Peugeot picks up panel van prize

Peugeot has picked up the top ranking at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany for its Partner Van that was named International Van of the Year for 2019.

Peugeot Partner garners title as International Van of the Year

The new Peugeot Partner Van, built on the EMP2 platform was designed as part of a cross-business programme in which services were systematically tailored as closely as possible to the needs of B to B customers in terms of convenience, driving assistance systems and safety.

At the launch of the vehicle last year, Jean-Philippe Imparato, Chief Executive Officer for Peugeot, said: “All-new Peugeot Partner renews a 20-year history of ruggedness and quality as confirmed by professional users. Following our recent launch successes, our SUV offensive with Peugeot 2008, 3008 and 5008 and following the lead of all-new Peugeot Rifter, we had to have the same ambition for our LCV vehicle design –disrupt the market with innovative and unprecedented equipment!

“This is why the iconic Peugeot i-Cockpit is fitted as standard on all-new Peugeot Partner.”

Peugeot i-Cockpit, of which over 4-million units have been sold, is fitted on a commercial vehicle for the first time.

All-new Peugeot Partner has a generous load capacity and payload and is also fitted with an Overload Alert System – a new on-board technology where the mass is automatically measured when the ignition is switched on and can also be measured from the load area when the vehicle is stationary.

Maximum

Once 90% of the total load capacity has been reached, a white LED lights up on the control button; if the maximum authorised load is exceeded a yellow LED lights up, supplemented by a visual warning on the dashboard.

Keith Ryder, Peugeot Partner Designer, says: “The EMP2 platform delivers an extremely high performance level, but it also has enabled us to produce a strong, dynamic and robust design. The new morphology has led to shorter overhangs for better manoeuvrability, a higher bonnet for greater rigidity and an optimised architecture to provide an interior that is both practical and modular.”

For Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) jury, the new line-up is “the most significant small panel van development in years”.

Commenting on the jury’s decision, he added: “The common programme to the four Brands of Groupe PSA, the Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo van, Opel Combo and Vauxhall Combo, bodes well for the future, packed with technological advancements to aid the driver and financially benefit the owner or fleet manager.

“The creation of the overload alert system is a great initiative as it will ensure compliance and enhance safety. All in all, it’s an excellent package, well put together.”

The new models were developed using the EMP2 platform and accommodate the latest generation of powertrains and driver assistance equipment. They offer a range of services for B to B customers, meeting the highest standards on the market in terms of spaciousness and modularity, with a load capacity of 1 000 kg.

“Groupe PSA is very proud to receive this prestigious international award, which comes in recognition of our expertise and the positioning of our line-up as the best on the market. With this new generation of compact vans, we have reached a critical new milestone in the renewal of our B to B range, in line with our ambitions for commercial vehicles as part of the Push to Pass strategic plan,” says Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Groupe PSA Managing Board.

The International Van of the Year Award was launched in 1992. The jury brings together 25 journalists and publishers from independent magazines specialising in light commercial vehicles.