The New Berlingo follows the Jumper (June 2006), Jumpy (January 2007) and Citroen’s latest compact van, Nemo (December 2007). The Marque has designed a range of innovative models to meet professional requirements in terms of functionality and performance as well as styling and comfort.

Strong results:
With market share of 9.9% in Europe in 2007 and even 17% in the small van segment, Citroen is a key player in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market.

Light commercial vehicles are a priority for Citroen. One vehicle in every seven sold in Europe is an LCV. For Citroen, the figure rises to one in five. These results reflect the brand's constant effort to tailor its range to market requirements.

Vehicles designed for professionals

Well-thought-out dimensions and functions:

- Generous loading capacities:
Citroen is present in all five categories making up the light commercial vehicle market: F1 (small vans with a payload of up to 800 kg and load volume of 4 m3), K1 (up to 1,200 kg and 7 m3), K2, K3 and K4 (up to 3,000 kg and 22 m3). This new line-up of light commercial vehicles covers a wide range of customer needs, with up to two tonnes of payload and load volume of between 2.5 m3 and 17 m3.

- Going even further:
Loading capacity is increased by a wide range of innovations such as the Extenso modular seat or bulkhead system available on Nemo and the New Berlingo, and the stowage tunnel on the Jumpy.

To adapt to the needs of different business segments, the New Berlingo is available in platform cab versions for conversion. Citroen maintains close links with many vehicle converters. Through this policy, it has been able to establish itself on many highly specific markets: e.g. refrigerated vehicles, ambulances, camping cars, transport, deep cabs, tipper trucks and pick-ups.

- For easier loading:
Easy loading is essential for professional users. All Citroen vehicles, including Nemo, can be equipped with sliding side doors. They also feature rear swing doors opening to 180° and a low load sill. With the pneumatic self-levelling rear suspension of the Jumpy and Jumper, the load sill can be lowered still further.

Stylish looks:
All Citroen commercial vehicles feature coherent styling. Their robust design is geared to a wide range of sometimes extreme uses, while their dynamic lines convey a positive image of the company they represent.

The cabin of each LCV resembles a mobile office with a desktop, a wide range of convenient stowage compartments and an array of equipment such as the Bluetooth hands-free kit.

Comfort functions:
All Citroen's light commercial vehicles aim for a level of comfort usually found only in passenger cars, with equipment such as air conditioning and power windows. Ride comfort is also a priority. The New Berlingo, for example, features the excellent running gear of the C4 Picasso.

Some of the many available features are new to the LCV market such as, depending on the vehicle, a tyre pressure monitor, hill start assist or rear parking assist with a camera.

High standards of safety for passengers and freight:
In the LCV market, safety is essential for both passengers and freight. To this end, all the vehicles in the range feature lashing hooks. They may also be fitted with ABS, cruise control/speed limiter, driver and passenger airbags and bulkheads that are both functional and robust.

Looking beyond the need to lash loads down, a wide range of solutions are available to protect valuable freight from theft, for example: automatic locking when the vehicle is on the move, selective locking of the cabin and load area, and also deadlocking.

Engines that respect the environment:
Respecting the environment is a key issue for Citroen. Nemo has lower emissions than any other small van on the market, with less than 120 g/km of CO2. The particulate filter is available on the Jumpy and Jumper in some countries. It will also be available on the New Berlingo by the end of 2008.

The HDi engines available with the LCV range can run on a fuel blend containing up to 30% biodiesel, with no modifications necessary. This technology reduces CO2 emissions and promotes the use of renewable energy.

Low cost-in-use:
The total cost of ownership of commercial vehicles is important for buyers and fleet managers alike. Reflecting this, the entire range boasts a number of advantages such as longer servicing intervals and the use of strong, washable materials to stand up to intensive use.

At the same time, professional users can optimise their fleet management costs with the new Citroen Active Fleet Data service, available on the New Berlingo in France in the first instance.

Courtesy: Citroen, France

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Posted by Jigar Gondalia on 29 April, 2008 5:11:13 PM IST #