Leading the unveilings at the CV Show are the trio of mid-sized vans built in a joint programme by Citroën, Peugeot and Toyota.
The latest-generation Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace all have their global debuts in Birmingham ahead of order books opening in June for first deliveries in September.
All three vehicles are the product of a long and successful partnership between PSA Group, parent company of Peugeot and Citroen, and Toyota. The three brands co-operate in other areas, building city cars the Citroen C1, Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo together.
The three vans boast few differences – all are being offered in three panel van load lengths, including a new compact version, while crew cab and platform cab variants will also be available. The compact will also be sold as a nine-seat combi model. Compacts measure 4.6 metres long, standard models 4.95m and Long versions 5.3m. Maximum payload is 1400kg, with a 6.6 cubic metre load volume and 2,500kg towing capacity.
The new models also boast a lower-than-usual height of 1.9 metres to enable easier access to urban environments such as underground car parks.
The lifting hatch to carry long loads is a notable feature.
All three vans come with a number of notable features to add to their versatility, including a lifting hatch in the load bay front bulkhead, which combined with a liftable and securable front passenger seat enables the carrying of items such as ladders or pipes measuring up to four metr...