Citroen launches a new Zero Emissions vehicle this time, the Berlingo Multispace.

As the benchmark leisure activity vehicle for over 20 years, the Citroën Berlingo has consistently exceeded the expectations of its customers. The new E-Berlingo Multispace keeps all of the original car’s practicality and modular design, and adds the efficiency and driving pleasure of an electric vehicle. 

With a range of up to 106 miles, the new model meets the needs of private customers and businesses alike, with easy charging and all the benefits of electric mobility. 

The Citroën Berlingo passenger car is now available with an electric drivetrain, in the form of the E-Berlingo Multispace. The new model offers a refined, zero-emission driving experience and sets new standards in the sector for peace-of-mind and ease of use. 

This new addition to the Berlingo Multispace range retains the versatile design, space, comfort and essential equipment that has made the conventionally-powered models such a benchmark in the leisure activity vehicle segment. The new E-Berlingo Multispace extends Citroën’s electric vehicle range, which already includes the C-Zero, E-Mehari* and Berlingo Electric LCV.

Powered by a compact and high-performance permanent magnet synchronous motor, the new vehicle accelerates swiftly and smoothly. The refined and comfortable ride of this versatile car is designed to meet the demands of active families, whilst adding all the advantages of an electric drivetrain. 

The new vehicle’s lithium-ion battery packs are positioned in the subframe either side of the rear axle, which means the cabin layout and boot volume are retained. The E-Berlingo Multispace is fully adaptable and boasts a modular design that can accommodate up to five people, or larger loads when the seats in row 2 are folded away. The boot volume is amongst the best in class at 675 litres with five people on-board, increasing to 3,000 litres with the row 2 seats folded away. The row 2 seats can also be removed completely to create a fully flat load area. 

Access to the vehicle couldn’t be simpler with two sliding side doors, plus a large rear tailgate. The tailgate has an window that opens independently, making loading the boot easier in confined spaces.

The E-Berlingo is perfect for urban and suburban use, and professional applications where there is easy access to charging points. The new model offers all the benefits associated with a 100% electric vehicle, including enviromental advantages, low runnning costs, plus taxation and parking benefits. The new E-Berlingo Multispace is equipped with the same proven electric drivetrain as the Berlingo Electric LCV, which is already in service with numerous fleet customers across Europe. 

With a range of 106 miles, measured on the NEDC cycle, the E-Berlingo Multispace is perfectly adapted to consumer use – the majority of European motorists drive less than 60 miles each day.

The E-Berlingo Multispace can be re-charged to 50% of its total range in 15 minutes or to 80% of capacity in 30 minutes from a dedicated rapid charge point. This uses the vehicle’s D/C rapid charging port (CHAdeMO). The standard charge time is 8 hours using the 16 A, Type 2 cable or as little as 10 hours from a domestic 3-pin socket. The motor also provides regenerative braking when the vehicle is slowing down, helping to re-charge the batteries and reduce brake wear.

The new E-Berlingo Multispace develops 67hp (49kW) and has 200Nm of torque immediately available. The two high-capacity lithium-ion battery packs, with a combined rating of 22.5kWh, lower the car’s centre of gravity for even more dynamic stability.

For an even more user-friendly experience, the new E-Berlingo Multispace comes with remote-controlled functions for use via a smartphone. These functions include a facility that allows the driver to pre-heat or cool the interior prior to accessing the vehicle. The driver can also remotely check their car’s battery charge level.

There is also an innovative eco-driving assistance programme, which helps the driver adopt the most economical driving style to optimise range. The navigation system displays speed limits and traffic information, as well as charging points that can be reached by the vehicle based on the remaining range.

The new Citroën E-Berlingo Multispace has significantly lower running costs than an equivalent petrol or diesel powered Berlingo Multispace. The traction battery is included in the purchase price of the vehicle and offers peace-of-mind with an 8-year/60,000 mile warranty. 

Available equipment includes air conditioning, parking sensors, speed limiter, tyre pressure monitoring, electronic stability control (ESC) combined with Hill-Start Assist and a 7-inch touchscreen. The E-Berlingo Multispace also features the Citroën brand’s highly-regarded in-car connectivity, with Bluetooth® and Mirror Screen technology.

The new E-Berlingo Multispace will be assembled at the Vigo production site and will go ‘on sale’ in the UK during the third quarter of 2017.

The Cactus from Citroen now sports a special all black edition (just like the one we own)

Citroën is further enhancing the C4 Cactus range with the introduction a C4 Cactus OneTone version. The eye-catching OneTone model features Obsidian Black metallic paint, black Airbump®, 17-inch black alloy wheels and special OneTone graphics. The new C4 Cactus OneTone will go ‘on sale’ in the UK from 1 April 2017, priced from £19,020 OTR.

EDITOR - This is not new - in fact I own an all black Cactus and have done for two years now - so they are late to the party, maybe i should charge them for nicking my idea. LOL

For those seeking a new take on the standout charms of the multi-award winning C4 Cactus, yet more choice is on the way. The new Citroën C4 Cactus OneTone will go ‘on sale’ in the UK from 1 April.

Offering an elegantly styled exterior that plays on the harmony between the tone-on-tone black body paint, black Airbumps® and black alloy wheels, the C4 Cactus OneTone retains all the original personality of the iconic Citroën model, while adding a fresh new look and dynamic presence.

The new version features Obsidian Black metallic paint, 17-inch black ‘Cross’ alloy wheels and OneTone graphics on the rear quarter panels. The C4 Cactus PureTech 110 S&S manual OneTone is based on the range-topping Flair trim level. The new model offers distinctive style with all the latest technologies designed for well-being. 

Additional equipment includes the City Park Pack with front parking sensors, gap measurement and Park Assist self-parking. Other features include a two-tone leather steering wheel and dark tinted rear windows, plus a Navigation and Hi-Fi Pack with 6 speakers and an ARKAMYS digital amplifier. There is also Bluetooth® hands free functionality and media streaming.

As part of the launch promotion, C4 Cactus OneTone features in a new attention-grabbing video advertisement. In what has become a well-known TV scene, a jury is auditioning contestants in a talent show. The next contestant is Annabel, an adorable little girl with the face of an angel, who instantly wins the hearts of the audience. Backstage, her nervous parents are comforted by the host. The jury asks the contestant to begin. To everyone’s astonishment, the little girl bursts into a rousing rendition of a hard rock song. Dressed in her little pink cardigan, but possessed by a heavy-metal spirit, Annabel belts out the song.

The mother and daughter are then seen leaving in the C4 Cactus OneTone with the sound of hard rock contrasting with the stylish elegance of the car.

The film perfectly sums up the Citroën C4 Cactus OneTone. Under its pure and elegant

all-black body, this car loses none of its edge. That same spirit is summed up in the advertising slogan, “GO BE DIFFERENT”.

The C4 Cactus PureTech 110 S&S manual OneTone is priced from just £19,020 MRRP OTR.

FLEET WORLD - The Citroen Dispatch takes the honours as best medium van in this years ceremony.

New Citroën Dispatch has continued its award-winning ways by taking the Best Medium Van prize in the 2017 Van Fleet World Honours.

The New Citroën Dispatch has been named Medium Van of the Year in the 2017 Van Fleet World Honours. The award was won jointly with the Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace at a prestigious ceremony earlier today at the RAC Club in Pall Mall.

This latest award in the New Citroën Dispatch trophy cabinet joins the What Van? Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year 2017 and Medium Van of the Year 2017 awards, which were presented at the end of last year. 

Van Fleet World Editor, Dan Gilkes, said; “The New Dispatch is quite simply a great mid-weight van that has taken a huge step forwards from its predecessor. 

The van is not simply a like-for-like replacement, as the addition of a third compact model broadens the line-up, opening up new opportunities and providing customers with increased choice to suit specific operating requirements.

“There’s a good choice of 1.6 and 2.0-litre engines delivering a good mix of economy and low emissions, with power and refinement. The vans can also be supplied with a very high specification, including industry first head-up display and hands-free side door opening.

“Citroën has managed to deliver strong load volume and payload capacities, while providing a comfortable, car-like driving environment in a van with perfect dimensions for urban use.”

The Van Fleet World Awards are chosen by a panel of expert journalists at the publication, who have considerable experience of the van market.

Commenting on the award, Jeremy Smith, Citroën UK’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, said; “We thought we were on to a winner with the New Dispatch range.

The awards from What Van?, and now Van Fleet World, show that others with experience in the van sector think so too. We are delighted that the experts at Van Fleet World have recognised the strengths of the New Dispatch with this latest award.”

WHAT CAR AWARDS - Citroen takes the Best buy MPV Under £20,000 title this year.

Citroën C3 Picasso PureTech 110 Edition is named 'Best Buy for less than £20,000' in the 'MPV' category at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards.

The Citroën C3 Picasso PureTech 110 Edition was recognised for its practicality, comfort and class leading engine earlier this evening, winning the title ‘MPV Best Buy for less than £20,000’ at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2017.

Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, commented; “The funky Citroën C3 Picasso 1.2 litre petrol is a very practical family car, especially for smaller households. 

That little engine is actually a real plus point. It offers peppy performance around town and doesn’t feel overworked on motorway journeys, with plenty of low-rev pull for easy progress. 

The C3 Picasso is comfortable, too. Its ride is soft and the driving position is excellent; you sit quite high up, so get a clear view of the road ahead, helped by the wraparound windscreen and thin pillars. 

The entry-level Edition spec comes with plenty of kit, including 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors. If you need to transport your family on a limited budget, the characterful and nippy C3 Picasso should be at the top of your shortlist.”

Chris Cheetham, Citroën’s Marketing Director in the UK, said; “It’s an honour to be acknowledged in these prestigious awards again in 2017. The C3 Picasso PureTech 110 Edition won through at its price-point last year, so we’re excited that the vehicle is living up to its practical and affordable title. MPVs must be able to cope with family life and that’s exactly what we have designed C3 Picasso to do. 

With future ideas, such as the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, coming to fruition across the range in the coming years, our products will continue to shine and stand out.”

This is the second consecutive year that the What Car? judging panel has recognised the family-friendly Citroën C3 Picasso PureTech 110 Edition as an ‘MPV Best Buy’, after a series of prior wins with different versions of the same car in the ‘MPV Best Buy for less than £16,000’ category.

Citroën C3 Picasso PureTech 110 Edition is available from just £16,975 OTR.

WHAT VAN ? - The New Citroen Dispatch takes it's first two UK awards at the Van of the year ceremony.

New Citroën Dispatch has just picked up its first UK accolades since it was launched earlier this year.

The new mid-size panel van was named joint winner of both the overall Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year prize and the Medium Van of the Year trophy at the 2017 What Van? Awards. 

The honours were presented at the prestigious What Van? Awards luncheon in London earlier today.

What Van?’s panel of experienced judges considered the model to be “an outstanding new van that has come to the market this year”, adding that the New Dispatch “breaks new ground in the largest and most important sector of the market.”

James Dallas, Editor of WhatVan?, commented; “The Citroën Dispatch represents a big step up compared with its predecessor in terms of quality, refinement and practicality. It should propel the brand to the forefront of what is a very competitive market sector. The new Dispatch brings useful innovations to the market and it now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best medium vans on offer.”

The What Van? Awards are voted for by an expert panel of judges who use their combined decades of experience to decide the winners. The awards highlight the best products, companies and services in the industry, and reward those making the biggest difference to van operators and drivers across the UK.

The design of the New Citroën Dispatch was inspired by the world of passenger cars and SUVs. Its styling is fluid and practical, with the all-new modular platform allowing New Citroën Dispatch to be available in three lengths. Its practicality is illustrated by an optional hands-free function for the sliding side doors and numerous improvements in the cabin that make the life of the driver significantly easier.

Besides useful everyday functions like hands-free entry and start, New Citroën Dispatch also features technology such as Mirror Screen smartphone connectivity that brings the van right up to date.

Jeremy Smith, Citroën’s Head of Commercial Vehicles & Business Sector Operations, said; “We are delighted that the New Citroën Dispatch has been voted as the best new light commercial vehicle on the market by What Van? magazine. To gain industry recognition on such an important new product, in a highly competitive market, is very important to us. We are confident that new and existing customers will be equally impressed when they get behind the wheel to experience the new van for themselves.”

PSA Group announces its third quarter statement with an over growth, but certain global area's show decreases.

• 2016 Group cumulated revenue up 1.3% at €39.2 billion^[1] at constant exchange rate
• Continued improvement of pricing power in Europe
• Start of the product offensive: launch of Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy in June, Peugeot 3008 in October and Citroën C3 in November
• Faster international expansion: partnerships signed in Iran with Iran Khodro for Peugeot and Saipa for Citroën
• Enlarge customer base: online multi-brand used vehicle sales and rollout of mobility services

Group Q3 2016 revenue totalled €11,404 million, compared with €12,016 million in Q3 2015. In the first nine months, Group revenue reached €39,183 million, compared with €40,052 million in 2015, up 1.3% at constant exchange rates.

Automotive division revenue was €7,542 million, compared with €8,052 million in Q3 2015. Negative exchange rate effects (-4.7%) were partially offset by the positive price impact (+1.8%), reflecting the policy of improving the price positioning of the three brands, Peugeot, Citroën and DS.

Consolidated worldwide sales were up 10.6%². Ahead of major product launches in the fourth quarter, which are not yet visible in registrations, sales volumes declined in Europe (-4.3%) and China (-16.5%). In Latin America, they were up 22.6%. In Africa Middle East, volumes increased, driven by sales of vehicles manufactured in Iran under Peugeot licence^[2].

As of end-September 2016, inventories totalled 400,000 vehicles^[3] (382,000 in the same period last year).

Jean-Baptiste de Chatillon, Chief Financial Officer of the PSA Group and member of the Managing Board, said:“The levers of the Back in the Race plan, especially pricing power and cost reduction, make us confident that we will achieve the objectives of the Push to Pass plan, despite a more challenging external environment, particularly in respect of exchange rates.”

Market outlook

For 2016, the Group expects the automotive market to grow by about 6% in Europe and 15% in China, and to shrink by around 6% in Latin America and 15% in Russia.

Operational targets

The Push to Pass plan, has set the following targets:

• Reach an average 4% automotive recurring operating margin in 2016-2018, and target 6% by 2021;
• Deliver 10% Group revenue growth by 2018⁴ vs 2015, and target additional 15% by 2021^[4].

Financial Calendar – 23 February 2017: 2016 Annual Results

Appendix

Revenue YTD September 2016 versus YTD September 2015

In million euros	9M 2015*	9M  2016	Change
Automotive	27,461	26,732	-729
Faurecia	13,811	13,773	-38
Other businesses and eliminations**	(1,220)	(1,322)	-102
Group revenue	40,052	39,183	-869

Revenue Q3 2016 versus Q3 2015

In million euros	Q3 2015*	Q3 2016	Change
Automotive	8,052	7,542	-510
Faurecia	4,323	4,241	-82
Other businesses and eliminations**	(359)	(379)	-20
Group revenue	12,016	11,404	-612

* restated according to IFRS5 (Faurecia Exteriors division)

** Including remaining activities of PSA Finance