Renault Master is 2025 International Van of the Year
Renault Master is 2025 International Van of the Year
Renault’s fourth generation Master has been awarded the 2025 International Van of the Year award, solidifying its place as a leader in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market. The award was presented at the Night of the Stars gala banquet during the IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hanover, Germany, on 16 September.
This achievement marks the fifth time Renault has secured the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) Award in the 33-year history of this coveted accolade. This continues a proud tradition for Renault in the IVOTY Awards. The brand’s second-generation Master won the title in 1998, and the Renault Trafic followed suit in 2002. Renault’s pioneering efforts in electric vehicles (EVs) were recognised in 2012 when the Renault Kangoo Z.E. became the first all-electric commercial vehicle to win the award. The Kangoo Van’s success was repeated in 2022, sharing the title with the Mercedes-Benz Citan II.
The Renault Master’s victory is a result of a unanimous decision by a panel of expert judges representing 25 countries across Europe. The panel was particularly impressed with the Master’s innovation, design, and adaptability.
For the first time, the award also saw joint runners-up, with the new Ford E-Transit Custom and Stellantis ProOne Large Van range sharing second spot. Other strong contenders included the Ford Transit Courier and the latest Mercedes-Benz eSprinter, reflecting the competitive nature of this year’s award.
Innovative design
The fourth-generation Renault Master, often referred to as the “Aerovan,” is distinguished by its advanced aerodynamics and multi-energy platform. The vehicle’s design is not only visually striking, but also highly functional, contributing to its efficiency across all powertrains: diesel, electric, and hydrogen. This focus on aerodynamics has resulted in a van that sets new standards in energy efficiency – a key factor in its success.
The Master’s new modular platform is one of its most significant innovations. Designed to accommodate a range of powertrains, it offers versatility that meets the diverse needs of the market. Whether customers require diesel for long-distance durability, electric for zero-emission urban transport, or hydrogen for extended range and fast refuelling, the Renault Master delivers. This adaptability ensures that the Master is future proofed in an industry that is rapidly moving towards sustainable solutions.
A future-proofed testament to Renault’s legacy
Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the International Van of the Year Award jury, highlighted the factors that led to the Master’s victory. “The IVOTY jury was impressed with the completely new design and high levels of innovation and technology developed for the new Master range, which features advanced aerodynamics, increased usability, and enhanced efficiency, space, safety, and comfort. Plus, its new modular platform accommodates diesel, electric, and hydrogen powertrains – all attributes that meet the criteria for the award programme. (It is) future proofed. Congratulations to Renault Light Commercials on this well-deserved achievement,” he said.
Heinz-Jürgen Löw, head of LCV Renault Group, was on hand in Hanover to accept the 2025 IVOTY trophy. He expressed his pride in the accomplishment, stating, “Receiving this award for our new Master is truly special and means a lot for us. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that went into making this possible.”
The Renault Master’s success reflects Renault’s long-standing commitment to innovation in the commercial vehicle sector. Since its introduction in 1980, the Renault Master has sold over three million units, and it has been a dominant force in its segment, particularly in Europe. The vehicle’s widespread popularity, with a presence in more than 50 countries (including South American markets) underscores its global appeal.
Technical excellence and practicality
The new Renault Master is designed to meet the highest standards of efficiency and practicality. Its “Aerovan” design is not merely cosmetic, but plays a crucial role in reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency, regardless of the powertrain. This makes the Master one of the most efficient vehicles in its class.
The interior has been upgraded to offer a more comfortable and practical workspace. The cockpit is designed to function as a mobile office, with features such as a fold-down desk, multiple storage compartments, and advanced connectivity options. The vehicle also includes 20 sophisticated driver assistance systems, enhancing safety and ease of use in a variety of driving conditions.
One of the standout features of the new Master is its multi-energy platform, which supports diesel, electric, and hydrogen powertrains. The diesel versions offer four power levels ranging from 105 to 170hp, with reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel efficiency. The electric versions provide up to 460km of range, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications. The hydrogen variant, while still in development, promises to add another layer of versatility to the Master’s already impressive capabilities.
The Master is already available for sale in European markets.
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