Citroën TUB
| Company type | Commercial vehicle |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën Traction Avant (passenger model) |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Defunct | 1941 |
| Successor | Citroën TUC |
| Products | Lightweight van |
The Citroën TUB (Traction Utilitaire Basse) was a lightweight van manufactured by Citroën from 1939 until 1941, derived from the Citroën Traction Avant passenger model. In May 1941, the enhanced Citroën TUC succeeded the TUB, though production most likely ceased by the end of that year.
Notably, the TUB was the pioneering commercial vehicle to feature a sliding door on its side.
Origins
Following Michelin's acquisition of Citroën in 1934, leadership passed to Pierre Michelin and Pierre-Jules Boulanger. In 1936, Boulanger initiated a study focused on customer requirements for a van with around capacity. The design brief prioritized maximizing cargo volume by positioning the driver well forward, enabling occupants to stand inside, and ensuring convenient loading access—including a side door on the curbside. The vehicle was to be based on the front-wheel-drive Citroën Traction Avant, allowing for a low cargo floor without a driveshaft beneath.
The van
By late 1937, Citroën had developed its initial prototype; official approval came on 12 May 1939. Its innovative design included a low floor, forward driver placement, and a sliding side door—features uncommon at the time.
The van was powered by a 35 hp 1628 cc four-cylinder engine sourced from the Traction 7C. Most of the engine’s mass and the driver’s feet were positioned ahead of the front axle. The elevated cab contained mechanical components underneath, with the engine extending into the front of the cabin. The cargo floor sat only 42 cm above ground level, permitting standing room for individuals shorter than 175 cm. The absence of a right-side passenger seat allowed seamless movement between driver and cargo areas. The sliding door on the pavement side was an industry first.
The upper sections of the cargo compartment’s sides were fitted with tarpaulin curtains featuring flexible plastic windows for ease and reduced weight. On the left side, where no door existed, the curtain could be rolled up to expose more than 6 cubic meters of storage space. An external compartment housed both the spare wheel and battery, keeping them separate from the cargo area. The bodywork was crafted by coachbuilder Fernand Genève.
The drivetrain incorporated the Traction Avant’s three-speed manual gearbox, front torsion-bar suspension, and front-wheel drive configuration. Leaf springs supported the rear suspension; with a carrying capacity around —exceeding initial goals—rear suspension settings were stiffened accordingly. Due to its light body and forward weight distribution, unloaded vehicles tended to experience rear-end sliding. The hydraulic brake system utilized larger drum brakes adapted from the Traction 11 model.
Priced at 36,000 francs upon its launch on 5 June 1939, the TUB cost significantly more than base Traction Avant passenger cars, which sold for just over 26,000 francs.
The TUB replaced by the TUC
In February 1940, Citroën unveiled the 11-T série U as a successor to the TUB van. The "11" referred to its new tax class of 11CV, reflecting an increased engine displacement of 1,911 cc. This upgraded variant became known as the Citroën TUC. While retaining the same maximum load capacity of , it introduced improvements including an additional windscreen wiper and a small front ridge resembling a bumper. Despite Germany’s invasion in mid-1940, production of the TUB continued until spring 1941 when it was succeeded by the TUC in May. However, due to shortages in raw materials and fuel constraints, production volumes remained limited and ended by December 1941.
Between 1941 and 1942, Fenwick Groupe converted roughly 100 units to electric powertrains.
Commercial
Approximately 1,740 units of the vans were produced, with the majority being the earlier 1628 cc TUB variant, a relatively limited volume given Citroën's level of investment. Following World War II, Citroën swiftly introduced the Citroën H Van in 1946, a larger and sturdier model that extensively incorporated design elements from the TUB. The commercial achievements of the H Van were largely built upon this earlier platform.
| Preceded by: - |
Succeeded by: Citroën H Van |