Citroën boosts model line-up

Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Citroën has added new Enterprise derivatives to its line-up and extended its Ready to Run range of models. The latter are special conversions delivered directly to the dealer and ready to go to work immediately.

Additions to the Ready to Run portfolio include a Relay-based low-loader built by KFS under the Plant & Go banner. Designed to transport items such as ride-on mowers, the all-alloy body can handle payloads of up to 1,600kg.

Another new introduction is a wheelchair-accessible minibus constructed by Tawe Coachbuilders. Based on the Relay 40 L4 H2, it is equipped with the company’s M1-compliant Flex-i-Trans floor system which allows the seats to be folded against the sidewall easily so that people in wheelchairs can be transported. Citroën is continuing its relationship with existing minibus converter Advanced Vehicle Builders.

Somers has come up with a new temperature-controlled box body for Relay with the needs of home delivery companies in mind while Supertrucks has devised a new Relay-based low-loading glass carrier.

Available from next January, the Enterprise versions of Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay all feature air conditioning, Bluetooth and reverse parking sensors. That’s in addition to remote central locking, electric front windows and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. Most Enterprise variants are also equipped with Trafficmaster Smartnav satellite navigation and Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking as standard.

Turning to environmentally-friendly vehicles, Citroën is developing another electric version of the old-style Berlingo First. Designed in conjunction with electric vehicle specialist Venturi, it will be powered by sodium nickel chloride batteries. Likely range between recharges is 75 miles with an estimated top speed of 62mph. A number of the vehicles are already on trial with La Poste, the French post office, and Citroën may decide to put the model into production in early 2010 if the trial is successful. This latest battery Berlingo is an improved version of the Berlingo Electrique sold in the UK up until 2005. Citroën is also working with UK company Ashwoods Automotive to develop a range of hybrid systems suitable for Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay.

Eager to expand in the taxi market, Citroën has signed an agreement with Allied Vehicles Group which will see the Glasgow-based firm convert several hundred Dispatch Combis into wheelchair-accessible cabs and people-carriers. The Citroën EuroTaxi will be available to full Hackney carriage specifications.

Nor is Citroën neglecting its network. Ninety dealers will have been appointed as business centres by the end of 2009 says the manufacturer, offering an expanding range of services complementing what is already available from existing outlets.

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