30 Years of Citroën Berlingo: searching for the oldest model in the Czech Republic

30 years of success for the Citroën Berlingo: a historic celebration

The year 2026 holds a very special significance for the brand with the double chevrons, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of the first-generation Citroën Berlingo. A true revolution when it was first presented, this model has established itself as an essential pillar of the range. Next July, the famous leisure activity vehicle (LAV) will officially celebrate its three decades of existence. To anticipate this symbolic anniversary, Citroën has decided to honor the longevity of its favorite model through an original initiative. In the Czech Republic, the brand is launching a special national search: to find the oldest Citroën Berlingo still in circulation in the country. This approach does not only aim to celebrate a glorious past but also to testify to the robustness of a vehicle that changed the game in the European automotive industry.

A national contest to find the oldest Berlingo

Citroën is officially inviting owners of the first generation to participate in this adventure titled "Searching for the Oldest Berlingo." Whether it is the commercial version intended for professionals or the passenger version for families, all first-phase models are eligible. Citroën's goal in the Czech Republic is to highlight the exemplary reliability of this vehicle. Participants are invited to send a photograph of their car along with a short descriptive text to the dedicated address: marketing.citroen@c-automobil-import.cz.

The grand winner of this contest will see their vehicle and their story honored in an exceptional way. The result will be revealed in July, coinciding with the model's anniversary date. To immortalize this loyalty, the story of the owner and their Berlingo will be published in the summer issue of the Citroën magazine published in the Czech Republic. It is a unique opportunity for an enthusiast or a professional to share their driving experience and demonstrate that, even after three decades, the Berlingo remains a relevant and high-performing mobility tool.

The invention of the Ludospace: looking back at an industrial saga

Launched in 1996, the Citroën Berlingo marked a major technological and marketing breakthrough. Before it, small vans were merely sedans to which a separate cargo cell was attached. The Berlingo was the first utility vehicle designed from the outset with an integrated loading compartment, offering a fluid silhouette and unprecedented aesthetic consistency. However, Citroën's genius was to adapt this concept into a passenger version, thus creating the leisure activity vehicle (LAV) segment with the Berlingo Multispace. This vehicle successfully met the needs of those seeking the space of a van with the comfort and equipment of a passenger car.

In the Czech Republic, success was immediate and growing. During the launch year in 1996, the brand already recorded the sale of 42 passenger versions and 104 commercial versions. By 1997, volumes exploded to reach 690 passenger versions and 337 commercial versions. This rapid progression culminated in 2007, just before the model renewal, with a historical record: 2,520 passenger vehicles and 501 commercial vehicles sold in a single year. At that time, the Berlingo alone represented one-third of Citroën's total sales in the Czech Republic, leading the van segment without competition.

A modern icon crossing generations

The Citroën Berlingo is now in its third generation, launched in 2018 and having received a significant facelift in 2024. Over the years, it has become much more than just a model: it has transformed into a true brand within the brand, an icon of practicality and freedom. This status is confirmed by Lenka Martinová, Marketing Director of Citroën in the Czech Republic, who emphasizes the importance of the model in the collective consciousness:

"The Berlingo is an icon that has helped forge Citroën's image in the Czech Republic. For many, it has even become the emblem of the brand. That is why, on the occasion of its 30th anniversary, we decided to commemorate its promising beginnings and highlight its reliability and robustness, qualities confirmed by the large number of first-generation models still in circulation, which perfectly fulfill their role: a versatile car, adapted to the varied needs of our customers. We invite the happy owners of Citroën Berlingo to take up the challenge and help us find the oldest Berlingo in the Czech Republic."

This longevity is explained by a design that has never sacrificed function for form. Whether for large families requiring volume or for craftsmen demanding optimal loading capacity, the Berlingo has evolved while maintaining its original DNA.

Conclusion: more than a vehicle, a heritage in motion

In thirty years, the Citroën Berlingo has transitioned from the status of a bold innovation to that of an absolute reference. By creating an entire segment, Citroën has proven its ability to anticipate the changing needs of society. The initiative launched in the Czech Republic to find the oldest model in circulation is a well-deserved tribute to this exceptional longevity. Next July, the 30th-anniversary celebrations will not only be a look toward the past but a confirmation that the leisure activity vehicle concept remains more relevant than ever. This contest will undoubtedly lead to the discovery of strong human stories, linking owners to a vehicle that, for many, has become a full-fledged member of the family.