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[Two Birds, Une Pierre: Peugeot to replace 407 and 607 with new 508]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/two-birds-une-pierre-peugeot-to-replace-407-and-607-with-new-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/two-birds-une-pierre-peugeot-to-replace-407-and-607-with-new-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/two-birds-une-pierre-peugeot-to-replace-407-and-607-with-new-5/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Peugeot RC HyMotion4 concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The French may not be known for their efficiency as much as, say, ze Germans, but according to the latest reports from across the Pond, Peugeot is reportedly looking at merging two weak product lines into one new sedan. The models in question are the 407 and 607, two saloons that may intrigue from this side of the Atlantic but haven't exactly been runaway successes with those who can pick them up at their local dealership. As a result, parent company PSA's new president Philippe Varin has reportedly confirmed that both models will be integrated into one new successor to be called the 508.

The last time Peugeot used the 50X model designation was with the 505 of 1979. Although we have no idea at this point what the new 508 will be like, we're expecting it to be unveiled in concept form at the 2010 Paris Auto Salon before its production introduction at Geneva in 2011.


Gallery: Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4 concept


[Source: Le Blog Auto]

Two Birds, Une Pierre: Peugeot to replace 407 and 607 with new 508 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[REPORT: BMW considers sharing Mini platform with PSA Peugeot Citroën]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/report-bmw-considers-sharing-mini-platform-with-psa-peugeot-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/report-bmw-considers-sharing-mini-platform-with-psa-peugeot-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/report-bmw-considers-sharing-mini-platform-with-psa-peugeot-cit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mini 50 Mayfair -- Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Financial Times in the U.K., BMW may be in preliminary talks to share small car platforms for future Mini variants with PSA Peugeot Citroën. The two European automakers already share the range of small four-cylinder engines powering the Mini line, which seems to lend an air of credence to rumors of an expanded collaborative effort.

While stopping short of confirming the report, both BMW chief Norbert Reithofer and PSA head Philippe Varin have indicated a willingness to work together and have reportedly met twice so far since May. Whispers of platform sharing is nothing new for BMW these days - earlier this year, we again heard the oft-repeated rumor that BMW was working with Fiat on a shared platform for something even smaller than the regular-grade Mini, possibly as part of its long-rumored Isetta revival.


Gallery: MINI 50 Mayfair


[Source: Financial Times - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: BMW considers sharing Mini platform with PSA Peugeot Citroën originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw citroenbmw peugeotbmw peugeot partnershipbmw psaBmwCitroenBmwPeugeotBmwPeugeotPartnershipBmwPsaminimini coopermini platformMiniCooperMiniPlatformpeugeotpeugeot citroenPeugeotCitroenpsa peugeot citroenPsaPeugeotCitroenWed, 05 Aug 2009 17:26:00 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[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[PSA Peugeot Citroën planning diesel hybrid for 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/psa-peugeot-citroen-planning-diesel-hybrid-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/psa-peugeot-citroen-planning-diesel-hybrid-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/psa-peugeot-citroen-planning-diesel-hybrid-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Peugeot 3008 crossover - Click above for a high-res image gallery

PSA Peugeot Citroën has announced plans to introduce a new diesel hybrid drivetrain that will conveniently do away with the need for a complex system of driveshafts and transaxles. The clever HYbrid4 system - sometimes referred to as a through-the-road hybrid - is contained inside a new rear axle assembly that incorporates an integrated electric motor. This arrangement will allow for any combination of front-, rear- or all-wheel drive, with power coming from the diesel engine alone, the electric motor alone or from the two powerplants combined.

Due to its modular design, the technology can quickly spread across the automaker's entire line. The first model slated for the fuel-saving tech is the Peugeot 3008 crossover, prototypes of which are already in the testing phase. Next down the line will be the Citroën DS5. All told, the automaker expects to see a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions with an attendant improvement in fuel efficiency.


Gallery: 2010 Peugeot 3008


[Source: PSA Peugeot Citroën]

Continue reading PSA Peugeot Citroën planning diesel hybrid for 2011

PSA Peugeot Citroën planning diesel hybrid for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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[<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.

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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.

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What do you call a van full of eight Frenchmen? We don't know either, but Peugeot will soon provide a vehicle that will help whisk your way toward the punchline. Spy shooters have snagged a long wheelbase version of Peugeot's 3008 MPV. The not-a-van should offer comfortable accommodations for five plus stuff, or a content quintet joined by a quarrelsome troika in the final row. The LWB 3008 is expected to be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and aside from the extra stretch between the axles, there's little difference from the regular 3008. PSA hardware is underneath, some pieces being shared with the Citroen C4 Picasso, and since the short-wheelbase 3008 is a handsome wagonycrossoveryvanny thing, a little stretch to the styling shouldn't hurt.

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: Long-Wheelbase Peugeot 3008 on the move originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:29:00 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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