Citroën’s Double-Ended Vans: A Shipping Solution
A photo circulating online might make you think you’re seeing things. However, it’s real. Citroën, through its configurator, offers a unique option for its Relay cargo van. The unusual choice lets you buy two van front ends bolted together. Citroën calls this the Relay Back-To-Back.
While it seems strange, the images aren’t Photoshopped. You really can buy the front end of one van and have it delivered using another van’s front end as its rear wheels. It’s all about the process.
This discovery originates from the Opposite-Lock community. If you’re after a car forum without the toxicity of Facebook, it’s recommended. The post featuring the double-front-end van caught the attention of many, and led to confirmation and press releases about the existence of these fascinating vehicles.
Chassis Cabs and Cutaways
In America, commercial van buyers, especially those intending to convert them into motorhomes or customized vehicles, typically opt for a chassis cab or cutaway. These configurations provide the full frame and drivetrain of a commercial vehicle, but with only the van’s or truck’s cab installed. This streamlines the production of specialty builds.
Chassis cab vehicles feature all four or six wheels with a long frame, ready for modification. In the United States, popular vans like the Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are available as chassis cabs or cutaways.
Back-To-Back Vans: How They Work
What’s less common in America is what Fiat produces: the “Back-To-Back.” This concept allows European vehicle body builders to purchase a Fiat Ducato without a chassis or wheels behind the cab. These vans are also sold under names such as Ram ProMaster, Citroën Jumper, Citroën Relay, and Peugeot Boxer.
Fiat and Citroën offer this because, unlike the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Ducato is front-wheel drive. Fiat still sells Ducatos as chassis cabs and as “Floor Cab” vehicles, but some builders want greater flexibility than those options provide.
Since there is neither a chassis nor wheels behind of the cab, builders have increased versatility. Builders can have one or both partial vans delivered. They then build the motorhome, tow truck, or whatever design they wish from the B-pillar back.
Shipping Efficiency: The Reason Behind the Design
The answer comes from a GoAuto.com.au article. The simple explanation is that bolting two Back-To-Backs together makes transporting them easier. Transporting them using this method allows two Ducatos or Relays to fit in the space of a single van. These vehicles are not driven on the road in this configuration. The driver puts one end into neutral and then drives the other end onto a transport vehicle.
According to FCA product strategy senior manager Alan Swanson, via GoAuto.com.au: “I know it looks like it’s a part of FCA’s top secret Transformers project, but it’s actually just the easiest, most space-efficient way to transport these vehicles. Specialist coach builders, for example, transform the Fiat Ducato’s cab chassis into motorhomes among other applications, and this is the easiest way to ship them.”
If you’re in Europe and want one of these, Citroën will sell you a third of a van for £36,018 ($45,130). If you want the rear wheels and chassis, the price is a bit higher.
Fiat and Citroën sell a partial van to builders who then separate them. This process lets them construct motorhomes, tow trucks, or whatever they need.
