The decision came as a surprise, including within the brand, but the ax fell on January 6. In Europe, Citroën will no longer sell the Berlingo to individuals in the thermal version. While the utility versions of this leisure vehicle will continue to run on petrol or diesel, non-professional customers will have to opt for the electrified version called ë-Berlingo, invoiced from 29,300 euros (bonus deducted), i.e. some 6000 euros more.
This sudden shift which applies to a relatively popular model (more than 5,500 registrations in 2021 on the French market) also concerns the Rifter and Combo, alter ego of the Berlingo at Peugeot and Opel, brands united within the Stellantis group. The Citroën Spacetourer van undergoes a similar treatment. The brand with the chevrons which considers to have committed “a responsible approach” mean so “ensure sustainability” of the two models by refocusing them on a purely electric motorization, which represented, in December 2021, 28% of registrations of this model – a higher proportion than forecast.
This decision stems from the regulatory constraints that weigh on internal combustion engines. At 1er January, the threshold for triggering the ecological penalty was lowered from 133 to 128 grams of CO2 per kilometer, which has the effect of increasing – albeit moderately – the prices of the Berlingo. Like all “combispaces” (recreational vehicles derived from a small utility), its strong build and its modest aerodynamic performance degrade the level of consumption. French specificity, also comes into force in 2022 an additional penalty, calculated on the weight of the car (electric and rechargeable hybrids are exempt), which penalizes the Spacetourer.
Deletion of models that are too greedy
The decision to sacrifice part of the sales of the Berlingo and the Rifter is mainly explained by the impact of European regulations relating to the emissions of each brand. The so-called CAFE standards (Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or “corporate average fuel economy”) set CO reduction targets2 manufacturers calculated on all of their models. To pass under the caudine forks of the regulations, they sometimes have to revamp their range by removing certain models that are too fuel-efficient and, therefore, likely to degrade the brand’s overall carbon footprint.
The Berlingo’s great rival, Renault’s Kangoo is not threatened. Renewed in mid-2021, it will be available in a few months in 100% electric then in classic hybrid, technology on which Stellantis has so far ignored. The Boulogne-Billancourt brand is not spared. On the contrary, in 2022 it will carry out a vast cleaning within its catalog, from which several emblematic models will disappear. This year, the electric Megane E-Tech will be launched as well as the Austral, the replacement for the Kadjar, but, at the same time, production of the large Talisman sedan, the Espace and then the Scénic will cease in a few weeks.
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