Blue Oval car maker Ford has been commended by Motability Operations for its performance in the charity's annual Supplier Awards.

Motability Operations manages the Motability Scheme for more than 600,000 disabled people and their families. Anyone receiving the higher rate mobility component of the government's disability living allowance, or the war pensioners' mobility supplement, can exchange this monthly payment to lease a new car through the organisation's scheme.

Ford is one of the largest suppliers of vehicles to Motability, delivering in excess of 48,000 vehicles to customers in 2011. As a result, Ford accounts for one in five of the vehicles delivered via the scheme. Furthermore, Ford's 500-plus Premier Partner dealers boast the largest network of trained Motability specialists - more than 1,000 across the UK.

Commenting on Ford's commendation, Mike Betts, chief executive of Motability Operations, said: "An increase in applications and some of the strongest Motability Scheme performance has seen Ford attain a commended status in the Motability Supplier Awards. Ford has continued to support Motability with a superb range of affordable models and a dealer network that consistently delivers excellent customer service. We look forward to another great year working in partnership with Ford."