Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Is Peugeot-Citroën on the verge of buying Mitsubishi?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/is-peugeot-citroen-on-the-verge-of-buying-mitsubishi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/is-peugeot-citroen-on-the-verge-of-buying-mitsubishi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/is-peugeot-citroen-on-the-verge-of-buying-mitsubishi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The French and the Japanese have gotten together to form a magic partnership once already with Carlos Ghosn at the helm. The question is, then, can that success be replicated? PSA Peugeot-Citroën seems to hope so, and it is reportedly on the verge of purchasing a controlling stake (somewhere between 30 and 53 percent, depending on the report) in Mitsubishi Motors.

The total price for the acquisition would cost the European automaker over $3 billion and the deal would also include Mitsubishi acquiring a somewhat smaller stake in PSA Peugeot-Citroën - again, similar to the situation between France's Renault and Japan's Nissan.

So, what does Mitsubishi have that Peugeot wants? Three things, apparently: A presence in the States, SUV expertise and, perhaps most importantly, electric vehicle technology. If a deal does indeed take place, the resulting entity would be the sixth largest automaker by sales in the world.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Is Peugeot-Citroën on the verge of buying Mitsubishi? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenmergermitsubishiMitsubishi MotorsMitsubishiMotorspeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenpsa peugeot citroen mitsubishiPsaPeugeotCitroenPsaPeugeotCitroenMitsubishitie-upFri, 04 Dec 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Peugeot also wants ties with BMW that go beyond engines and platforms]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/report-peugeot-also-wants-ties-with-bmw-that-go-beyond-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/report-peugeot-also-wants-ties-with-bmw-that-go-beyond-engines/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/report-peugeot-also-wants-ties-with-bmw-that-go-beyond-engines/#commentsFiled under: ,



A couple of years ago, BMW said it wanted out of the joint engine game with Peugeot. Today, not only are the two companies still sharing powerplants - the PSA engines that go in the Mini and Pugs like the 207 - but BMW's head has recently stated that the automaker is considering sharing small car platforms with PSA. To that, PSA head Phillipe Varin has gone a step further, saying he'd also like to extend the agreement to things like purchasing, transmissions, and HVAC units.

The quest for Peugeot is to find a way to remain independent to continue to make money doing it. The French automaker expects an operating loss of up to €1.5 billion ($2.25B U.S.) this year, which is less than expected. But the company foresees a return to black next year, and part of the strategy for that would be lowering costs through tie-ups, such as its deal to sell rebranded Mitsubishi i-Mievs.

Nevertheless, it will be BMW that needs to see sense in a stronger PSA union. Items like HVAC units and transmissions - when they work - are anonymous; no one knows or really cares where they come from. As for powertrains, the German firm has spoken before of wanting to lower development costs, especially in the area of small engine development which could help it with its numerous small car initiatives.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

REPORT: Peugeot also wants ties with BMW that go beyond engines and platforms originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bimmerbmwjoint ventureJointVenturepeugeo citroenPeugeoCitroenpeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenPsaPeugeotCitroentechnology sharingTechnologySharingTue, 27 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot iOn is French for "Mitsubishi iMiEV"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/frankfurt-preview-peugeot-ion-is-french-for-mitsubishi-imiev/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/frankfurt-preview-peugeot-ion-is-french-for-mitsubishi-imiev/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/frankfurt-preview-peugeot-ion-is-french-for-mitsubishi-imiev/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Peugeot iOn electric vehicle - Click above for high-res image

Mitsubishi and Peugeot aren't exactly strangers to each other. Remember, for example, that the current Peugeot 4007 SUV is just a reskinned Mitsubishi Outlander. Apparently, that collaboration has worked out well so far, because the two are planning a new project together, only this one figures to be a lot "greener," as it involves the introduction of the Peugeot iOn in Frankfurt. If the iOn pictured above looks familiar, that's because it's simply the Mitsubishi iMiEV sporting Peugeot's lion badge in front. The French carmaker plans to launch the lithium ion battery-powered electric kei car in Europe at the end of 2010.

With 64 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of instantaneously available torque, Pug officials say the iOn's range will be 130 km (approx. 80 miles) on a full charge. Plugging the car into a conventional 220V outlet will give it a full recharge in six hours. A fast-charger system will also be available, and Peugeot says that it will allow the urban runabout to be charged to 80% capacity in jst 30 minutes. Will Europeans discover that they have a taste for electric-flavored jellybeans? We certainly enjoyed the Mitsubishi version when we drove it, and we'll have live coverage of the car's reception at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. You can check out a high-res version of the image above by clicking on it, or the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot iOn is French for "Mitsubishi iMiEV"

Frankfurt Preview: Peugeot iOn is French for "Mitsubishi iMiEV" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showfrankfurt previewFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowFrankfurtPreviewimievionmitsubishi imievMitsubishiImievpeugeot ionPeugeotIonPSATue, 08 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: U.K. texting-while-driving PSA is a return to <i>Blood on the Highway</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/video-uk-texting-while-driving-psa-is-a-return-to-blood-on-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/video-uk-texting-while-driving-psa-is-a-return-to-blood-on-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/video-uk-texting-while-driving-psa-is-a-return-to-blood-on-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Wales PSA against texting while driving - Click above to watch video

It looks like Wales hired Danny Boyle or Quentin Tarantino to create a PSA to showcase the dangers of texting while driving (it was actually Peter Watkins-Hughes). As these things do, it starts off with a couple of teenagers doing what teenagers do -- in this case, sending text messages from behind the wheel. The accident is cinematic in its graphic detail, trauma, and blood. Just when you think it's over... well, we won't spoil it, but let's just say it ain't short and it ain't pretty. All that's missing are the zombies. Follow the jump to watch the video - but fair warning, it's far more gory than the average PSA. Thanks for the tip, Tim!

[Sources: BBC]

Continue reading VIDEO: U.K. texting-while-driving PSA is a return to Blood on the Highway

VIDEO: U.K. texting-while-driving PSA is a return to Blood on the Highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cnnetceuropepsapublic service announcementPublicServiceAnnouncementsafetyukvideovideosyoutubeWed, 26 Aug 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot releases first official teasers of 308 RC Z]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/peugeot-releases-first-official-teasers-of-308-rc-z/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/peugeot-releases-first-official-teasers-of-308-rc-z/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/peugeot-releases-first-official-teasers-of-308-rc-z/#commentsFiled under: ,

Peugeot 308 RC Z pre-production teasers - Click above for high-res image gallery

For a country so renowned for its style and fashion, you'd think France would have plenty of stylish automobiles on offer, but that's not necessarily the case. Though the country's hatchbacks and MPVs may look a touch sharper than the competition's, above that there's nothing especially stylish until you get to the seven-figure territory covered by such ultramobiles as the Bugatti Veyron and GTbyCitroen. Peugeot aims to fix that, though, with the 308 RC Z, though to some eyes it's design was influenced a bit too heavily by the Audi TT.

In case you've lost track by now, the 308 RC Z made its debut in concept form three long years ago. A lot has happened since then, including PSA's approval for the swept-roof coupe to enter production followed by recent spy shots demonstrating that its making good on its promise. And now Peugeot has released the first crop of teaser images showing the production-ready 308 RC Z. Tipped to carry the same jointly-developed turbocharged engine as the Mini JCW, the stylish Peugeot is expected to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.


Gallery: Peugeot 308 RC Z pre-production teasers


[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Peugeot releases first official teasers of 308 RC Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>308 rc z308RcZpeugeotpeugeot 308peugeot 308 rc zpeugeot rc zPeugeot308Peugeot308RcZPeugeotRcZpsapsa peugeot citroenPsaPeugeotCitroenrc zRcZTue, 14 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Tragic Irony - Vintage James Dean driving safety video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/video-tragic-irony-vintage-james-dean-driving-safety-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/video-tragic-irony-vintage-james-dean-driving-safety-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/video-tragic-irony-vintage-james-dean-driving-safety-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

Most know how James Dean died; driving his Porsche 550 Spyder on Highway 466 in California. Dean even received a ticket earlier in the day, prompting many to assume that he was driving recklessly when the accident occurred. Later examination of the crash showed that the Hollywood icon was likely driving around 55 mph at the time of the crash; which was the legal limit at the time.

While Dean was shooting the film Giant (released posthumously in 1956), the Hollywood superstar shot a quick public service video for the program Warner Bros. Parents. The short was about the dangers of speeding on the highway, and Dean insisted that speeding was for the race track and not for public roads. Chillingly, he ends the interview saying "Take it easy drivin'... the life you might save might be mine." As Dean died soon after filming the short segment, it reportedly never aired. Hit the jump to view the two minute interview.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tragic Irony - Vintage James Dean driving safety video

VIDEO: Tragic Irony - Vintage James Dean driving safety video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giant filmGiant movieGiantFilmGiantMoviejames deanJamesDeanPorsche 550Porsche550PSApublic service announcementPublicServiceAnnouncementFri, 03 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA Chairman Thierry Peugeot keen on merger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/psa-chairman-thierry-peugeot-keen-on-merger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/psa-chairman-thierry-peugeot-keen-on-merger/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/05/psa-chairman-thierry-peugeot-keen-on-merger/#commentsFiled under: ,


PSA/Peugeot-Citroen incoming CEO Philippe Varin (left) and chairman Thierry Peugeot (right)

It's buddy-up time in the European auto industry, and French automaker PSA/Peugeot-Citroen does not want to be left all by itself. With Fiat gobbling up automakers large and small, and General Motors poised to sell off its European assets, the Peugeot family, which owns a controlling interest in parent company PSA, wants to pursue a merger. And towards that end, the family has stated its willingness to dilute its own interest in Europe's second-largest automaker.

Currently, the Peugeot family - headed by the normally reclusive Thierry Peugeot (above, right), chairman of the company's supervisory board - holds 30% of PSA's shares, and controls 45% of its voting rights. The Peugeots would be willing to give up some of its shares, as long as it remained the largest shareholder. The announcement came the day before the company's annual shareholders meeting, at which Philippe Varin (above, left) was presented as PSA's new chief executive to replace the ousted Christian Streiff.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - Sub. Req.]

PSA Chairman Thierry Peugeot keen on merger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christian streiffChristianStreiffcitroenmergermergers and acquisitionsMergersAndAcquisitionspeugeotpeugeot familyPeugeotFamilyphilippe varinPhilippeVarinpsapsa mergerpsa peugeot citroenPsaMergerPsaPeugeotCitroenthierry peugeotThierryPeugeotFri, 05 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[French unions try a new negotiating tactic: kidnapping]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/french-unions-try-a-new-negotiating-tactic-kidnapping/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/french-unions-try-a-new-negotiating-tactic-kidnapping/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/french-unions-try-a-new-negotiating-tactic-kidnapping/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Parts suppliers are experiencing just as much trouble as the automakers they supply. Employees at one company, though, have taken a tip from Somali pirates and upped the anger stakes. When Faurecia felt it had been wronged by Chrysler, it took Chrysler to court. When Faurecia's employees in France felt they had been wronged by the company they work for, they kidnapped three managers for five hours.

Faurecia announced plant shutdowns and restructuring in December, and some militant union members didn't appreciate the cut employees were getting, so they locked up the execs. In the immediate aftermath the union didn't receive anything additional. But last week Faurecia received €1.63 billion from banks and majority owner Peugeot, and union negotiations are scheduled to begin again later this month.

Faurecia isn't the only victim of the new tactic -- French execs at Sony, 3M, Caterpillar, and Scapa have also been "sequestered" for varying lengths of time. And they probably won't be last: surveys show that 45% of the French population find the tactic acceptable.

[Source: Edmunds]

French unions try a new negotiating tactic: kidnapping originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefaureciafrancekidnapkidnappingpsasupplierunionunionsWed, 15 Apr 2009 07:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot ousts CEO Christian Streiff]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/peugeot-ousts-ceo-christian-streiff/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/peugeot-ousts-ceo-christian-streiff/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/peugeot-ousts-ceo-christian-streiff/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Christian Streiff, CEO of PSA Peuget/Citroen since early 2007, has been pushed out by Peugeot's board, controlled by members of the Peugeot family. Streiff took the position after a short, turbulent stint as CEO of Airbus, and his time at Peugeot wasn't much more relaxing. Upon taking the position he stirred things up, changing how models were developed and manufactured. The company earned profits of €885 million in 2007, and while Streiff was controversial to some, he was safe.

Last summer Streiff suffered a stroke and was off work for a couple of months. He returned to work just as things were caving and everyone was wondering whether Peugeot was going to merge with another automaker. When the final numbers were tallied for 2008, Peugeot had lost €343 million ($433 million) for the year. But the real issue appeared to be that Streiff was never clear about what he was going to do about turning things around. The board finally lost faith and let him go, saying that a change was needed to "reveal the potential" of Peugeot/Citroen.

Streiff has been replaced by Phillipe Varin, the ex-CEO of Corus Steel who was also in the running for the position when Peugeot chose Streiff. Varin will begin meeting his team April 15 and take up his post on June 1. In the meantime, a Peugeot board member will run the operations.

[Source: Reuters]

Peugeot ousts CEO Christian Streiff originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christian streiffChristianStreiffcitroenfiringfiringspeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenPsaPeugeotCitroenstreiffMon, 30 Mar 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Nissan Qazana is so bizarre it almost looks French]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-nissan-qazana-is-so-bizarre-it-almost-looks-french/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-nissan-qazana-is-so-bizarre-it-almost-looks-french/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-nissan-qazana-is-so-bizarre-it-almost-looks-french/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We're just back from checking out the Nissan Qazana, and we're happy to report that it's every bit as zany as it looks in the stock images we saw seen earlier. In fact, it almost looks Gallic, like something from Citroen or Peugeot, or perhaps something reverse-engineered from a Paris-Dakar rally special. We're not entirely sure if (and/or how) the big-fendered, narrow-greenhouse look will translate to Nissan's planned production compact crossover, and we're quite sure that the rear-hinged suicide doors won't see showrooms when the Qashqai receives a kid brother. For now, we're enjoying its novel lighting (including the pair of crazy large front driving lamps and the fender-ridge daytime-running lamps, along with well-integrated boomerang taillamps) and red-velvet cake interior.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan Qazana

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Nissan Qazana is so bizarre it almost looks French

Geneva 2009: Nissan Qazana is so bizarre it almost looks French originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingCitroencompact crossoverCompactCrossovercrossovergenevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShownissanNissan QazanaNissanQazanapeugeotPSAsoftroaderTue, 03 Mar 2009 09:13:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Coup de Grâce</i>: Citroen poaches Mercedes sales chief]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/i-coup-de-grace-i-citroen-poaches-mercedes-sales-chief/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/i-coup-de-grace-i-citroen-poaches-mercedes-sales-chief/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/i-coup-de-grace-i-citroen-poaches-mercedes-sales-chief/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

French automaker PSA/Peugeot-Citroen is serious about breathing new air into its chevron-badged division. After partnering with Polyphony's Gran Turismo racing simulator franchise for the GTbyCitroen concept and announcing the revival of the DS nameplate with an upcoming show car at the Geneva Motor Show, the Franco auto group has managed to poach Mercedes-Benz sales chief Jean-Marc Gales to be Citroen's new chief executive.

Born in Luxembourg, 46-year-old Gales held a variety of positions at Volkswagen, BMW and Opel before moving to Mercedes-Benz. In his new job, he'll be replacing Gilles Michel, who departed Citroen - now celebrating its 90th anniversary - for a government position last December. Gales will join PSA's five-member top executive committee in a couple of months from now.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

Coup de Grâce: Citroen poaches Mercedes sales chief originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroencitroen ceoCitroenCeojean-marc galesJean-marcGalesmercedes-benz salesMercedes-benzSalespsapsa peugeot citroenPsaPeugeotCitroenFri, 20 Feb 2009 07:33:00 EST<![CDATA[RIP: Bertrand Peugeot passes away at age 85]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/18/rip-bertrand-peugeot-passes-away-at-age-85/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/18/rip-bertrand-peugeot-passes-away-at-age-85/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/18/rip-bertrand-peugeot-passes-away-at-age-85/#commentsFiled under:

The Peugeot family has suffered an unfortunate loss this past weekend when Bertrand Peugeot passed away on February 14, at age 85. Having acted as vice-chairman of the eponymous French automaker for some 25 years, Bertrand Peugeot will be remembered as the architect of the merger between his family's company and Citroen, forming PSA/Peugeot-Citroen that is now one of Europe's largest automakers.

The grandson of company founder Robert Peugeot, Bertrand is survived by his sons Christian, director of communications and strategy at Peugeot, and Robert, who presides over the family's holding company.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: AFP/Getty]

RIP: Bertrand Peugeot passes away at age 85 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bertrand peugeotBertrandPeugeotpeugeotpeugeot familyPeugeotFamilypsapsa peugeot citroenPsaPeugeotCitroenWed, 18 Feb 2009 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot delaying launch of plug-in hybrid?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/peugeot-delaying-launch-of-plug-in-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/peugeot-delaying-launch-of-plug-in-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/peugeot-delaying-launch-of-plug-in-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Peugeot plans to offer its 3008 CUV with a diesel-electric hybrid by 2011. The step after that is to add plug-in capability, but those plans have been pushed back "a year or two" because of the economy. With R&D budgets pinched by slim sales, the investment in the technology simply can't be justified right now, especially in light of Peugeot's assertion that such cars will sell in "in the tens of thousands, not millions."

As exhibits of Peugeot's intention to employ the diesel-hybrid drivetrain, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen showed three concepts at last year's Paris Motor Show that employed the technology: the Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4, the Peugeot RC HYmotion4, and the Citroen Hypnos. Nevertheless, the head of Peugeot's hybrid innovations unit said plug-in hybrid production - and we would guess the actual date of any PSA hybrid production at all - would "depend on battery costs."

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Peugeot delaying launch of plug-in hybrid? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3008alternativecitroencrossoverdieseldiesel electricdiesel electric hybridDieselElectricDieselElectricHybridgreenhybridpeugeotpeugeot 3008Peugeot3008plug in hybridPlugInHybridpsatechThu, 05 Feb 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: French government calls for auto execs to forego bonuses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/report-french-government-calls-for-auto-execs-to-forego-bonuses/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/report-french-government-calls-for-auto-execs-to-forego-bonuses/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/21/report-french-government-calls-for-auto-execs-to-forego-bonuses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The French government has put €6 billion ($7.79 billion USD) on the table for car companies. And as part of the effort to make sure that every drop of the money goes toward maximizing performance and retaining jobs, the French government has asked that Peugeot/Citroen and Renault company bosses take a pass on their bonuses.

Renault responded by saying that its execs were told seven months ago that there would be no extra fat for them. Peugeot/Citroen said its remuneration committee would determine the fate of executive bonuses when its 2008 results are known next month. The French government probably won't make executive compensation a key component of the deal, but just as in the U.S., French auto execs are likely looking at their banking industry counterparts and wondering: "Why is all the heat on us?"

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

REPORT: French government calls for auto execs to forego bonuses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto industry bailoutAutoIndustryBailoutbailoutbonusesbridge loanBridgeLoancitroeneuroeuropeexecutive bonusExecutiveBonusexecutivesfinancingfrancegovernmentgovernment loansGovernmentLoanspeugeotpsarenaultWed, 21 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: PSA will rebadge and sell the Mitsubishi i MiEV in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/report-psa-will-rebadge-and-sell-the-mitsubishi-imiev-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/report-psa-will-rebadge-and-sell-the-mitsubishi-imiev-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/report-psa-will-rebadge-and-sell-the-mitsubishi-imiev-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to view a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi i MiEV

France's PSA Group, which includes Peugeot and Citroen, will be jumping into the electric car game in 2011 courtesy of Mitsubishi. The Japanese carmaker will start selling its i MiEV later this year in Japan and will reportedly supply a re-badged version to sell through European dealers. Mitsubishi is planning to start with just 2,000 examples this year, with plans to double that volume each year over the next few years. With the additional volume going to PSA, the total number of cars is expected to double with half going to the French. That will mean Lithium Energy Japan, the JV between Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa will also have to crank up its production volumes. There are already some examples of the iMiEV being tested by electric utilities here in the US, but Mitsubishi hasn't yet committed to actually selling the car here.

Gallery: Mitsubishi i MiEV - Live in NY


[Source: GreenCarCongress]

REPORT: PSA will rebadge and sell the Mitsubishi i MiEV in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenelectric carelectric carselectric-carElectricCarElectricCarsimievmitsubishimitsubishiimievpeugeotpsaThu, 08 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: More banks suing even after repossessing vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/psa-more-banks-suing-even-after-repossessing-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/psa-more-banks-suing-even-after-repossessing-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/psa-more-banks-suing-even-after-repossessing-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just because your car has been repossessed doesn't mean you don't still owe the bank money on it. If that vehicle gets sold at auction for less than the bank is owed on it, the difference is called the "deficiency." And as MSNBC informs, banks are increasingly suing to get that deficiency amount back, plus applicable attorney's fees.

With the increasing cost of vehicles, smaller down payments, and longer loan terms, it is easier than ever to get upside-down on your car loan. Furthermore, banks don't send a repossessed car to auction and work to get the highest price for it. They farm it out to third parties who need to move cars, not hold out for the absolute best deal. Take depressed auction prices into account as well, and it's not hard to end up with a deficiency in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Banks who win deficiency judgments can sometimes garnish wages and force the sale of property, but again, that's only in certain cases. The best ways to ward off a deficiency lawsuit are to get the shortest car loan term you can afford, which will help avoid getting upside-down in the first place. If you still can't manage, try and sell the car yourself, since you'll likely get a much better price than the bank will at auction (and you'll avoid a repo on your credit history). Failing that, bankruptcy should clear the debt as an unsecured loan.

[Source: MSNBC]

PSA: More banks suing even after repossessing vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionauto auctionAutoAuctionbankscarsumer advocacyCarsumerAdvocacylawsuitlenderslifestyleloan termloan termsLoanTermLoanTermspsareporeposessrepossessionMon, 29 Dec 2008 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: GTbyCitroen could be built in limited numbers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/rumormill-gtbycitroen-could-be-built-in-limited-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/rumormill-gtbycitroen-could-be-built-in-limited-numbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/rumormill-gtbycitroen-could-be-built-in-limited-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the GTbyCitroen

So while it turns out that PSA is actually not looking to buy Honda's F1 team (that's why they call it the rumormill), the brand could have seriously sporting aspirations of a different sort. According to Jean-Pierre Ploué, PSA's chief designer, there might be a 20-edition run of the GTbyCitroen, the car Citroen created for Sony's GT5. The game car specs came in at 3,000 pounds and 782 horses, some of those powered by hydrogen. If a real car -- actually suggested to be a grand tourer by Citroen's press release -- were built, we hope they opt for a version of the Peugeot 908's diesel V12. For 700 hp and 800 ft-lbs, we'd have no problem driving a car that looks like a catfish up front and a platypus out back. No matter what they put in it, expect it to be tres chere if it ever gets built.

Gallery: Paris 2008: GTbyCitroen Live


Gallery: GTbyCitroen


[Source: Cardisiac via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: GTbyCitroen could be built in limited numbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back when Alain Prost ran an F1 team, after jettisoning engines supplied by Mugen-Honda, it was Peugeot that left Jordan to sign up with Prost. Things didn't go well, and Peugeot jumped ship three years later. But it's possible that Peugeot feels it has some unfinished business in F1. Rumor has it that among the folks snooping around Honda's F1 operations is PSA, the parent company of Peugeot/Citroen. Supposedly not as hurt by the downturn as its rivals, and with F1 cost cutting in extra strength mode, PSA thinks now is the time to buy Honda's operations, benefit from Honda's promised assistance, and go head-to-head with its French rival Renault. Were such a thing to pass, speculation is that Peugeot would put Sebastien Bourdais and Jenson Button in the cockpits.

[Source: F1-Live]

Rumormill: Peugeot/Citroen to buy Honda F1? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two storied European nameplates might combine operations as rumors are flying that Fiat and PSA Peugeot/Citroën may find the road to future profits easier to travel together. The first rumblings of potential trouble at Fiat came when its CEO Sergio Marchionne suggested his company's future looked bleak without a major partner and that there was only room for six global automakers in his estimation. Now, according to Italian newspaper Milano Finanza, leaders of both Italy and France have discussed a possible tie-up between the two companies.

Both countries are said to be considering offering financial aid packages to their respective home-grown automakers, and a merger may be seen as another way of ensuring their future viability. Although the two automakers specialize in small cars and therefore have many overlapping products, the only joint-ventures currently shared between them are for commercial vehicles and MPVs. If the two Euro giants were to merge, the resulting company would roughly match the size of Nissan/Renault and Volkswagen.

[Source: Reuters]

Fiat and PSA Peugeot/Citroën to merge? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenfiatfiat citroen peugeotFiatCitroenPeugeotmergerpeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenPsaPeugeotCitroenMon, 15 Dec 2008 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Coming to America? Peugeot entering new segments, markets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/coming-to-america-peugeot-entering-new-segments-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/coming-to-america-peugeot-entering-new-segments-markets/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/coming-to-america-peugeot-entering-new-segments-markets/#commentsFiled under: ,

Peugeot is a long way off from its ambitious target of selling 4 million units annually by the end of the decade. This year its sales projects put it at 2 million, but chief executive Jean-Philippe Collin has a plan in place to reach the targets set out by parent company PSA.

The plan involves expansion on two fronts. Firstly, Peugeot plans on developing new models to compete in segments where it currently does not compete. Collin figures the French automaker currently competes in 72% of market segments, but wants to get that figure up to 90%. Despite Peugeot's sportscar racing program, the company is not prepared to build a pure sportscar any more hardcore than the upcoming 308 RC Z sports-coupe. It is pursuing government funding to develop a diesel-hybrid drivetrain, however, which might be key to its expansion.

Peugeot is also planning on pursuing new markets, namely in China, Russia and South America. However, while a return to the North American market is being considered, especially in light of the weak American dollar, Collin maintains that such a move would still be several years off.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

Coming to America? Peugeot entering new segments, markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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