First major order for Citroen’s new Grand C4 Picasso

Citroen’s acclaimed, newly launched compact MPV - the Grand C4 Picasso - has just won its first major fleet order, with Helphire Group plc ordering 300 1.6HDi and 2.0HDi diesel powered models.

This order by Helphire Group, the UK’s market leader in the provision of assistance to drivers involved in road accidents in which they were not at fault, includes 90 x 1.6HDi SX and 95 x 2.0HDi VTR+ models, all equipped with Citroen’s advanced electronic gearbox system, as well as 45 x 1.6HDi SX and 50 x 1.6HDi VTR+ models.

The seven seat Grand C4 Picasso, which has already been named BBC Top Gear magazine’s ’Family Car of the Year’ and What Car? Magazine’s ‘Best MPV’, will be used by Bath-headquartered Helphire Group’s customers, whose own vehicles are off the road being repaired.

Ian Hughes, Citroen’s Head of UK Corporate Sales, comments “The strong relationship that Citroen and Helphire have built up over the years is one that we value greatly. This new deal also gives us the opportunity to increase awareness of the current range of Citroen vehicles, and particularly the new Grand C4 Picasso, among a large number of customers, many of whom may be in the market for a new vehicle.

Helphire Group already operates some 1,500 Citroen cars and vans, as part of a UK fleet of over 10,000 vehicles, which range from motor scooters to light commercial vehicles. When considering the needs of its customers for this latest order, the company was positively influenced by the Grand C4 Picasso’s distinctive interior and exterior design, its 5 star EuroNCAP safety rating, easy-to-use folding seat system and high equipment levels – all SX and VTR+ models come with air conditioning, seven airbags, ESP with traction control, speed limiter, cruise control, Hill Start Assist and automatic electric parking brake.

Steve O’Brien, Helphire Group’s fleet manager, comments, “We have an excellent relationship with Citroen and feel strongly that there is little else in the marketplace to compare with the Grand C4 Picasso, which really sets the sector standards. While the innovative and practical design of this new MPV will greatly appeal to our customers, a strong performance in the used car market is particularly important to us and we are confident that the Grand C4 Picasso’s residual values will prove to be very strong.”

Apart from its provision of accident assistance to drivers involved in road accidents, Helphire Group plc, through its subsidiary companies, provides a host of services to the insurance and motor industries including the provision of legal expenses, theft policies, claims handling facilities and accident management solutions, reinforcing the company's position as the UK's leading provider of services to non-fault accident victims.