Citroen uses green engineering for LCV efficiency
To reduce the environmental impact of its LCV range, Citroen is using advanced, affordable technology to achieve emission reductions and fuel efficiency gains. This approach, to reduce the carbon footprint of its LCVs, is seen in Citroens:-
standardisation of ultra-fuel-efficient, low-emission HDi diesels, which are recognised as being the best available in Europe
extended LCV service intervals, up to 25,000 miles
authorisation of up to 30 per cent biodiesel, without technical modification or effect on warranty
wide range of dual-fuel (petrol/LPG) Nemo, Berlingo and Dispatch models, which offer fuel cost savings and significant reductions in CO2, NOx and particulates
The benefits of these fuel efficiency and emission improvements have been highlighted with the recent publication of the Vehicle Certification Agency LCV CO2 and fuel consumption database. This database shows that Citroen’s innovative Nemo van leads the field when it comes to a compact city van that can carry over 600kg - with a CO2 figure of just 116g/km. Moving up the weight range, the Berlingo, with CO2 emissions starting from just 153g/km, is significantly better than the sales market leader and most other vans in its class. The larger Citroen Dispatch is the best compact panel van with CO2 emissions starting from just 191g/km. The Relay range also sets the pace with CO2 emissions from only 208g/km - significantly better than the sales market leader in the large van sector.
Other advanced green engineering development projects are in hand. With Citroen UK’s help, Ashwoods Automotive Ltd have just embarked upon a three year development programme for a range of versatile Hybrid systems, suitable for Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay models.
Ashwoods has an enviable track record in the ‘Low Emissions’ vehicle sector - the Company is a sole supplier of Hybrid vehicles to the Low Carbon Vehicles Procurement Programme (LCVPP), funded by the Department for Transport.
The Company is already supplying vehicles through the LCVPP to national fleets such as the Royal Mail, Environment Agency, HMRC, TfL and a growing number of local authorities. As such, Citroen has high expectations for this new project, which aims to deliver significant fuel efficiency gains and emission reductions.
Citroen is also working in partnership with Venturi - a renowned European electric vehicle specialist - to develop and launch a Berlingo First Electric van early in 2010. This significantly changed and improved version of the original Berlingo Electrique, which was sold in the UK up to 2005, will feature Sodium Nickel Chloride batteries and will have an estimated top speed of 62mph and a range of 75 miles. A limited production run has already been built and the initial vehicles are on trial in France with La Poste - the French Postal Service. Citroen UK will consider the possible introduction of this model following these trials.
Robert Handyside, commercial vehicle operations manager, comments: “Citroen is already one of the leading companies in supplying fuel-efficient, low-emission LCVs and we are also maintaining the pace of development of our own conventional, highly efficient engines. So the Company is not resting on its laurels. Next year, we will be introducing our advanced Euro 5 HDi diesel engines, which will provide customers with even greater fuel economy, performance and further emissions reductions.”
