Peugeot challenges tradesmen to test the Partner van’s new safety-boosting technology

Peugeot has invited six UK tradesmen to go head-to-head in a unique challenge to test new safety-boosting technology on the all-new Peugeot Partner van.

Plumbers, electricians and carpenters used the all-new Peugeot Partner van’s ‘Surround Rear Vision’ to navigate a specially designed obstacle course made up of building site materials in reverse. Although drivers were timed as they navigated the course, the emphasis was on precision and not speed, as every mistake cost drivers an extra 20 seconds in penalties.

Dodging bricks, pallets and woodpiles, and executing difficult parking manoeuvres, the electricians came out on top, after safely navigating the course in the quickest time of 4m 49s after penalty deductions.

Peugeot’s Surround Rear Vision technology has been developed to increase all round visibility to reduce parking and reversing accidents. Using cameras to monitor the van’s surroundings, with a video feed displayed to the driver, the technology gives drivers a wider field of vision compared to standard side-mirrors.

David Peel, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, said: “Today was about having a little fun with our all-new Partner van and its technology, but also highlighting a crucial safety innovation.

“More than three vans a day are involved in a parking or reversing accident, costing businesses time and money. Our Surround Rear Vision technology will undoubtedly reduce that figure as drivers have a far better view of their surroundings.”

The Surround Rear Vision system features two cameras, one located at the base of the passenger side door mirror and the other at the top of the rear panel doors. Footage is relayed to a digital screen that replaces the conventional rear view mirror, giving drivers the best possible exterior visibility from inside the vehicle.

AJ Cookson, from the winning team of electricians, said: “The Surround Rear Vision system takes a lot of the stress away when reversing, especially in our blind spots. With panel vans, we have no rear view mirror to use, so technology like Surround Rear Vision is a huge benefit.”

The all-new Peugeot Partner van comes with four trim options: ‘S’, ‘Grip’, ‘Professional’ and ‘Asphalt’.

Surround Rear Vision comes as standard on Asphalt trim and is an optional feature across the rest of the line-up. Standard equipment also includes Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, an overhead storage shelf in the cab, DAB radio, automatic headlights and Peugeot Connect SOS. Standard and Long body options are available with payloads ranging from 667-1,050kg, depending on model.