BMW is celebrating being voted Fleet Manufacturer of the Year and having its 5 Series model named top company car at the annual Fleet News awards.

The 5 Series, revised last summer, also won Best Executive Car while the new i3 took the Best Ultra-low Carbon Car award and the German brand was also chosen as the Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year.

Skoda picked up two awards, for the Octavia estate as Best Estate Car and for the Yeti as Best Crossover while the Vauxhall Insignia was judged Best Upper-medium Car with the Peugeot 208 taking the Best Small Car title.

Volvo's latest Drive-E engine allowed the S60 and V60 to claim the Best Premium Car trophy from the BMW 3 Series, and the Seat Leon beat the Volkswagen Golf into second place for the Best Lower-medium Car.

Citroen's Grand C4 Picasso was awarded Best Seven-seat People Carrier while the Land Rover Discovery won Best All-round 4x4.

Mercedes-Benz picked up two awards - the S-Class for the Best Chauffeur Car and the company was also judged to be the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer.

Fleet News editor-in-chief Stephen Briers said: "The BMW 5 Series has been freshened with a broader range of diesel versions which reduce running costs, but one thing that hasn't changed is its peerless driver appeal. The 5 Series remains the benchmark in the sector.

"BMW continues to set the standard when it comes to providing a range of outstanding, low cost models backed with the excellent level of support needed to satisfy fleets. It remains the most desirable brand for both fleets and their drivers to have on their choice lists."