Citroën is expanding the number of its specialist commercial vehicle dealerships as it gears up to launch its new family of vans.

With the Nemo and Berlingo models due to go on sale, the manufacturer has appointed a core of van specialists located across the UK from Exeter to Glasgow, and plans to add more sites in the near future.

Robert Handyside, Citroën’s commercial vehicle operations manager, said: “With increasing competition, customers are demanding ever higher levels of sales and aftersales service.

“Our new commercial vehicle specialist dealer network will provide a level of additional services to those already provided.”

The van centres will stock a wider range of Citroën LCVs, including models from the Ready to Run programme such as Lutons, tippers and refrigerated models, as well as a larger number of demonstrators and approved used models.

Citroën has also developed a stringent LCV training prog-ramme for staff, and will offer extended service department opening hours, a wider range of while-you-wait services and courtesy vans.

Mr Handyside added: “With the appointment of the specialist dealers to our 200-plus dealer network together with our widest ever range of LCVs, we believe we will attract a large number of new customers.

“Citroën will be able to provide an unrivalled level of sales and aftersales support.”

• CAP is predicting class-leading residual values for the new Nemo and Berlingo models. It estimates that the Nemo will retain 32% of its cost new after three years/60,000 miles, while the larger Berlingo will retain 33%.