Fun Fact
The Citroën Berlingo was a pioneer in electric vehicles — way before it was cool! An electric version called the Berlingo Electrique was available with a nickel-cadmium battery all the way back in 1998, making it one of the earliest mass-produced electric commercial vehicles. The fully electric ë-Berlingo eventually followed in 2021.
A Famous Ancestor
The Berlingo traces its lineage back to the legendary Citroën 2CV Utility — a van version of the classic 2CV. That original vehicle was designed to help French farmers cross rutted country roads without breaking the eggs they were carrying! Launched in 1996, the Berlingo was revolutionary because unlike other vans of its era, it was designed from the ground up as a van rather than being based on a passenger car, making it more spacious inside while staying compact on the outside.
One Van, Many Names
The Berlingo has been sold under at least six different brand names: Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Opel Combo, Vauxhall Combo, Toyota Proace City, and Fiat Doblò. It's the same van wearing different badges across Europe!