The panel of judges comprised 15 users who tested double cab and drop-side versions of light utility vehicles (less than 3.5 tonnes) in real-world conditions. Their evaluations and scoring notably took the vehicle’s dynamics, design and profitability (calculated by DEKRA) into account.

Renault Master dCi 125 scored well thanks chiefly to its equipment specification and respect for the environment. ‘The German ‘Utility Vehicle of the Year’ award is special recognition indeed,’ stated Achim Schaible, director of Renault Germany. ‘This is a first class result which prolongs the brand’s success in the big van market,’ he added.

This prize is attributed every two years by the country’s specialist magazines Deutschen Handwerks Zeitung and Handwerk Magazin, under the auspices of The Federal Ministry of Transport. This year, the awards ceremony will take place at the IAA Show in Hannover on September 21, 2012.