PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat introduce new compact economy vans
Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat, Christian Streiff, CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroen, Mustafa V. Koç, Chairman of Koç Holding and of Tofas and Ali Pandir, CEO of Tofas, inaugurated today the production line for a new entry level light commercial vehicle (LCV) at the Tofas plant in Bursa, Turkey.
The new LCVs are developed in common by Fiat, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Tofas. They are built by Tofas.
With their compact size, useful features and contemporary styling, these vehicles represent a totally new addition to the small panel van segment.
Measuring 3.86 metres in length, the new vans are extremely roomy inside, with a load volume of 2.4m3. A stowable passenger seat enables capacity to be increased to 2.8 m3 for a loading space length of 2.5 metres.
These highly functional vehicles feature optimal loading height and large side-hinged rear doors and sliding side doors that make the loading bay easily accessible.
The bright, modern, roomy cab combines practical, functional features with advanced ergonomics designed to ensure comfort and well-being for intensive professional use. Standard equipment includes power steering for driving comfort, as well as ABS and a driver airbag for enhanced safety. Many other options usually found in higher-priced segments are also available, including parking sensors, a separate cab locking system and additional storage space.
Proven gasoline and diesel engines, both fuel efficient and environmentally friendly (119g/km of CO2 in diesel-equipped versions), contribute to lower running costs.
Marketed as the Fiat Fiorino, the Citroen Nemo and the Peugeot Bipper the new vehicles will be gradually introduced as from the end of 2007.
Bringing the new line-up to market required a total investment of €380 million, of which €190 million was for research and development. The vans are manufactured by Tofas at its plant in Bursa, Turkey, which has an installed capacity of 158,000 vehicles a year. Turkey’s leading automobile manufacturer, Tofas is equally owned by Fiat and Koç.
With these new small panel vans, Fiat and PSA Peugeot Citroen have extended their long-standing cooperation while substantially expanding their light commercial vehicle portfolios. The launch comes just a few months after the partners revitalised their jointly developed line-ups of large vans (Fiat Ducato, Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer) and compact vans (Fiat Scudo, Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert).
