The Peugeot Partner, Citroen Berlingo Van, and Vauxhall and Opel Combo have been named as International Van of the Year (IVOTY).

The three small vans have been designed as part of a cross business Groupe PSA programme and were developed using the EMP2 platform.

They come in two lengths and will be available in two-, three- and five-seater versions. They have a load capacity fo 1,000kg.

Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the IVOTY jury, said the new line-up is “the most significant small panel van development in years”.

He added: “The common programme to the four Brands of Groupe PSA, the Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo Van and Vauxhall Comb, is well future-proofed, packed with technological advancements to aid the driver and financially benefit the owner or fleet manager.

“The creation of the overload alert system is a great initiative as it will ensure compliance and enhance safety.

“The availability of two wheelbase versions is another step forward as is the introduction of an all-wheel-drive variant, considering that an increasing number of utility companies are looking for 4x4 traction in a small van.

“All in all, an excellent package, well put together.”

Carlos Tavares, chairman of the Groupe PSA managing board, said: “Groupe PSA is very proud to receive this prestigious international award, which comes in recognition of our expertise and the positioning of our line-up as the best on the market.

“With this new generation of compact vans, we have reached a critical new milestone in the renewal of our B2B range, in line with our ambitions for commercial vehicles as part of the Push to Pass strategic plan.”

Vauxhall/Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller said: “We are very proud of this award.

“The victory also shows the possibilities for Vauxhall/Opel within Groupe PSA. With the Combo we are now attacking the B-van segment – until now we have not played a prominent role here.

“There is great growth potential for Vauxhall/Opel in the LCV business. It is therefore appropriate that we have received the responsibility for developing a new LCV platform for the whole Groupe PSA in Rüsselsheim, Germany.”

Linda Jackson, Citroën Global CEO, added; “The Citroën brand is proud to see new Berlingo Van receive the prestigious title of “International Van of the Year” once again.

“This award bears witness to the leap taken by this third generation of Berlingo Van in terms of features, and underlines the relevance of Citroën’s offer in the delivery van sector.

“This success highlights the brand’s historic commitment to the light commercial vehicle sector, and continues a long success story, from the 2CV delivery van and Type H, to the Dispatch and new Berlingo Van today.”