Tag Archives: Citroën

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CITROËN ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH CONSTRUCTION CHARITY BAND OF BUILDERS

  • Citroën UK is teaming up with Band of Builders, a construction charity, to provide Dispatch and ë-Dispatch vans for their charitable work across the country.
  • Band of Builders supports tradespeople facing life-changing circumstances due to illness or injury. They offer practical adaptations to homes, as well as financial and well-being support.
  • The Citroën ë-Dispatch is part of the electric Citroën ë-LCV range, which includes the ë-Berlingo Van and ë-Relay.

 

Citroën UK has announced a new partnership with Band of Builders, also known as ‘BoB’.

 

Through this partnership, Band of Builders will benefit from the use of Citroën Dispatch and ë-Dispatch vans for their projects across the UK.

 

Band of Builders not only provides practical support but also financial and emotional assistance to those dealing with challenging circumstances. This collaboration will enable the charity to expand its reach and help more people and projects.

 

The charity undertakes various projects, including the installation of ramps for improved accessibility, home renovations, and landscaping. The Citroën vans will facilitate the transportation of materials and equipment to project sites nationwide, enhancing the charity’s capabilities.

 

Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders, expressed his pride in partnering with Citroën UK and the opportunity to utilize their fully branded Dispatch and ë-Dispatch vans for various projects and events across the country.

 

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, praised the impactful work of Band of Builders and the opportunity to support their expansion. He encouraged everyone to keep an eye out for the distinctive Dispatch and ë-Dispatch vans, which will be making a difference nationwide in the months ahead.

 

NOTE FOR EDITORS: Photographs taken at handover of completed Band of Builders project, July 2023.

 

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CITROËN BERLINGO VAN IS THE BEST-SELLING SMALL VAN IN BRITAIN

  • Citroën Berlingo Van topped the sales charts for compact vans in the UK during the first half of 2023.
  • Citroën Berlingo Van is available with both electric and diesel powertrains, and in various configurations.
  • Citroën offers fully electric options across its entire commercial vehicle lineup, including Citroën My Ami Cargo, ë-Berlingo, ë-Dispatch, and ë-Relay.

 

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Citroën Berlingo Van has once again claimed the top spot as the best-selling small van in the UK.

 

Since the beginning of the year, a total of 9,916 Berlingo Vans have been registered in the UK.

 

Citroën UK’s Managing Director, Greg Taylor, expressed pride in the fact that many SMEs and fleet operators have chosen Berlingo Van to support their businesses this year. The vehicle offers versatility and affordability to fleet and business users across the country, thanks to its efficient diesel and electric powertrains, as well as its impressive modular adaptability.

 

The Citroën ë-Berlingo Van, which is gaining an increasing share of Berlingo Van sales, provides a range of up to 171 miles (WLTP) and payloads of up to 800kg. It also supports rapid charging, allowing a 0-80% charge in just 30 minutes from a 100kW public charger. Alongside ë-Berlingo Van, Citroën offers electrified options across its entire range of award-winning Light Commercial Vehicles, including the mid-size ë-Dispatch and larger ë-Relay vans.

 

 

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Citroën Announce Partnership with Rewilding Social Enterprise Citizen Zoo

Citroën UK has partnered with Citizen Zoo to support their rewilding activities in the UK. Citizen Zoo will be using Citroën’s all-electric ë-Berlingo Van for their various rewilding projects, such as releasing Beavers in west London and Large Marsh Grasshoppers in Norfolk, as well as restoring Kingston’s largest nature reserve. The van will also be used to transport equipment for monitoring Water Voles in southwest London. The partnership aims to help Citizen Zoo travel across the country with zero-tailpipe emissions.

Citizen Zoo is a Social Enterprise dedicated to restoring nature and rewilding in the UK. Their engagement programs bring people and communities together to create a world full of diverse and abundant nature.

Lucas Ruzo, Chief Executive Officer of Citizen Zoo, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that Citroën has shown true leadership in their commitment to rewilding and the electric car transition. He emphasized that the ë-Berlingo Van will provide the mobility needed to deliver on their projects and restore nature with the help of communities.

The Citroën ë-Berlingo Van offers load volumes up to 4.4m3 and payloads up to 803kg. With a 50kWh battery and a 100kw (136hp) electric motor, it has a zero-emission range of up to 171 miles (WLTP). It also supports 100kW rapid charging, with a 0-80% charge achieved in just 30 minutes.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the opportunity to support Citizen Zoo’s work in restoring habitats, reintroducing species, and empowering communities. He is looking forward to seeing the ë-Berlingo Van in action, supporting Citizen Zoo’s incredible work across the country.

Rewilding Our Future- Citizen Zoo – Join Us Today

Motorsport

Opel Rocks E-Xtreme: A Unique Electric Buggy Designed by a Student

In August 2021, Opel released the Opel Rocks-e, a micro electric vehicle designed for city use. It was essentially a rebranded version of the Citroen Ami and was touted as the world’s first Sustainable Urban Mobility EV. In less than a year, Opel expanded the Rocks-e lineup by introducing a cargo version of the vehicle. Now, they have unveiled another addition to the lineup, but this time it’s not a regular production model.

The Rocks e-Xtreme is a one-off prototype that will not be mass-produced. This unique concept was created by Opel, based on the design of Lukas Wenzhöfer, a design student who won the #OpelDesignHack contest. Opel had promised to bring the winner’s project to life, and they have truly lived up to their promise by turning this radical electric buggy into a reality.


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CITROËN WINS SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE PRIZE AT AUTO TRADER NEW CAR AWARDS 2023

  • Citroën has been awarded the Sustainability Initiative prize at the 7th annual Auto Trader New Car Awards.
  • The Sustainability Initiative category is judged by independent experts from the Carbon Literacy Project.
  • The judges praised Citroën’s commitment to sustainability, which includes educating its staff on sustainability and environmental issues and ensuring sustainability is incorporated into business decisions.

Citroën has been named the winner of the Sustainability Initiative category at the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023. The judges commended Citroën’s active involvement in the Carbon Literacy Project, as well as the innovative Ami 100% Electric quadricycle and Oli concept vehicle.

The Oli concept vehicle, introduced by Citroën last year, is made from 100% recycled materials and features a 40kWh battery with a range of 248 miles (WLTP). Oli’s parts can be reused and recycled throughout its lifespan. The seats are constructed simply and use 80% fewer parts than usual. The body panels are made from an innovative corrugated honeycomb recycled cardboard reinforced with polyurethane resin, making them as strong as conventional panels but 50% lighter. The development of Oli focused on simplicity and reduced weight, resulting in a smaller battery and fewer resources required to travel the same distance.

The Citroën Ami 100% Electric is a modern mobility solution and a sustainable response to environmental challenges in cities. The Ami 100% Electric produces zero emissions and has a 5.5kWh battery that can be fully charged in just four hours, providing a range of up to 46 miles (WLTP). There is also the option of the My Ami Cargo, which has a payload of up to 140kg, a maximum load capacity of 400 litres, and a tight 7.20m turning circle, making it ideal for businesses in urban areas.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, said that creating repairable, reusable, and recyclable products is crucial for decarbonizing the automotive industry, and Citroën has demonstrated this with the Ami and Oli. The judges were impressed with Citroën’s commitment to sustainability, which includes educating staff on sustainability and environmental issues and ensuring this commitment is reflected in all business decisions.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, commented that the company’s commitment to sustainability has been recognized at the Auto Trader New Car Awards. Citroën believes that the future of efficient and sustainable urban mobility lies in doing things differently, as shown by the Oli and Ami 100% Electric.

In the Auto Trader Awards, 20 out of the 23 categories were determined by 220,000 UK car owners who shared their thoughts and opinions on the cars they own. However, the Sustainability Initiative award was judged by independent experts from the Carbon Literacy Project, an organization that promotes understanding and action on climate change.

For more information on the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023, visit: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/new/awards

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CITROËN C4 AND Ë-C4 NAMED BEST CARS TO OWN IN THE UK ACCORDING TO DRIVER POWER SURVEY 2023

  • Citroën C4 and ë-C4 have won the ‘Car of the Year’ title in the Driver Power survey 2023.
  • Citroën C4 and ë-C4 have secured the top spot in the list of 75 most satisfying models to own in the UK.
  • The model has also been named the ‘Best Compact Family Car’ in this year’s survey.
  • Citroën ë-C4 can now be purchased with two all-electric powertrains that have a maximum WLTP range of 260 miles.

 

The Driver Power survey 2023, conducted and published by Auto Express, has crowned Citroën C4 as the most gratifying car to own in the UK. The C4 and ë-C4 have also been declared the ‘Best Compact Family Car’. Auto Express performs the survey each year, and this year more than 60,000 car owners provided their feedback on various aspects, including running costs, performance, and technology. Recognition in the Driver Power survey is valued by industry commentators and media worldwide as a fair and unbiased evaluation of car owners’ opinions.

 

Citroën C4 and ë-C4 outperformed their competitors according to the scores given by their respective owners. The car owners seemed satisfied with the good MPG or all-electric efficiency, running costs, safety features, and reliability. The quality of ride and handling left an excellent impression on the owners, irrespective of the chosen powertrain.

 

Both C4 and ë-C4 are beneficiaries of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® Program. Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats are constructed specifically with high-density foam in the core of the seat, providing additional support, along with an additional layer of 15mm memory foam just under the fabric. The Advanced Comfort® suspension system, which is exclusively available in Citroën cars, improves the absorption of imperfections in the road and ensures that passengers experience a comfortable ride, creating a real ‘flying carpet’ consistency. This experience is further enhanced by the serene soundless electric powertrain of ë-C4.

 

Steve Fowler, auto express editor-in-chief, commented on this achievement, stating that, “We’ve been greatly impressed by this sleek and stylish Citroën from the outset, and it’s clearly making a huge impression on its owners. It’s a remarkable win for the French firm, which has not only transformed its product range in recent years, but has also invested hugely in improvements to quality.”

 

Citroën C4 is available with a collection of efficient petrol and diesel engines, and the ë-C4 comes with two electric powertrains, one with a 50kW battery that promises a maximum of 222 miles of range (WLTP), and the other with a 54kW battery that ensures up to 260 miles of range (WLTP). Citroën ë-C4 supports 100kW rapid charging, implying that you can charge from 0-80% in only thirty minutes from a public rapid charger.

 

Citroën UK’s Managing Director, Greg Taylor, commented, “This is a wonderful accolade for everyone at Citroën UK, but much more importantly it’s fabulous news for present and future Citroën customers. An enormous amount of work has gone into our latest products to ensure they’re best in class in terms of quality and ownership experience. And now, the outstanding service delivered by our retailer partners means Citroën can proudly say that we are the maker of the most satisfying car to own in the UK right now.

 

To learn more about C4 and ë-C4 and the rest of the Citroën range, visit: https://www.citroen.co.uk/

 

 

Motorsport

See Tiny Citroen 2CV Morph Into Camper With Double Bed, Integrated Kitchen

The Citroen 2CV is often mocked because of its funny looks, rudimentary construction, and archaic on-road performance. However, it was built in more than five million units over the course of its 42-year history and helped put France’s population back on the road after World War II and put Citroen back on the map as a serious carmaker.

So, with this being said, there are also a fair few people out there who like the 2CV and do everything they can to preserve the history of the iconic French car, and maybe even use it in ways you would never think it would be possible to do.

People like Bernd, a charismatic 2CV owner from Switzerland who owns and regularly drives a camper version of the French vehicle.

As you can see for yourself in the video embedded above, the tiny, 152-inch (3.86-meter) long Citroen has just enough room in the back for a double bed, albeit with an extra section bolted on the rear of the car to improve legroom. That same metal box doubles as a camp kitchen, complete with a gas double burner cooker and basic utensils

Privacy is assured by a generous set of velcroed curtains, and the biggest storage space is found under the rear bench seat, where there’s room for about three t-shirts and a pair of socks.

There’s no mention of the engine, but the owner says at one point that it’s a 2CV Special, which was only made in the 1980s. When new, it had an air-cooler 602 cc engine under the hood that made an unremarkable 29 horsepower, sent to the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.

Throughout its 40-year-plus history, the Citroen 2CV was nothing more than an economy car, the French equivalent of the VW Beetle. But in recent years, prices for used cars have varied between $5,000 and over $40,000 for special models.

As always, we’d like to know what you think about the video embedded at the top of this page, so after watching it, head over to the comments section below to give us your thoughts.

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CITROËN CELEBRATES 55 YEARS OF THE MÉHARI

  • Citroën is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Méhari, revealed on 16 May 1968 at the Deauville golf course
  • Between 1968 and 1987, 144,953 units were produced, mainly at the Citroën factory in Forest, Belgium
  • This atypical, all-terrain and all-season vehicle was renowned for its modularity, practicality and economic benefits
  • The Méhari became an iconic model both for Citroën and more widely within the automotive world and enjoyed a diverse career which included film appearances and service with the French army
  • The Méhari shares this distinctive and leisure-oriented attitude with the Citroën C3 Pluriel, which will soon celebrate its 20th anniversary, and more recently with My Ami Buggy

 

Citroën is celebrating 55 years since the reveal of the Méhari, which was shown for the first time at the Deauville golf course on 16 May 1968.

 

The Méhari’s unusual pick-up design was built on a Dyane 6 platform, while the model produced between 28 and 32hp and featured an innovative ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic body designed by Roland de La Poype.

 

During the Méhari’s almost 20 years in production between 1968 and 1987, 144,953 units were built (including 1,213 4×4 Méhari), making it a surprising success. The Méhari was mainly produced in the Citroën factory in Forest, Belgium, but also in seven other factories in France, Spain and Portugal.

 

AN ALL-TERRAIN AND ALL-SEASON VEHICLE

 

The Méhari’s name derives from the name given to dromedary camels in North Africa and the Sahara. These animals are known for their off-road ability, their resistance and their ability to transport both goods and passengers over long distances – making it a fitting name for a model known for its ability to adapt to all terrains.

 

From the outside, the Méhari doesn’t appear to be suitable for all seasons, as it looks more like a small convertible used during the summer holidays. Thanks to a winter cover, the car is completely sealed, turning it into a vehicle that can be used all year round.

 

PRACTICAL, MODULAR AND ECONOMICAL

 

The Méhari is highly modular, being able to transform part of its floor into a backrest, which allows it to add two seats at the rear and thus accommodate up to four passengers.

 

The body is made up of only 11 easily repairable parts and can be cleaned with a single blast of water both inside and outside. This makes the car easy to maintain and economical for its customers.

 

THREE UNIQUE VERSIONS

 

Although it was produced for almost 20 years, only three different versions of the Méhari were added to the range, including two limited editions.

 

In 1979, Citroën introduced a new variant of the Méhari with the 4×4 version. Then, in 1983, two special editions were launched. The first to be launched was the Méhari Plage, with its holiday look and bright yellow colour scheme, which was sold in Spain and Portugal. Finally, in April 1983 the Méhari Azur was launched in France, Italy and Portugal, limited to just 700 units.

 

A DIVERSE CAREER

 

The Méhari was a popular choice among organisations as varied as the police, customs, airports, racecourses and many others, but also appealed to shopkeepers, craftsmen and private individuals.

 

The model enjoyed a long career with the French army, which ordered a total of 11,457 Méhari between 1972 and 1987. The Méhari 4×4 also served as a medical assistance vehicle, with ten vehicles taking part in the 1980 Paris-Dakar Wheel alignment to provide medical support along the route.

 

Finally, the Méhari even appeared in films, most notably ‘Le Gendarme de Saint Tropez’ starring Louis de Funès.

 

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TOTAL COST OF POTHOLE COMPENSATION COULD HAVE FILLED AN ADDITIONAL 340,000 POTHOLES LAST YEAR, FINDS CITROËN UK REPORT

  • Exclusive Citroën UK research reveals damage compensation paid to road users in 2022 could have filled an additional 340,000* potholes.
  • More than £22.7 million** was paid out in damage compensation last year.
  • Total compensation payments since 2017 could have filled more than 2.3m potholes***.
  • Since 2017, more than 1,100 people have been injured on roads in England and Wales, 355 ‘seriously’ and 16 ‘fatally’, due to a ‘defective road surface’‡.
  • Average lifespan of a UK road now stands at 116 years‡‡.
  • From 1 May – 30 June, Citroën UK is offering a Free Pothole Damage Inspection for Citroën owners, which covers damage caused to wheels, suspension, and tyres.

Go to: FREE Pothole Damage Inspection (citroen.co.uk)

 

Compensation payments made by local authorities in England and Wales, to road users who suffered damage to their cars due to poor road surfaces, could have paid for an additional 340,000 potholes to be filled in, according to exclusive research by Citroën UK.

 

Comparing Department for Transport‡ as well as Asphalt Industry Alliance figures†, Citroën found that in the last year, local authorities in England and Wales spent a total of £93.7m fixing over 1.4m potholes, at an average cost of £66.93 per repair‡‡. Over the same timeframe, total compensation claims of £22.7m were paid out to road users. These costs are made up of payouts equaling £11.6m, and staffing costs spent handling claims of £11.1m. The money used on compensation claims could have filled in an additional 340,000 potholes.

 

Since 2017, a total of £139.9m has been spent on damage compensation, which could have filled an additional 2.3m potholes. At the same time, between 2017 and 2021 (the most recent data available), police forces in England and Wales recorded 1,114 accidents on the roads that resulted in injury due to a ‘defective road surface’, with 355 people ‘seriously injured’ and 16 killed‡. Serious injuries are classed as those that require hospitalisation as an in-patient, including fractures, severe cuts, burns and internal injuries ††.

 

The research found a worsening picture on Britain’s roads. The frequency roads being resurfaced, on average, is now every 116 years, up 46 years from a lifespan of 70 years estimated in 2022. The average cost of filling a pothole rose to £66.93 in the latest data set, up from £63.18 the year before, and 300,000 fewer potholes were filled in compared the previous year. The one-time catch-up cost (the total cost of repairing roads back to a condition when the network can be managed cost effectively), now stands at £14.2bn – up from £12.64bn in 2022‡‡. In 2017, the one-time catch-up cost stood at £12.6bn – it dropped to £9.3bn in 2018, before gradually rising in the years since.

 

As part of its commitment to safety, driver well-being, comfort, and serenity, Citroën is offering a Free Pothole Damage Inspection for Citroën owners, including checks for damage caused to wheels, suspension, and tyres. The offer is available until 30 June at participating retailers.

 

The Free Pothole Damage Inspection includes checks on areas most commonly affected by poor road surfaces. Tyres are checked for damage, bulges, cuts, and tread depth. Wheels are checked for cracks and damage too. Key suspension components, such as coil springs and ball joints are also inspected. Retailers will also check tyre pressures and adjust these back to the recommended levels as part of the process. Where possible, retailers will also offer wheel alignment – at an additional cost.  

 

Many Citroën models – such as New C5 X – benefit from Citroën’s Advanced Comfort® Programme, with enhanced suspension and supportive seating for a smoother ride. All versions of New C5 X feature Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion® technology, which integrates hydraulic bump stops into the suspension system to better control compression and rebound on damaged surfaces.

 

Inside, New C5 X comes as standard with Advanced Comfort® seats. With broad cushions and seat backs, they combine high-density foam at the heart of each seat, and a thick 15mm layer of extra textured foam on the surface, to keep occupants comfortable and relaxed when on the road.

 

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, said: “The 2023 ALARM report shows that the UK faces an 11-year and £14.2-billion backlog of road repairs. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that millions are spent each year on damage compensation for motorists. To help drivers avoid the worst of pothole damage, Citroën is glad to offer a Free Pothole Damage Inspection at participating retailers from 1 May – 30 June.”