Ford topped the Innovation in Car and Van Manufacture category for its low-carbon ECOnetic diesel vehicles and EcoBoost petrol range.

ECOnetic derivatives, which now span the Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo and Transit ranges, target customers whose overriding priority is to minimise their environmental impact.  With CO₂ emissions under 100g/km, the current Fiesta ECOnetic and Focus ECOnetic (on sale next year) return over 74 mpg.

The EcoBoost engine delivers fuel consumption and emission reduction of 20% compared with conventional petrol engines, thanks to direct injection, turbo charging and and variable valve timing.  The Bridgend-built engine will carry the SCTi (Sequential Charge Turbo injection) badge on production vehicles.

Ford's Fleet Hero Awards entry also included details of the Focus ECOnetic Smart Driving Challenge, which highlighted how driver behaviour influenced fuel economy.  The 500 drivers involved in the Challenge improved their miles per gallon by 33.4% and associated CO₂ fell by 22.5%.

Philip Sellwood, Energy Saving Trust chief executive, commented:  "Congratulations to Ford. The Fleet Hero Awards highlight those who have not only taken steps to help the environment, but also to save money and resources.  This is a great example for others to follow."