Groupe PSA’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) electro-mobility technological developments have been rewarded when they took top honours at the International Van of the Year Award 2021 (IVOTY). This is the highest honour in the LCV industry globally which celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The French automotive company’s jointly developed Peugeot e-Expert, Citroën e-Dispatch/ë-Jumpy, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro-e received the majority of first preference votes from the 24 member strong IVOTY judges with 131 points. The two finalists from Mercedes-Benz, the eSprinter and the latest Vito, were second and third respectively on 55 and 36 points. Ford with its new Transit Active and Trail models were fourth.
Jarlath Sweeney, IVOTY Jury Chairman said: “Congratulations to Group PSA on its stringent research, development and investment on producing an excellent range of electric-powered vans, that exceed expectations and without compromise.”
Judges from the IVOTY, said: “The PSA-triplets are the first electric vans in the market to be sold across Europe with a range of more than 300 kilometres. They are solidly built with great drivability and except for the lesser noise-levels, there isn’t much separating the drive feeling from a diesel version.”
“PSA’s e-vans are setting a new standard and pushing progress. That’s what a worthy ‘International Van of the Year’ title holder has to deliver. Even more so when each PSA brand has developed electric derivates from panel van to people-carrier shuttle bus and offers almost the same payload and load area.”
Xavier Peugeot, Senior Vice-President of Groupe PSA’s Light Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, said: “Groupe PSA is very proud and happy to receive this prestigious International Van of the Year 2021 Award and I warmly thank the jury members for having selected our vehicles.
“This award confirms the success of our compact van and the relevance of the electrification strategy we have designed for our LCV range in which electrification means no compromises for our customers.”
