Within months of going into production, Ford's all-new Transit Connect has won the What Van? Van Of the Year Award for 2002. The Transit family newcomer also won Best Light Van and Best Security for Light Vans.

Ford has led the commercial vehicle market in Britain for more than 30 years. The Transit Connect has inherited the quality, dependability, safety, security and durability features of its big brother, Britain's best-selling commercial vehicle the Ford Transit. Seeing this heritage transferred into a light van caught the judges' attention.

'It is fantastic to win any What Van? Award, but every one of these is very special to us as we believe we have created a unique vehicle for Britain's businesses in Transit Connect,' said Steve Parker, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain.

'Transit Connect took the star spot this year but we are thrilled that Transit won a gold award for Best Security and commendations for Large Panel Van and Minibus.'