Stellantis to launch budget-friendly Citroën Berlingo to counter chinese rivals

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) have become the financial backbone of Stellantis since the merger between PSA and Fiat-Chrysler. Under the global Stellantis Pro One division, the group maintains a dominant position, standing as the undisputed leader in the European market. This leadership is not merely symbolic; it represents a major profit center driven by industrial optimization and a comprehensive presence across all segments, from small vans to large commercial haulers. However, the competitive landscape is shifting rapidly. While Stellantis currently holds the top spot, the massive influx of new players, particularly from Asia, is forcing the European giant into a strategic pivot. To maintain its lead and protect its margins, the group has decided to launch an offensive on a factor that has become a top priority for businesses and tradespeople: the purchase price.

The growing shadow of Chinese brands in the van segment

For a long time, the European van market was a fortress guarded by legacy manufacturers. While Chinese brands first gained traction in the passenger car segment, they are now deploying an equally aggressive strategy in the commercial vehicle front. Manufacturers such as Maxus or BYD are increasing their offerings with a simple yet formidable promise: an extremely competitive price-to-performance ratio. For fleet managers and entrepreneurs, for whom the total cost of ownership (TCO) is the primary purchasing criterion, these alternatives are becoming increasingly attractive.

Recognizing that this threat could erode its market share in the medium term, Stellantis has secretly activated an industrial response plan. This project, internally named K9 SCK, aims to offer a more economical version of the famous vans from the K9 program. This range includes the group's cornerstones: the Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Opel Combo, and Fiat Doblò. Notably, this initiative exclusively involves the group's four internal brands. The Toyota Proace City, although sharing the same technical development through an industrial partnership, is not currently part of this drastic cost-reduction program. The goal is to provide an entry-level version capable of undercutting new entrants without sacrificing the reliability that has made the Berlingo a success.

Smart Cost Killer: The Vigo plant’s strategic attack plan

The core of this strategy lies in the Smart Cost Killer (SCK) program. Unlike a simple commercial discount, the SCK project is based on a deep restructuring of the vehicle's cost base. The objective is to produce an "essential" version of the K9, available in both internal combustion and electric powertrains, while maintaining the performance standards required by professionals. To achieve this, Stellantis engineers have worked on simplifying components.

Currently, the Vigo plant in Spain is actively preparing for this industrial shift. The industrialization phase is already underway on "System 2," the production line dedicated to vans. To transform the Citroën Berlingo into an economic powerhouse, the choice of components has been thoroughly reviewed. This involves visible and structural elements such as seats, bumpers, dashboards, as well as various metal and plastic parts. The idea is to use simpler materials that are easier to assemble while optimizing the supply chain.

Sourcing perfectly illustrates this new reality. Stellantis relies on both local suppliers based in Galicia (such as Lear or OPmobility) for their responsiveness, and competitive international sourcing located in Morocco, Romania, Serbia, and China. Adapting the assembly lines in Vigo is a major technical challenge, as it must allow for the integration of these new components without slowing down the plant's record-breaking pace. The first pre-series units are expected to roll off the lines in the coming weeks to validate assembly processes ahead of a commercial launch expected by the end of 2026.

Consolidating a strategic lead in the european market

This shift toward a more affordable offering comes as the Vigo plant recently closed 2025 on a historic note. With a record 559,427 vehicles produced (an 8% increase), the Spanish site confirms its status as an industrial engine for Stellantis. The Citroën Berlingo and its K9 program counterparts form the foundation of this success, supported by the Peugeot 2008. However, Stellantis is well aware that past performance does not guarantee future results. The group cannot afford to rest on its laurels, as its European market share stabilized at around 29% last year.

The arrival of the K9 SCK program is therefore a direct and proportionate response to the challenges of globalization. By further segmenting its offer, Stellantis will be able to target a more price-sensitive customer base, while reserving its premium versions for companies seeking more comfort and technology. This strategy of regionalization and cost optimization, which is also being deployed in the Middle East and Africa (with production in Algeria or Turkey), demonstrates the group's determination to lock in its leading position. By lowering the entry price of its flagship van, the Citroën Berlingo, Stellantis ensures that the competition, however aggressive, will meet a firm and economically unbeatable response on European soil.