The Citroen Relay Back to Back is an unconventional commercial van featuring two front ends, a unique configuration that makes practical sense once its purpose is understood. The Relay, a badge-engineered Fiat Ducato, is designed to cut production and shipping costs for companies needing a flexible base for specialized vehicles. Built without a rear chassis cab, each van is bolted together with another identical unit on a temporary structure, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs by eliminating the usual chassis.
This ingenious design allows for efficient shipping, as two Relay Back to Back vans take up less space than if transported separately. Since they're front-wheel drive, rear driveshafts aren't a concern for builders who receive the vans without a rear chassis. This structure enables greater freedom for companies that manufacture custom motorhomes, campers, and emergency vehicles, allowing them to fit their own rear attachments directly onto the vans without having to modify a factory-fitted rear end.
The cost savings make it a win-win for everyone involved, and it's not just Citroen that employs this clever tactic—Peugeot offers a similar configuration with the Boxer Back to Back. Both models maintain their engines, gearboxes, and VINs, though they’re temporarily connected only for shipping.
Now, who will be first to drive this two-headed thing on the road? 😅
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The Citroen Relay Back to Back is an unconventional commercial van featuring two front ends, a unique configuration that makes practical sense once its purpose is understood. The Relay, a badge-engineered Fiat Ducato, is designed to cut production and shipping costs for companies needing a flexible base for specialized vehicles. Built without a rear chassis cab, each van is bolted together with another identical unit on a temporary structure, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs by eliminating the usual chassis.
This ingenious design allows for efficient shipping, as two Relay Back to Back vans take up less space than if transported separately. Since they're front-wheel drive, rear driveshafts aren't a concern for builders who receive the vans without a rear chassis. This structure enables greater freedom for companies that manufacture custom motorhomes, campers, and emergency vehicles, allowing them to fit their own rear attachments directly onto the vans without having to modify a factory-fitted rear end.
The cost savings make it a win-win for everyone involved, and it's not just Citroen that employs this clever tactic—Peugeot offers a similar configuration with the Boxer Back to Back. Both models maintain their engines, gearboxes, and VINs, though they’re temporarily connected only for shipping.
Now, who will be first to drive this two-headed thing on the road? 😅
11 months ago | [YT] | 7