Groupe PSA intends to consolidate its leading market share of more than 30% on the European B-LCV market, by launching a new generation of the PEUGEOT PARTNER, CITROËN BERLINGO and OPEL/VAUXHALL COMBO.
These vehicles, resulting from a joint programme, were developed using the cutting edge EMP2 platform. The Peugeot & Citroën models will be produced at the Mangualde (Portugal) and Vigo (Spain) plants, and for the first time, the Spanish plant will also produce an Opel/Vauxhall vehicle.
To support the sales ambitions set for the new range, a third team in Mangualde (225 new hires) and a fourth in Vigo (900 new hires) were set up, becoming operational in April and June, respectively. These two plants in the Iberian Industrial Division, which meet Groupe PSA’s highest standards in terms of performance, have made profound changes to accommodate the new PEUGEOT PARTNER, CITROËN BERLINGO VAN and OPEL/VAUXHALL COMBO.
These latest models offer customers exciting new features specially designed for everyday or occasional use and provide even greater safety (e.g., driving and manoeuvring assistance systems), comfort (e.g. adjustable lumbar support, acoustic treatment) and convenience (including deeper cabin, increased payload, longer load space, and worksite pack).
To cover all the needs of business users, Groupe PSA now offers a wide range of body styles with various combinations of payload (650 to 1,000 kilogrammes), length (4.40 and 4.75 metres), number of seats (2, 3 and 5) and features such as a load-through hatch, roof flap, brighter lighting in the load zone, and 220V outlets.
The vehicles will be sold in some 100 countries, with first orders taken in Europe in September.
Philippe Narbeburu, Senior Vice-President, Light Commercial Vehicles,said: “This new generation of vans marks a new phase in our range renewal process. Our modern line up features efficient vehicles designed to meet our customers’ demanding needs and provide a better customer experience. We hope to consolidate our leadership in Europe and continue to export our knowledge and skills to other continents.”
Additional information
• 3rd generation of the Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo
• 5th generation of the Opel Combo
• Groupe PSA dominates the highly competitive van segment, with a European market share of more than 30% in 2017
• Popular vehicles: the Peugeot Partner was the best-selling van in Europe in 2017 with close to 78,000 sales, followed by the Citroën Berlingo with nearly 73,000 sales
• In 2017, Groupe PSA sold 658,000 light commercial vehicles (and passenger car versions) worldwide, an increase of 16% year on year
• With more than 20% market share in 2017, Groupe PSA is the overall leader in light commercial vehicles sales in Europe.
