Business & Finance
Peugeot/Citroën voted “International Van of 2008”
By MaltaMedia News
Nov 6, 2007 - 8:28:12 AM

The Peugeot Expert, Citroën Jumpy and Fiat Scudo family of compact vans, which were styled and developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën in cooperation with Fiat, has been awarded the title of “International Van of the Year 2008.”

Marketed since early 2007, the vans are manufactured at the two companies’ joint Sevel Nord production plant in Valenciennes, France. The award, the most important for light commercial vehicles in Europe, underscores the features and performance of the new family of compact vans, of which more than 110,000 units have already been produced.

In addition to a broad line-up, the title also recognizes the family’s elegant combination of styling, usability and extensive comfort, handling and safety features, which are comparable to those found on the latest passenger cars.

The van is fitted with the latest ABS and EBA primary safety systems as standard equipment. Its structure has been extensively engineered to deliver exceptional secondary safety performance, with a collapsible front end with several impact absorption structures. As well, a driver’s airbag is standard, while optional front passenger and side airbags are available depending on the version.

In addition, the Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy are the only light commercial vehicles to offer tertiary safety features unrivalled in Europe, thanks to the Premium Emergency Call Service deployed by PSA Peugeot Citroën in nine European countries.

PSA Peugeot Citroën also feels that the award is an encouraging sign in its strategy of developing a consistent, aligned range of light commercial vehicles. The range has now been either renewed, with the Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper large vans and the Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy compact vans, or broadened in cooperation with Fiat, with the Peugeot Bipper and Citroën Nemo small delivery vans.

PSA Peugeot Citroën is Europe’s leading manufacturer of light commercial vehicles. In the first nine months of 2007, it sold more than 310,000 units, representing a 7.2% increase over the prior-year period and an 18.5% share of the market.

The title of “International Van of the Year” has been awarded every year since 1992 by a panel of international commercial vehicle journalists, this year representing 20 European countries. This is the third time that PSA Peugeot Citroën has earned the title, following the Peugeot Boxer/Citroën Jumper in 1995 and the Peugeot Partner/Citroën Berlingo in 1997.