The Swift Group has won four of the industry’s most prestigious awards for its new generation of motorhomes.
The awards from the UK’s top motorhome magazine Motorcaravan Motorhome Monthly are among the industry’s highest accolades.
The new luxurious Swift Bolero 630EW won two awards – low profile of the year and motorhome of the year – while the Ace Roma won coachbuilt motorhome of the year.
The East Yorkshire-based company also won a silver award for manufacturer of the year.
The awards are the culmination of two years of hard work at Swift to develop all new motorhomes using the new X2/50 Ducato cab, which offers reduced noise levels and even greater comfort for life on the road.
Richard White, Swift Marketing Director, said: “Winning an MMM award is one of the highest accolades in the industry, so to win four in one year means a lot to everyone at Swift who has worked hard to achieve what we believe is a market leading range for 2007.
“The fact that the judges agreed is a great motivator to the people who designed and built the new ranges at Cottingham, and we were delighted that two of the design and development team who led the project could receive the awards on the night. It also adds great credibility to the marketing of the new ranges.”
Every motorhome considered by the judges for an MMM award was first nominated by MMM readers. Each shortlisted motorhome was also tested by one of the judges before the final decision was made.
Judges were impressed by the features and characteristics of the Swift Bolero 630EW, saying: “This model uses the new Fiat Ducato motorhome specific chassis with a wide track rear axle and low floor height. It looks good, with its stylish, smooth silver-sided exterior and certainly delivers on the inside. The MMM readers commented particularly on its comfortable lounge and excellent across-the-rear bathroom with plenty of room for two!”
They said the model leads the way in what can be done with the new Fiat chassis, both in terms of outside appeal and interior ambience with practicality. They called it “a real contender to beat the Continentals at their own game”.
MMM Editor Mike Jago said: “Our readers appreciate well made, user friendly designed motorhomes with that little extra special something. They love the Swift Bolero 630EW.”
Of the Ace Roma, the judges said: “This four berth model with a European layout but British décor, presented itself as a stylish, modern motorhome with many extra features that MMM readers loved, such as dual fuel heating and hot water as well as a swing-wall washroom that creates a virtual shower.”
Some members of the team behind Swift’s new luxurious motorhomes, including Steve Trossell (product director), Dave Williams (general sales manager motorhomes), Chris Milburn (design manager motorhomes) and Mick France (project manager) were at the awards ceremony to collect the awards from TV personality and comedian Tom O’Connor.
Tony Hailey, Swift’s director of external relations, who received an outstanding contribution award, said: “I was very honoured to be recognised by MMM and to receive this prestigious award. Previous winners were all leading contributors to the success of the motorhome industry, and I am both surprised and delighted to be able to join such exalted company.”
The MMM Awards, sponsored by the Caravan Club and now in their third year, were held at a glitzy, black tie ceremony at the Metropole Hilton Hotel, a the NEC Birmingham on December 7.