Noul Peugeot Expert/ Citroen Berlingo

In co-operation with Citroen, Peugeot is developing the next generation Partner which is Berlingo in the Citroen model range.

The little utility vans had a restyling in fall 2002 but will be replaced by a new model in 2006 for launch at the Paris Motor Show.

According to these first prototype shots of the Peugeot version , the vans look considerably bigger, have larger window panes (still disguised on the photos) and a large sliding door on the right. The new Partner/Berlingo passenger version is rumoured to seat up to seven passengers and is set to rival vans like Fiat Doblo and VW Caddy.

Jean-Martin Folz, Chief Executive Officer of PSA Peugeot Citroën and Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Fiat, yesterday unveiled a new family of compact light commercial vehicles at the Sevel Nord plant in Northern France.

To be launched in mid-January 2007, the newcomers succeed the Peugeot Expert, Citroën Dispatch and Fiat Scudo, and keep their respective names.

These new compact light commercial vehicles are available in a broad range of body styles with volumes of 5 to 7m3 and payloads of 1,000 and 1,200 kg, allowing business users to select the right vehicle for their specific business needs.

In addition, the two groups are extending their ranges with a new passenger vehicle offering, the combi-van, a van-based large MPV seating up to nine passengers.

The new vehicles for both groups are produced in Valenciennes, Northern France, at the Sevel Nord plant, with a workforce of nearly 4,400 employees and producing up to 130,000 units a year in three shifts.

The Sevel Nord site which is operationally managed by PSA Peugeot Citroën also assembles the Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat and Lancia brands’ top-of-the-range MPVs.

To manufacture these diverse ranges of vehicles priority action was given to modernising the workshops, redesigning logistics and improving workstation ergonomics. The Sevel Nord plant assembles as many as 14 different body styles on a single line: the top of the range MPVs, the new compact light commercial vehicles and the combi-vans. Industrial investment for the production of these new compact light commercial vehicles and combi-vans totals €440 million.

Nearly one million units of the previous generation of Peugeot Expert, Citroën Dispatch and Fiat Scudo models, launched in 1995, have so far been produced at the Sevel Nord plant. These light commercial vehicles helped trigger the boom in the compact light commercial vehicle segment in Europe with their novel car-like driveability, an offering not previously available on light commercial vehicles.

Following the renewal of their larger light commercial vehicle ranges: the Citroën Relay, Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato, in May 2006, the two groups are continuing to rejuvenate their light commercial vehicle ranges.

The next step in this market offensive will occur in 2008 with the launch of a new small van manufactured in Turkey under Tofas management.

Citroën has announced first details of its new, expanded Dispatch range, which is set to go on sale in the UK in early 2007.  The new Dispatch, known as Jumpy in other markets, is designed to appeal to a broader customer base and replaces the current model that was launched in late 1996.  

The original, highly successful Dispatch was the first compact panel van available in the UK and this niche sector has met the needs of a wide range of UK businesses.  As a result the original model sold strongly right up to the end of its production life.  

The new Dispatch will appeal to a wider range of UK operators and showcases a variety of technological innovations, which are designed to raise comfort and safety standards and increase operational efficiency. For the first time in the UK, short and long wheelbase versions will be available, as well as standard and high roof models.  The new Dispatch will be available in panel van, a choice of well appointed combis, window van and platform cab variants.  Key features of the new Dispatch are:-
a choice of 1,000 and 1,200 kg payload models
greater cargo load volumes with a choice of  5.0, 6.0 and 7.0cu.m models
longer load deck and an optional overhead facility to carry longer items
high specification 5 to 9 seat combi models available
90, 120 and 140hp HDi Euro IV diesel engines
ABS and EBA fitted as standard
optional pneumatic self-levelling rear suspension
higher standards of safety and comfort
low operating costs
lower fuel costs
reduced emissions
New Dispatch – stylish and practical

The new Dispatch boasts modern styling to complement the high profile image of the many UK businesses that will choose this advanced light commercial vehicle range.  It not only looks good, but the clean, bold, aerodynamic lines are also practical - with large protective side mouldings and big bumpers the new Dispatch is well protected when it’s out on the streets.  

While the new Dispatch is bigger on the inside than its predecessor, in standard roof format it has a low overall height of just 1,894mm – significantly, this means it can fit into most multi-storey car parks, which is a major advantage for any business users working in town.

For maximum loading efficiency, new Dispatch has twin, side load doors.  At the rear it has big, side-hinged doors, while a tailgate is optionally available on both panel van and combi versions.  

Low loading height has always been a key feature of the Dispatch range and new Dispatch continues to offer this easy loading ability, with a load deck height of just 562mm – 23mm less than that of the previous model.  Fitted with the optional, pneumatic self-levelling rear suspension, the new Dispatch load ride height is 491mm, which can be reduced by a further 50mm when the vehicle is stationary.  The pneumatic self-levelling rear suspension option also maintains constant ride height when in motion, regardless of load, providing a safer, more stable and higher standard of ride comfort.
New Dispatch – greater carrying capacity

New Dispatch has a larger load compartment, with load deck lengths ranging from 2254mm to 2584mm.  Additional load length is available for long items such as pipes or wood thanks to the optional overhead storage tunnel.  This unique feature allows especially long items to be loaded, from the rear, at roof height and to extend through the optional bulkhead into the cab above windscreen level.  

With a choice of short and long wheelbase models and standard and high roof configurations the new Dispatch offers considerably greater load compartment volumes than the current model’s 4.0cu.m.  The short wheelbase standard roof new Dispatch has a load compartment volume of 5.0cu.m and the long wheelbase standard roof van has 6.0cu.m, which increases to 7.0cu.m with the high roof version.  Similarly, payloads have risen from the current model’s 900kg maximum to 1,000 -1,200kg dependent on model.  
New Dispatch – Euro IV engine range

In the UK the new Dispatch is offered with a choice of three fuel efficient, smooth running Euro IV HDi diesel engines.  All three new Dispatch power units offer the benefits of impressive levels of performance and driveability, coupled with extended service intervals, excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Matched with a five speed gearbox is a 1.6HDi 90hp diesel, delivering peak torque of 180Nm @ 1,750rpm, which is suitable for both town and long distance operations.  Both of the higher power 2.0HDi diesels available in the new Dispatch are mated to 6 speed gearboxes.  There is a choice of a 120hp 2.0HDi, which has a peak torque rating of 300Nm developed at 2,000rpm, and a 138hp 2.0HDi engine, equipped with Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS), which has a peak torque of 320Nm @ 2,000rpm.  

The advanced HDi engines used in the new Dispatch are fitted with European On Board Diagnosis (EOBD) systems to monitor emissions.  
New Dispatch – state-of-the-art on-road capability

Like the original version, new Dispatch has car-like standards of ride and handling, thanks to its sophisticated suspension.  This set-up provides optimum levels of stability, responsiveness, steering precision and damper control, regardless of load.  

The rear suspension consists of a semi-flexible transverse beam with an offset Panhard rod.  This plays a major role in the Dispatch’s achievement of a high standard of ride comfort and good cornering performance, even with heavy loads.  The optional pneumatic rear suspension further improves ride characteristics and maintains ride height at a constant level regardless of load.

Dispatch models with the 90hp engine have variable rate hydraulic power steering while the two higher power models have electro-hydraulic, speed sensitive power assisted steering.  

For safer braking in all conditions, ABS and EBA are standard on all new Dispatch models.  
New Dispatch – a safe working environment

As befits a new model, the Dispatch has been engineered to provide very high standards of occupant protection and impact resistance.  The body includes a reinforced cantrail, a front bumper with an impact absorbing metal beam, high strength front sub frame, reinforced engine mountings and a steering column that retracts by over 80mm in the event of a heavy impact.  Other key safety features include height adjustable front seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters.

A driver’s airbag is standard across the range, while front passenger airbag, side airbags and curtain airbags will be optionally available, dependent on model.  On combi versions, the outer seats in rows 2 and 3 have Isofix anchor points, which allow child seats to be fitted.

New Dispatch models also benefit from enhanced security.  In addition to the standard engine immobiliser and transponder, it is possible to separately lock the cab and load areas.   A perimetric alarm and tow-away protection system are available.  As a result of the high level of work on security, new Dispatch has scored Thatcham’s top five-star security rating.
New Dispatch – more space and higher standards of comfort & equipment

New Dispatch models have a spacious and comfortable cab, with big windows to provide a wider field of vision and let in plenty of light.  Access to the cab is easy as, unlike many other vans, the Dispatch’s low floor does away with the need for a step, improving accessibility.

New Dispatch is available with a wide range of equipment, including air conditioning, cruise control and a speed limiter, automatic wipers and headlights, a reversing radar and a 5-CD stacker.  The new Dispatch will also be offered with a full range of audio and telematic equipment, including Bluetooth.