The Ford Transit has been named International Van of the Year by a panel of commercial vehicle editors.

The Transit scored 112 points out of a maximum 133 points that can be given to a single candidate in the voting. "We are absolutely delighted to accept the Van of the Year award,” said Ford of Europe Chairman Nick Scheele.

When we brought the new Ford Transit range to market in 2000, it embodied every bit of the knowledge we've accumulated as a commercial vehicle leader since 1965.

The Transit is a major contributor to our European business, and this award confirms that it is strongly poised to continue to be a leader into the future.

The fifth generation Transit offers a class-leading combination of front and rear wheel drive, three cab styles and wheelbases, four load lengths and three roof heights, and Ford's new DuraTorq diesel engine, which is the maker's answer to common rail technology.

The award tops a remarkable period for Ford in the LCV market in the last 12 months. Ford also topped the 2000 LCV sales figures trouncing nearest rival Vauxhall by almost 49,000 units.

{*Van sales*}