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Last updated: 24 March 2026
This article was originally written when the Ford Transit Custom was named International Van of the Year 2013 — an award announced at the IAA Commercial Vehicle show in Hannover in September 2012. At the time, the Transit Custom scored 117 out of 133 points, ahead of the Dacia Dokker and Mercedes-Benz Citan.
That’s now a useful historical marker, because the Transit Custom has since been fully renewed — and the new generation has earned major recognition again.
Key update: the latest Transit Custom also won IVOTY 2024
Ford Pro’s all-new Transit Custom (third generation) was voted International Van of the Year 2024 by the IVOTY jury of commercial vehicle journalists. This isn’t just an old “launch trophy” story — the model line has been re-judged and recognised in its newest form.
What’s changed for UK buyers since the 2013 award?
1) The range now includes fully electric options
The Transit Custom line-up now includes the E-Transit Custom, Ford’s all-electric version aimed at urban and regional delivery/service work. Ford UK quotes an “up to 204 miles” driving range figure for the E-Transit Custom (depending on variant and conditions).
2) It remains one of the UK’s highest-volume vans
SMMT’s latest full-year registration tables show the Ford Transit Custom was the UK’s top new LCV model in 2025 with 49,774 registrations. It also led SMMT’s “Top New Models” list in January 2026 (2,740 registrations), showing ongoing strength even as the overall van market softened.
What an award like IVOTY does (and doesn’t) tell you
Awards can be a helpful shortlist signal, but your “right van” decision usually comes down to practical fit:
- Payload and GVW once you include racking, passengers, and tools
- Load length/height for what you carry most days
- Route profile (city multi-drop vs motorway miles) and whether EV charging fits your work
- Downtime planning (service intervals, tyre/brake wear, replacement van availability)
Insurance relevance (keep it simple)
If you change model or spec — particularly moving into electric, adding racking, trackers, wraps, or changing use (e.g., delivery/hire & reward) — make sure the policy details match the real-world use. The biggest avoidable problems come from misclassified use or undeclared modifications rather than the van model itself.
Sources
- Commercial Motor — Ford Transit Custom wins International Van of the Year 2013 (score 117/133; IAA Hannover timing)
- VanCompare — original article confirming legacy claims and numbers
- Ford media release — all-new Transit Custom winner of IVOTY 2024
- Commercial Motor — IVOTY 2024 award coverage
- Ford UK — E-Transit Custom range figure (up to 204 miles)
- SMMT — 2025 van market and top models table (Transit Custom 49,774)
- SMMT — January 2026 top new models (Transit Custom 2,740)
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
