Commercial Vehicle Rookies Farizon, Kia Make 2026 IVOTY Shortlist
The shortlist for the 2026 International Van of the Year award has been revealed with commercial vehicle industry newcomers Farizon and Kia both landing a nomination for their inaugural models.
A total of seven vans are in the running to succeed the latest generation Renault Master, which was crowned 2025 IVOTY winner last year.
Heading up the nomination rollcall is Ford, which leads the way with three nods across its electric/PHEV commercial vehicle range.
The recently overhauled Ford Transit Courier has been recognised for its electric variant (E-Transit Courier), while the venerable Ford Transit is also highlighted in Long Range electric guise (Ford E-Transit).
They are joined by the Ford Transit Connect PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid), which mates a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 19.7kWh battery to offer up to 70-miles of emissions-free driving on electric power only.
Ford’s platform collaborator Volkswagen also has multiple nominations with the latest generation Volkswagen Transporter being named, while the revised Volkswagen Crafter and sister MAN TGE have also been singled out.
Farizon SV, Kia PV5 Announce Presence
While Ford and Volkswagen might be heritage heavyweights of the commercial vehicle industry, the two automotive giants will also face off with a pair of newcomers in Farizon and Kia.
While Farizon – the commercial arm of Chinese manufacturer, Geely – represents an all-new brand in the UK, its inaugural model, the Farizon SV, has already earned acclaim from the specialist press.
Available in five body sizes and offered with the choice of three different battery sizes, the electric SV could see Farizon make an even bigger entrance were it to walk off with a coveted IVOTY accolade too.
It’s not the only commercial vehicle ‘rookie’ in the running though with the Kia PV5 also shortlisted.
While Kia is a household name for its cars, the PV5 heralds the Korean firm’s move into the commercial market. With a larger PV7 and PV9 also on the way, the electric PV5 offers an impressive 258-mile range, while its dimensions allow it bridge the margin between conventional small and medium vans.
Farizon SV and Kia PV5 have arrived at Vansdirect with fantastic leasing deals available on a variety of body sizes and battery powertrain options.
2026 International Van of the Year Nominations:
- Ford E-Transit Courier
- Ford Transit Connect PHEV
- Ford E-Transit (Long Range)
- Farizon SV
- Kia PV5
- Volkswagen Transporter/e-Transporter
- Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE
What Is IVOTY?
International Van of the Year is an annual award that recognises a standout commercial vehicle that has been launched within the last 12 months.
A panel of expert journalists from 25 nations are tasked with the job of crowning a winner with previous recipients of the award including the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo (2022), the Iveco Daily (2015) and the FIAT Doblo (2011).
