NO LIGHTWEIGHT

摘要

Taking weight out of van structures, to maintain a competitive payload and reduce fuel costs, remains a challenge for manufacturers. It requires detailed attention not only to how vehicles are engineered but also to the use of stronger, lighter materials - as evidenced by PSA Group's approaches in developing replacements for Citroen's Dispatch and Peugeot's Expert. "We've been able to reduce unladen weight by up to 150kg," comments chief engineer for LCVs Remi Seimpere. "We've introduced a new subframe made from ultra-high-strength steel that's cut the weight by 20kg. And we've engineered a more robust rear axle and a new front axle - and they've saved us 15kg and 10kg respectively.