BOTH Peugeot and Fiat had world premieres on their show stands with the Boxer and Ducato respectively. They share technology with the new Citroen Relay.

The three vans may look the same but there will be subtle differences in specification and engines. Fiat, for example, will be using its JTD common rail diesel powerplants in 2.0, 2.3 and 2.8-litre formats and is keen to point out that the 2.3-litre unit is a purpose-built van engine, whereas those used by Peugeot and Citroen are derived from car engines.

Fiat, too, will be offering its Connect satnav system, which links drivers up to a central control point which can give traffic information and a host of other features and can be tailored to individual fleet needs.

And while Citroen and Peugeot have no plans to introduce an LPG version, Fiat will have one from launch in April.

Meanwhile, Peugeot is aiming to cash in on its upmarket image by offering a relatively high standard specification. All except the base model will come with a CD player, electric windows and central locking, while a satellite navigation system will be on the options list, including a camera which displays what is behind the van on the screen in the cab.