Tr-axle van unwrapped
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Peugeot Talbot will shortly be launching a big-volume parcel van version of its triaxle Express mini bus (see PSV News) with the first vehicles going on sale in September. The high cubic capacity six-wheel parcels van will be sold in direct competition with the stretched Ford Transit 100L parcels van, and long wheelbase high-roof versions of the Freight Rover Sherpa, Mercedes 307D range and Volkswagen LT range.
Plated at 3.5 tonnes grgss weight, the tri-axle van will have a cubic capacity of around
14.5m3 (15m3 without a passenger seat), and a payload of some 1,450kg.
The standard, full-height rear doors will be offered with glass windows as an option, and an optional sliding sidedoor will be available in place of the standard hinged sidedoor.
Peugeot Talbot's Stoke plant at Coventry will build the Express-based parcels van on a longer wheelbase AL-KO triaxle chassis than is used for the welfare and PSV buses, giving less rear overhang for the van version.
A lighter structure will be used on the parcels van, and a conversion to a PSV by aftermarket bodybuilders will therefore be uneconomic.
Peugeot Talbot expects operators to specify the tri-axle van primarily with the 2.5 litre Citroen diesel unit which is already offered on the conventional Express van, although unlike the PSV sixwheeler a two litre petrol unit will also be offered, along with a turbocharged version of the Citroen diesel when it finally becomes available, with a PSA five-speed gearbox.
Peugeot Talbot has used the Leamington Spa-based AL-KO, to supply the rubber torsion bar suspended tri-axle chassis conversion as it claims it gives a greater potential rear axle capacity, providing operators with greater flexibility when loading the vehicle.
The company hopes to produce a total of 1,000 buses and parcels vans from its Stoke factory, according to Peter Snelling, Peugeot Talbot's light CV manager.