Citroen Vans Then and Now
Citroen vehicles were first unveiled in 1919 by a revolutionary man named Andre Citroen. His grandfather used to sell lemons, which is how the family name 'Citroen' meaning citrus, came about through his Dutch background. Andre Citroen was the first to provide consumers with a road accident prevention service for their vehicles. Citroen vans specifically the H van, was used mainly between 1947 and 1981. Other Citroen vehicles were also introduced such as 2CV, DS and CX models. Andre Citroen was the first to build light utility vans used for business as well as pleasure. 473,289 Citroen vans were manufactured in France, Belgium and the Netherlands for approximately 34 years.
The first Citroen vans were introduced with cutting edge technological features for its era. It included features such as walk through interiors, sliding doors, wide rear entry and easy access from the sides. In 1928, Citroen presented the first full steel bodied vehicle to the public. Citroen acquired heavy duty machines from Chrysler manufacturers to attain this creditable feat. By introducing the first full bodied steel vehicle, they had gone way ahead of their competitors who were still producing simple wooden framed vehicles. When their competitors started manufacturing vehicles with aerodynamic designs, Citroen fell behind. Then Citroen finally presented traction avant which was so innovative and new that their competitors had no way to retaliate.
During that era, Citroen vans appealed to high utility and service fields such as the police departments, fire stations, merchants and public transport. Police departments in that generation found Citroen vans to be ideal for any scenario because they were reliable, safe and secure. Fire departments enhanced the Citroen vans with ladders and hoses to provide effective support to the public during fires. Citroen vans also were used for public transport by adding seats to the back area of the vehicle. After World War II, simple front wheel drive Citroen vans were unveiled.
Today, Citroen vans still maintain the quality and effectiveness since they were first manufactured. There are a variety of models available including Nemo, Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay vans. The Nemo Citroen vans are small but will not hinder you from carrying large loads. Nemo vans provide you with 3.86 metres of length and have a height and width of 1.72 metres. Nemo vans include features such as asymmetrical rear doors, side door loading option, easy parking steering, foldable seats, low pollution emissions guarantee, and comfortable, convenient designs.
Berlingo Citroen vans are highlighted for their practical and reliable features. It's a van with modern designs and increased load capacity, perfect for businesses. Berlingo vans are available in petrol as well as diesel models. They are considered to be efficient heavy load carriers and if required, they have the ability to extend space into the passenger seating area. Berlingo vans are characterized for its safety and security features, traffic guidance technology, front and side bumper protection, and central locking.
Dispatch Citroen vans are fully equipped with technology, style and space for loading. It has the latest technological enhancements such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth software and stolen vehicle tracking systems. Dispatch Citroen vans consist of electronic windows, cruise control, improved traction control, airbags and an adjustable steering wheel. It's aerodynamic styling and durable mid sized capacity makes it the ideal utility vehicle for businesses.
Relay models are the largest Citroen vans produced today. There are 30 versions of relay vans available full of safe, secure and pleasurable driving characteristics. Relay vans offer details such as air bags, GPS tracking systems, twin lens door mirrors, lockable storage, and traffic guide systems. It has an advanced over speed warning system which warns the driver when exceeding the speed limit. The vans contain office specifications such as document clipboards on the dashboard and foldable seats creating a tabletop. These features are ideal for businesses involving a large amount of travelling and are relatively cheap to insure, with typical Van Insurance costs lower than many other models in their class..
Citroen vans have proven their reliability and efficiency continuously over the history of the automobile industry. They have contributed and enhanced the driving experience with their innovative designs and features aiming towards the perfect vehicle whether it be for professional or personal pleasures.
By Ungira Pandit.
Visit the Blog about citroen clubPimp My 4x4! But Start With The Tyres!
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4x4 is a term used to describe a four-wheeled vehicle with a drive train that allows all four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously. The term has traditionally been linked to sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, which have been very popular in the United States, and are now becoming popular across Europe. The benefit of a car with four-wheel drive is that it allows for normal two-wheel drive on normal roads and superior four-wheel mode for low traction conditions such as snow, ice, slippery surfaces, mud or loose gravel.
In response to criticism by civic groups against using larger SUVs for daily urban trips, car manufacturers are now trying to position the smaller versions as green vehicles, with levels of CO2 emissions much closer to their conventional car equivalents than larger models. For example, Citroen recently launched the C-Crosser, only available with a particulate filter and frugal diesel engines.
These newer models are likely to be popular in Europe, where smaller SUVs have been more successful than larger models, and are likely to be a bigger driving force for sales of 4WD vehicles in the near future. Other examples include the Nissan Qashqai and the Renault Koleos, both combining four-by-four drive and limited off-road capabilities with the handling of a passenger car.
J.D. Power Automotive Forecasting estimated SUVs comprise 1.5 million out of 18.3 million vehicles, or 8% of the car market, in Europe in 2007. Of this quotient, 0.6% are small SUVs, 2.4% are large ones and 5.3% are medium-sized. By 2010, the SUV segment is estimated to grow to 10.1%, with medium growing to 7% and large slipping to 2.2%. By 2014, the SUV market is expected to increase to 11.2%, with medium-sized cars responsible for 7.6% and large cars for 2%. The total European new car market is then expected to be 21.9 million vehicles.
This is of course good news for car workshops. In recent years, TV shows such as MTVÕs Pimp My Ride, have increased the popularity of overhauling, or, if you will, customising cars with things like game consoles, chrome wheels and faster engines. But before 4x4 owners go off trying to similarly overhaul their own vehicles, it might be best to invest in a new set of 4x4 tyres.
Donald Cheach, editor of Top Gear Malaysia, recently told the Malaysia Star: ÒThe first thing I would recommend is definitely a set of better tyres. There is nothing wrong with go-fast upgrades as long as there is an equal effort to improve the safety aspect of the vehicle. The wheels represent the unsprung weight of the vehicle. Generally, the lighter this is, the more efficient the performance. Suspension should be looked at next, followed by engine upgradesÓ.
Ultimately, those looking to buy a new SUV in order to take advantage of its 4x4 capabilities, yet stay environmentally conscious, will find their needs well-met by upcoming medium and small sized SUVs, should they decide to pimp them or not.
By Andrew Regan.
