every single vehicle sold following some highly competitive bidding, with both cars and commercials being much sought after.

In total, 21 Ford Transit Connects were sold for an overall equivalent of 80% of current list price. The entry featured both long- and short-wheelbase examples of the Connect with some featuring side-loading doors.

Top price went to a 0202-registered Connect 230 LWB LX 1.8 TDCI 90PS that realised £9,600 at 2,000 miles, equivalent to 81.9% of current list. Best performance against list was achieved by a December 02-registered Connect 200 SWB LX 1.8 TDDI 75PS that sold for £8,300 or 83.4% of current list.

Ford's Chris Shambrook, Auction Manager, commented: 'This was a strong debut for an exciting new addition to the Ford Commercial range. The Connect has been extremely well received by owners, operators and drivers as a new vehicle and now its performance in the used market seems equally assured. Prices were very strong, and confirmed our own high residual value expectations.'

Duncan Ward, BCA's UK Business Development Manager - Commercial Vehicles added: 'There was exceptional interest in the launch of the Ford Transit Connect and bidding was strong on every example offered.'