The French group Peugeot Société Anonyme, better known as PSA, is starting to unveil those that will be its future vehicles for leisure activities and, naturally, will also be destined for the professional market.
PSA revealed, at once, the fronts of three models, which correspond to the three brands of the group: Citroën, Opel and Peugeot. A segment that the manufacturer leads in Europe and which, also confirmed by PSA, will continue to be produced, in this new generation, both in Mangualde and Vigo, Spain.
New platform and more features
The final names have not yet been confirmed, but successors to the Peugeot Partners, such as the Citroën Berlingo and the Opel/Vauxhall Combo, will be based on a new derivation of the well-known EMP2 platform, which, PSA believes, will increase efficiency. respond better to customer needs and accommodate a range of new engines and driving support systems.
Also according to PSA, the new models of the three brands of the group will arrive with “the most sophisticated features” in the segment, in addition to being positioned at the top of their class, in terms of equipment.
Each of them will be offered in two lengths and in five- and seven-seat versions. They come with a short, high bonnet and, as you can see, a specific style that identifies each of the brands. Which will also be noted inside, although all of them with the same safety equipment and engines prepared for this platform.
Olivier Bourges, Executive Vice President of Programs and StrategyWith this competitive product line, we are offering our private customers a new generation of Multifunction Vehicles that will stand out in style and equipment. At the same time, this gives a very clear picture of our 'Push to Pass' plan: based on a single platform, we present three distinct models that perfectly integrate the DNA of each of our brands.
Production starts within weeks
Production of the Partner's successors, Berlingo and Combo, is expected to start in just a few weeks, with the ordering period opening in early May. The first deliveries should take place in September, or closer to the end of the year.
But the threat persists for the group's factory in Mangualde. The new models will be class 2, which will negatively affect their commercial careers on national soil, with serious consequences for the production objectives of the Mangualde unit. By July, the decision will be taken to maintain or not production in Portugal.