Commercial vehicles are not particularly fascinating, but the Citroën Relay Back to Back is changing that perception. This unique vehicle is a badge-engineered version of the Fiat Ducato and is offered in a configuration that is not commonly seen. The van is essentially two Relay Chassis Cab vehicles bolted together on a temporary structure, with the aim of reducing production and shipping costs. In this article, we will explore the concept behind the Citroën Relay Back to Back, its benefits for businesses, and how it is changing the game in the commercial vehicle industry.
The Citroën Relay Back to Back: A Unique Commercial Vehicle Concept
The Citroën Relay Back to Back is a unique commercial vehicle that is designed to cater to third-party companies specializing in building motorhomes, campers, recovery vehicles, and emergency services vehicles. The concept behind the Back to Back is to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce costs for both Citroën and the companies that use these vehicles as a base for their custom builds.
Reducing Complexity and Lowering Costs
One of the main advantages of the Citroën Relay Back to Back is the reduction in manufacturing and shipping costs. By eliminating the need to add a chassis cab rear end to each van, Citroën is able to lower production costs and streamline the manufacturing process. Additionally, shipping expenditures are reduced as the Back to Back configuration takes up less space than two separate Relay Chassis Cab vehicles.
Customization and Flexibility for Businesses
Another key benefit of the Citroën Relay Back to Back is the increased freedom it gives to companies that use these vehicles for their custom builds. By eliminating the factory-fitted cab chassis rear end, businesses are able to create their own rear attachments without having to comply with the standard specifications provided by the automaker. This not only reduces costs but also gives companies the flexibility to design and build vehicles that meet their specific requirements.
Peugeot’s Boxer Back to Back: A Similar Concept
In addition to the Citroën Relay Back to Back, another Stellantis brand, Peugeot, offers a similar concept with the Boxer Back to Back. Like the Citroën model, the Boxer Back to Back is essentially two vans joined together during transport, with each vehicle retaining its own engine, gearbox, and VIN. This concept allows for greater efficiency in manufacturing and shipping, while also providing businesses with the flexibility to customize their vehicles to suit their needs.
In Conclusion: The Future of Commercial Vehicle Customization
The Citroën Relay Back to Back and the Peugeot Boxer Back to Back represent a new era in commercial vehicle customization. By simplifying the manufacturing process, reducing costs, and providing businesses with greater flexibility, these vehicles are changing the game for companies that rely on customized commercial vehicles for their operations. As the demand for specialized vehicles continues to grow, concepts like the Back to Back are likely to become more common in the commercial vehicle industry.