In the United States, cargo vans have names like Express, Econoline, and ProMaster. These are serious names for a serious business. But in Europe, automakers have taken a different approach, giving their vans names that are, frankly, a lot of fun. And I, for one, love it.
There’s a whole range of vans from companies like Citroën, Renault, Vauxhall, and Peugeot that we don’t get here in the States, and it means we miss out on some truly delightful names. Kangoo, Berlingo, and Trafic (with one “f”) are just a few examples. I’m not sure why these carmakers went this route, but I’m certainly glad they did.
Honestly, seeing these vans is one of my favorite parts of traveling in Europe. I love checking out the badges on the back. The contrast between these practical vehicles and their sometimes silly names always makes me smile. Maybe I’m weird, but you can’t judge me.
Enough talk, let’s take a look at some of the most fun and whimsical names given to European cargo vans. And if you’re feeling bold, let me know which is your favorite!
The Berlingo, apparently, is named after a commune in Northern Italy. I’m not sure why the French decided to go with that, but I like it. It’s at the top of our list for a reason.
You’ll be jumping for joy when you see a Citroën Jumpy. It’s the perfect example of a really fun name on a very serious vehicle.
Why call something the Ram ProMaster when its twin is called the Jumper? Come on, Ram, you can do better.
The Dokker is apparently named after dock workers. I suppose Dacia is very in favor of the strike happening right now, then.
Why Fiat named its van the “double” is anyone’s guess, since there’s only one of them, but the Italians are always gonna do weird shit.
A scudo is apparently a gold or silver coin that was once used in Italy. I don’t know what that has to do with a mid-sized van, but hey, whatever.
Ducato is Italian for “duchy” or “dukedom.” Again, I don’t know what this has to do with a practical van, but I’ll take it over ProMaster.
Stellantis really loves badge-swapping. You could say they do it… on the daily.
What is it combining? I don’t know, and I genuinely doubt anyone else does, either.
Another ProMaster? Really, Stellantis?
Peugeot should have called it the Nerd. If you’re an expert in anything, you immediately become a big nerd loser. Just look at me talking about cars.
Howdy, partner!
Renault Kangoo is by far and away my favorite name on this list. What does it mean? Who came up with it? What is it supposed to suggest? Nobody knows the answers to any of these questions, so there is a great shroud of mystery surrounding an otherwise very normal van. It’s fabulous.
Renault Master is almost certainly the most serious name on this list. What exactly is this van the master of, anyway? Carrying stuff? Its domain? Who can really say?
The Trafic, with one “f,” is named for either “trade” or “traffic” depending on the context. Whatever, you weird little French people.
Crafter? I hardly know her!
