Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak with Sébastien Loeb [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak - video graphic

In spite of troubles in other areas - and there are plenty of them - sales of the Peugeot 208 are a bright spot for the French carmaker. Attempting to grab that light and make sure it shines everywhere, the company is returning the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30 with a specially prepared 208 driven by nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb.

Citroën has loaned Loeb to its PSA/Peugeot-Citroën sister company so that he could contest his first Pikes Peak - it only makes sense that he's looking to try new pastures after winning all of those World Rally Championship titles with Citroën. The 208, which will have the start number '208,' will be revealed in April. Peugeot has won the race twice, once with Ari Vatanen in a 206 205 T16 in 1988 and again the next year with Robby Unser in a 405 T16.

To get you ready, there's a press release and a short film below called Climb Dance which follows Vatanen's drive. We highly recommend a watch - better vintage car porn is hard to find.

Continue reading Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak with Sébastien Loeb [w/video]

Peugeot returning to Pikes Peak with Sébastien Loeb [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>208ari vatanencitroëncitroenclimb dancepeugeotpeugeot 208pikes peakpikes peak international hill climbsebastien loebvideoTue, 02 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523791/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/peugeot-returning-to-pikes-peak-with-sebastien-loeb-w-video/20523791/article-detail.xml 20523791 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/peugeotpikespeak2013_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/peugeotpikespeak2013.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S pitted against... Citroën DS-19?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Citroen DS vs Tesla - Motor Trend Head 2 Head series screencap with Jonny Lieberman

Motor Trend has taken it upon itself to pit the lauded 2013 Tesla Model S against the venerable 1956 Citroën DS-19 in the magazine's latest Head 2 Head video. In what realm do these two machines cross tracks? Host Jonny Lieberman makes a strong case for the fact that both cars represent the pinnacle of automotive innovation from their respective eras, but we're guessing he was really just looking for an excuse to spend a few days whirring around in a DS. Lieberman is an unabashed fan of all things Citroën, and the DS understandably sits at the top of that list.

Still, he would appear to give both cars a fair shake, lauding the Model S for its many innovations over its automotive peers while criticizing the DS for its lackluster powerplant. In the end, the victor of this particular Head 2 Head is no surprise. You can check it out in the video below for yourself.

Continue reading Tesla Model S pitted against... Citroën DS-19?

Tesla Model S pitted against... Citroën DS-19? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 tesla model scitroëncitroën dscitroën ds-19citroenjonny liebermanmotor trendtesla model svideoFri, 29 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/20523134/article-detail.xml 20523134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-vs-tesla-motor-trend-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-vs-tesla-motor-trend-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën helped speed up the Pope selection process a bit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/citroen-helped-speed-up-the-pope-selection-process-a-bit/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/citroen-helped-speed-up-the-pope-selection-process-a-bit/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/citroen-helped-speed-up-the-pope-selection-process-a-bit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Citroen Ad

Citroën took advantage of this week's election of a new Pope to promote its clean diesel initiatives. The advertisement in the video below shows one determined Citroën engineer as he climbs atop the Vatican to take care of a pesky black smoke problem. After he works his magic, the famous chimney starts puffing out white smoke instead. We would think a clean diesel would yield no smoke at all, but hey, that's just us. We will say the opportunistic commercial is at least good for a chuckle. You can check it out in the ad below.

The French automaker unveiled a number of vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, including the updated 2013 C3 shown below. The five door can be had with a spate of engine options, including at least four clean diesel options with power ranging from 70 to 115 ponies.

Continue reading Citroën helped speed up the Pope selection process a bit

Citroën helped speed up the Pope selection process a bit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 citroen c3adadvertisingc3citroëncitroencitroen commercialcommercialpopepope selectionvideoThu, 14 Mar 2013 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20502243/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/14/citroen-helped-speed-up-the-pope-selection-process-a-bit/20502243/article-detail.xml 20502243 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ad-628.jpg <![CDATA[UK auto magazine says this is the best car commercial of all time [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Honda Accord

There have been many great car commercials over the years, but is it possible to define the best? Well, Ad Week recently took a crack at it by rating the top commercials of the year by looking at their view counts on YouTube, but Auto Express took a more democratic approach by putting the decision to a vote. Just after Thanksgiving, Auto Express came up with a list of the 20 popular commercials, and it tasked its readers with choosing the winner for the best car ad of all time. The winner? Honda's 2003 commercial for its then-new European Accord titled "The Cog."

While the ad never aired in the US, most car people have surely seen the impressive Rube Goldberg-style spot. In fact, the only commercial on this list that we saw on US television was the Volkswagen ad "The Force," but many of the others have become viral videos, including transforming and dancing Citroën C4. Of the 19 other commercials that vied for the title of best ad of all time, only the Ford Puma "Steve McQueen" commercial gave Honda a run for its advertising money.

Scroll down to watch Auto Express' top five commercial in order and to check out a press release, then let us know some of your favorite car commercials in Comments.

Continue reading UK auto magazine says this is the best car commercial of all time [w/videos]

UK auto magazine says this is the best car commercial of all time [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbest commercialscar commercialcar commercialscitroëncitroencommercialsfordhondahonda cogpeugeotsteve mcqueenvideovolkswagenThu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20406655/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/uk-auto-magazine-says-this-is-the-best-car-commercial-of-all-tim/20406655/article-detail.xml 20406655 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/honda-cog-commercial_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/honda-cog-commercial.jpg <![CDATA[End of the road for French flagship sedans as Citroën C6 production winding down]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/end-of-the-road-for-french-flagship-sedans-as-citroen-c6-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/end-of-the-road-for-french-flagship-sedans-as-citroen-c6-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/end-of-the-road-for-french-flagship-sedans-as-citroen-c6-product/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Citroën C6 - front three-quarter view

Even if their avant-garde styling has historically meant that they would never enjoy the sales success of their more staid German counterparts, it was always somehow comforting to know that the French were building large sedans. With a history of nontraditional looks and peerless ride quality (a legacy built on the hydropneumatic suspension of the original Citroën DS), big French cars have always been an acquired taste.

And now it appears buyers with that specific palette won't have a clear place to go, at least for a while. According to Automotive News, production of the Citroën C6 shown above (click to enlarge) is scheduled to cease this month, leaving French buyers (and Francophiles) without a true-bleu option. As the article points out, Renault will still offer its Latitude - effectively a badge-engineered rework of the Korean-built Samsung SM5 - but patriotic consumers have apparently been staying away because it isn't French enough (Renault has sold under 3,800 examples this year).

Renault may yet provide an answer for its displaced countrymen in the form of a new Initiale Paris-branded flagship offering that would be developed on Mercedes-Benz E-Class britches, but it has not yet decided whether it will move forward with the car. The alternative, to follow Citroën and Peugeot in leaving the segment, is probably looking quite appealing now, especially with Europe's continued economic malaise.

Citroën, for its part, is still experimenting with large cars, as evidenced by its stunning Numero Nine concept revealed at this year's Beijing Motor Show. Whether the marque that kicked off the genre with "The Goddess" plans to revisit the large sedan remains to be seen, but it could be a good strategy if it wants to increase its presence in large-sedan-happy China.

End of the road for French flagship sedans as Citroën C6 production winding down originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 citroën c6c6citroëncitroenfrench carsfrench sedanpeugeotrenaultFri, 14 Dec 2012 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401040/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/end-of-the-road-for-french-flagship-sedans-as-citroen-c6-product/20401040/article-detail.xml 20401040 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2012-citroen-c6-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2012-citroen-c6-628.jpg <![CDATA[PSA and Renault both hit by autoworker strikes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Peugeot-Citroën (PSA) and Renault were both the targets of autoworker strikes on Thursday, the result of ongoing tensions between labor and management in the wake of planned facility closings in 2014.

3,000 French jobs stand to be lost in less than two years when the PSA's Aulnay plant executes a planned closure of a production line. The line in question currently builds Citroën's C3 subcompact model.

Negotiations are reportedly still underway, with PSA pledging to offer jobs elsewhere to about half of the Aulnay workers that stand to be laid off.

Meanwhile, blood-rival Renualt has faced two work stoppages as well. Workers of at that company walked out in protest of cost-cutting measures that would seek to bring French production costs inline with those of similar operations in Spain. Tough times all around for France's two primary automakers.

PSA and Renault both hit by autoworker strikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroëncitroenpeugeotpsarenaultstrikework stoppageSat, 01 Dec 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391746/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/20391746/article-detail.xml 20391746 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/peugeot-citroen-renault-strikes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/peugeot-citroen-renault-strikes-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford, Renault, VW shareholder oppose French aid for PSA/Peugeot-Citroën]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/ford-renault-vw-shareholder-oppose-french-aid-for-psa-peugeot/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/ford-renault-vw-shareholder-oppose-french-aid-for-psa-peugeot/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/ford-renault-vw-shareholder-oppose-french-aid-for-psa-peugeot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Peugeot lion emblem on sheetmetal

Pots and kettles, glass houses and stones - that's a little of what we appear to have going on in the European car market. New reports say that that three European automakers have registered their opposition to a loan deal that PSA/Peugeot-Citroën is working on with the French government. Peugeot's finance arm, Banque PSA Finance, is struggling with its debts and has been downgraded by Moody's to its lowest investment-grade classification, one step above junk. This makes it more expensive for a potential buyer to finance a car through Peugeot. The last thing Peugeot needs is more difficulty selling cars in the tough European market, and the situation will only worsen if the bank's credit worthiness takes another hit.

A deal being worked on would have the French government offer €7 billion ($9B U.S.) in bonds to guarantee the bank's loans, which would give the institution some breathing room to manage its debts and lower its interest rates. Outside of that, a group of banks would provide other, non-guaranteed loans to the bank to further help its position. In exchange for state help, though, the government wants seats on Peugeot's board for worker representatives and a government liaison, along with factory and worker guarantees. The Peugeot family would maintain control of the company.

So what we have is government assistance being provided to a car company's finance arm, akin to the way General Motors' GMAC (now Ally Financial) and Chrysler Financial got help in their time of need. What we also have is Ford and Renault, and Germany's State of Lower Saxony, the second-largest shareholder in Volkswagen, voicing their concern about the proposal, because they say it could create an unfair competitive advantage for Peugeot. Everyone in Europe's down market is fighting for every sale, and if Peugeot gets help to keep its auto loan costs down, it figures to help buyers choose Peugeot or Citroën.

Still, after four years of corporations openly begging for funds from governments, it seems disingenuous for Ford of Europe's CEO Stephen Odell to say "I don't think it's sustainable for support from governments to keep competitive companies going forward, particularly in a protracted downsized economy." Industry watchers will remember that during the US auto industry crisis, Ford didn't receive federal TARP funds, but it did receive low-interest technology loans from the US government and it endorsed TARP support for GM and Chrysler.

For its part, Renault says it is keeping an eye on the situation, and a rep from Lower Saxony said he might refer the issue to the European Union for review. In reply, a Peugeot executive said "It's not state aid, it's state support," which is the kind of slicing-things-thin that's perhaps better used for carpaccio than for dealing with the European car market situation.

Ford, Renault, VW shareholder oppose French aid for PSA/Peugeot-Citroën originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banque psa financecar salescitroëncitroeneueuropean car salesfordfrancelower saxonypsapsa peugeot citroenrenaultMon, 29 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20363061/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/ford-renault-vw-shareholder-oppose-french-aid-for-psa-peugeot/20363061/article-detail.xml 20363061 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/pugfrenchloans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/pugfrenchloans.jpg <![CDATA[Tear gas fired at PSA job protesters outside of Paris Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/tear-gas-fired-at-psa-job-protesters-outside-of-paris-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/tear-gas-fired-at-psa-job-protesters-outside-of-paris-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/tear-gas-fired-at-psa-job-protesters-outside-of-paris-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Paris Motor Show Protests

Police in Paris fired tear gas at demonstrators outside of the Paris Motor Show today. Around 1,000 protesters showed up in an attempt to break through police lines and gain access to the show in a demonstration against further austerity measures. The group included workers from a PSA Peugeot Citroën plant that's scheduled for closure, and some demonstrators threw eggs and flour at police. The group also reportedly included workers from other manufacturers that have announced job cuts.

The standoff is part of nationwide demonstrations as France continues to struggle with an unemployment rate parked at over 10 percent. Lawmakers in the country are currently deciding on whether or not to back a European Union agreement that will see France agree to balance its finances in an attempt to slow the continent's debt crisis. Such austerity measures are unpopular in France, and were the leading issue driving former President Nicolas Sarkozy from office. Socialist President Francois Hollande earned the office after campaigning on a platform that promised to tackle the French deficit without stifling growth or imposing austerity measures.

The CGT labor union has responded to the EU agreement by organizing this week's demonstrations.

Tear gas fired at PSA job protesters outside of Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cgtcgt labor unioncitroëndemonstrationseuropean unionfranceparis motor showpeugeotprotestprotestersprotestspsatear gasteargasTue, 09 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20345474/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/tear-gas-fired-at-psa-job-protesters-outside-of-paris-motor-show/20345474/article-detail.xml 20345474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/franceparisautoshowprotest.6831bfd75bb6446082c5dd73a566cb6f-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/franceparisautoshowprotest.6831bfd75bb6446082c5dd73a566cb6f-opt.jpg <![CDATA[WRC crowns driver and manufacturer champs, any guesses who? [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/wrc-crowns-driver-and-manufacturer-champs-any-guesses-who-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/wrc-crowns-driver-and-manufacturer-champs-any-guesses-who-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/wrc-crowns-driver-and-manufacturer-champs-any-guesses-who-spo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sebastian Loeb Rally France

Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, for a shocking announcement: Sébastien Loeb has won the 2012 World Rally Championship title, and his Red-Bull-sponsored Citroën team took home the manufacturer's trophy.

For those keeping track, this is Loeb's ninth WRC title, and the season-clinching win at Rally France - in front of fans from his hometown of Haguenau, no less - marks the 75th time Loeb has driven to victory in the series. So dominant was Loeb in 2012 that his title has been secured with two races remaining on the calendar.

Sébastien Loeb has announced that he will be in something of a retirement mode in 2013, but it remains to be seen what the 38-year-old Frenchman will do with all his new-found spare time.

WRC crowns driver and manufacturer champs, any guesses who? [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroëncitroenloebrally francesebastien loebworld rally championshipwrcwrc 2012Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20344118/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/08/wrc-crowns-driver-and-manufacturer-champs-any-guesses-who-spo/20344118/article-detail.xml 20344118 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/france-rally-loeb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/france-rally-loeb.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio shows trick folding top to the world]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/2013-citroen-ds3-cabrio-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/2013-citroen-ds3-cabrio-paris-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/2013-citroen-ds3-cabrio-paris-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Citroen DS3 Cabrio - live from Paris Motor Show debut

Citroën's DS3 line has been a huge success in its home market of France ever since the car was launched in 2009. Sitting in the fat-middle part of the luxury category, it only makes sense that a convertible variant for the DS3 pop up sooner or later - and later is the Paris Motor Show.

The 2013 DS3 Cabrio should provide a stylish roofless option for European customers when it goes on sale in the beginning of 2013, especially as it boasts the same buttoned-down bodylines of the standard hatchback. That pattered, fabric roof affair slides and folds neatly away automatically, and can come to rest in one of two positions. The whole affair reminds us a lot of the rag roof on the Fiat 500C, albeit fitted to a vehicle that is far more useful for back seat passengers.

While we already shared most of the details of the car, our gallery of live images is worth a browse, even if you're not mad for all things Citroën.

Continue reading 2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio shows trick folding top to the world

2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio shows trick folding top to the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 citroën ds3 cabriocabriocabrioletcitroëncitroenconvertibleds3parisparis 2012paris motor showFri, 28 Sep 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20336181/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/2013-citroen-ds3-cabrio-paris-2012/20336181/article-detail.xml 20336181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/001-citroen-ds3-cabriolet628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/001-citroen-ds3-cabriolet628opt.jpg <![CDATA[PSA plans to cut 8,000 jobs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/psa-plans-to-cut-8-000-jobs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/psa-plans-to-cut-8-000-jobs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/psa-plans-to-cut-8-000-jobs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Peugeot and Citroen front ends

The French government has said that PSA/Peugeot-Citroën must make large job cuts in order to stay financially afloat. A large restructuring would also need to take place as the carmaker deals with the current European economic climate and a production capacity excess.

According to an Automotive News Europe report, the government of France launched an investigation into the "financial health" of PSA, and its results subsequently criticized several decisions the company made, including the shuttering of plants near Paris without leaving failsafe options for production like its Madrid factory.

The result of the study is that the French automaker plans on cutting 8,000 jobs - on top of the 3,500 axed last year. Also planned is the closing of its Aulnay plant near Paris, along with a significantly downsized workforce at its Rennes plant in western France. Last year, PSA's small car plants were running at only 61 percent of maximum capacity.

These job cuts will be augmented by a corporate restructuring, with the goal of an operating cash flow that breaks even by 2014. The report says that by then, the European car market may be in a state of recovery.

PSA plans to cut 8,000 jobs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroëncitroenfrancepeugeotpeugeot-citroënpsaWed, 12 Sep 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20320725/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/12/psa-plans-to-cut-8-000-jobs/20320725/article-detail.xml 20320725 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/peugeot-and-citroen-car-front-ends_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/peugeot-and-citroen-car-front-ends.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën DS3 Cabrio ready to roll back its lid in Paris [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/citroen-ds3-cabrio-ready-to-roll-back-its-lid-in-paris-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/citroen-ds3-cabrio-ready-to-roll-back-its-lid-in-paris-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/citroen-ds3-cabrio-ready-to-roll-back-its-lid-in-paris-w-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Citroën is adding another member to its DS3 line, this one a Cabrio with a sliding fabric roof in either black, Infini blue or DS Monogramme (as shown). The two-position opening mechanism follows the path laid out by the Mini Cooper convertible and Fiat 500 Cabrio, the driver able to slide the roof back to the leading edge of the C-pillar or send it all the way down into a plinth-like pile atop the trunk hatch. And as with the Mini, the top can be opened at speeds up to 74 mph.

The rest of the very popular DS3 hatch has remained intact, but the addition of direct access to Helios has encouraged Citroën to say the DS3 Cabrio is "pleasure non-stop." If you'd like some of that for yourself, there's a trio of videos and the official press release below, along with a trove of high-res photos in the gallery. We'll see it live next month at the Paris Motor Show.

Continue reading Citroën DS3 Cabrio ready to roll back its lid in Paris [w/videos]

Citroën DS3 Cabrio ready to roll back its lid in Paris [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroëncitroen ds3citroen ds3 cabriods3ds3 cabriods3 convertibleparisparis 2012paris motor showFri, 31 Aug 2012 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20313869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/31/citroen-ds3-cabrio-ready-to-roll-back-its-lid-in-paris-w-videos/20313869/article-detail.xml 20313869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/citroen-ds3-cabrio-overhead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/citroen-ds3-cabrio-overhead.jpg <![CDATA[We're pretty sure this is NOT where baby Citroëns come from]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/10/were-pretty-sure-this-is-not-where-baby-citroens-come-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/10/were-pretty-sure-this-is-not-where-baby-citroens-come-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/10/were-pretty-sure-this-is-not-where-baby-citroens-come-from/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Citroen 2CVs gettin' it on

Automotive assembly plants can appear as different as the cars they produce, but the fundamentals are basically the same. Parts go in, they're put together, and cars roll out. And that, boys and girls, are where cars come from.

This amusing video clip, however, suggests that Citroën went about making its prolific and iconic 2CV in a rather different way. Beyond that we'll say no more, preferring to let the sex-ed video below speak for itself. It's good for a laugh or two. (We'd say it's farily safe for work, unless you happen to work for Citroën.)

Continue reading We're pretty sure this is NOT where baby Citroëns come from

We're pretty sure this is NOT where baby Citroëns come from originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2cvcitroëncitroën 2cvcitroencitroen 2cvdeux chevauxdeux cheveauxvideoSun, 10 Jun 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20255301/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/10/were-pretty-sure-this-is-not-where-baby-citroens-come-from/20255301/article-detail.xml 20255301 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2cv-procreation_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2cv-procreation.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Citroën to roll out sexy Numero 9 concept [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/pics-aplenty-citroen-to-roll-out-sexy-numero-9-concept-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/pics-aplenty-citroen-to-roll-out-sexy-numero-9-concept-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/pics-aplenty-citroen-to-roll-out-sexy-numero-9-concept-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Citroen Numero 9 Concept - front three-quarter static view

Citroën has finally given the world a closer look at the company's next DS design study. The French automaker is set to introduce the DS line to China this year, and the Numero 9 design study is set to mark the occasion. Citroën will officially unveil the concept at this month's Beijing Auto Show, and the manufacturer says the low-slung hatchback's design hints toward future products, namely a premium c-segment sedan, an SUV (read: crossover) and a larger D-segment four door. All we know is, it looks damn good.

The Numero 9 shooting brake is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that offers a 31-mile electric range and 295 horsepower. Not too shabby. Scroll down for an artsy video of the concept as well as the full press release. Of course, you can also sink your teeth into the dizzying slew of photos in the gallery above.

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Citroën to roll out sexy Numero 9 concept [w/video]

Pics Aplenty: Citroën to roll out sexy Numero 9 concept [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beijingbeijing motor showcitroëncitroencitroen dscitroen numero 9citroen numero 9 conceptnumero 9 conceptshooting brakevideoFri, 13 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20215084/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/13/pics-aplenty-citroen-to-roll-out-sexy-numero-9-concept-w-video/20215084/article-detail.xml 20215084 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/citroen-nemero-9-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/citroen-nemero-9-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot suggests expansion of ties with GM into other segments and technology]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/peugeot-suggests-expansion-of-ties-with-gm-into-other-segments-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/peugeot-suggests-expansion-of-ties-with-gm-into-other-segments-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/28/peugeot-suggests-expansion-of-ties-with-gm-into-other-segments-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroen CEOs

The ink is only just dry on the contract detailing the collaboration between General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën, and already there is talk of going further. GM purchased a seven-percent stake in PSA to form an alliance that would work together on platforms, small and midsize cars, and MPVs and crossovers, the aim being to strengthen the positions of PSA and Opel. Plans include moving the Opel Corsa to a Peugeot platform, while the Citroën C5 and Peugeot 508 move to GM platform technology.

Peugeot had announced the €220-million development of a dual-clutch transmission that was to be built at its Valenciennes, France factory but just shuttered the project saying it might get them from GM instead. The company also spoke of developing a new small car with GM for the Latin American market.

Another development has been the rearrangement of factory closures. When the deal was announced analysts said that the real issue for Opel and PSA was surplus plant capacity, but one report in Reuters said that plant closures wouldn't be affected by the tie-up. Apparently that's not the case, with an unnamed source telling Reuters in a second story that plant closures were a piece of the deal from the beginning. Peugeot has announced that it wouldn't produce a new small car at its plant in Madrid, Spain, but it won't detail its plant closures until after the French presidential election later this year.

Peugeot suggests expansion of ties with GM into other segments and technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroëncitroengeneral motorsglobal alliancegmpeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenWed, 28 Mar 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20200511/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/28/peugeot-suggests-expansion-of-ties-with-gm-into-other-segments-a/20200511/article-detail.xml 20200511 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gm-psa-ceos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gm-psa-ceos.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën DS6 concept spotted on Parisian streets ahead of reveal?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/citroen-ds6-concept-spotted-on-parisian-streets-ahead-of-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/citroen-ds6-concept-spotted-on-parisian-streets-ahead-of-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/21/citroen-ds6-concept-spotted-on-parisian-streets-ahead-of-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Citroen DS6 Concept Spy Shot

The Citroën DS6 Concept may have slipped out ahead of the showcar's planned debut later this year. What is believed to be the big DS was seen lounging on the streets of Paris during a recent photo shoot, and while initial photos like the one above show the car covered by a well-placed cloth, new shots from L'Automobile have come out that show the concept in its entirety. The massive alloys shown above look to be the same as the ones we've already seen poking through the lens-flare-riddled teasers. Details are still scarce about what the DS Concept will bring to the stage in terms of drivetrain, but the French automaker has made it clear it has its eye on creating a new, large cruiser aimed squarely at the large-sedan hungry Chinese market.

Citroën is likely to unveil the DS6 Concept at the Paris Motor Show in September, and may borrow more than a few elements from the Citroën Metropolis Concept built just for the Shanghai World Fair. While the exterior elements may vary considerably, both vehicles are expected to carry approximately the same dimensions. That means the DS6 may be over 17 feet long and more than six feet wide.

For more shots of the car uncovered, head over to L'Automobile.

Citroën DS6 concept spotted on Parisian streets ahead of reveal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroëncitroën dscitroencitroen ds conceptcitroen ds6 conceptconceptds6ds6 conceptparis motor showWed, 21 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20197102/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/21/citroen-ds6-concept-spotted-on-parisian-streets-ahead-of-reveal/20197102/article-detail.xml 20197102 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/citroen-ds-concept-spyshot-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/citroen-ds-concept-spyshot-628.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën DS4 Racing Concept is our kind of Gaul]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/citroen-ds4-racing-concept-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/citroen-ds4-racing-concept-geneva-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/08/citroen-ds4-racing-concept-geneva-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Wide, chunky, low-down and matte gray. There aren't many things for which we'd consider that a flattering descriptive, but the Citroën DS4 Racing concept is just such a thing.

Developed by Citroën Racing and a step up from the DS3 Racing limited edition, it's 35 millimeters lower, 55-mm wider than the production car and sits on two-tone wheels hiding massive brakes. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 256 horsepower.

Galleries of high-res photos are above and below, along with the official press release.

Continue reading Citroën DS4 Racing Concept is our kind of Gaul

Citroën DS4 Racing Concept is our kind of Gaul originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CitroënCitroën ds4citroën ds4 racingcitroencitroen ds4citroen ds4 racingds4ds4 racinggenevageneva 2012geneva motor showThu, 08 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20187668/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/08/citroen-ds4-racing-concept-geneva-2012/20187668/article-detail.xml 20187668 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/citroen-ds4-racing-conceptgeneva201227-1331114759_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/citroen-ds4-racing-conceptgeneva201227-1331114759.jpg <![CDATA[GM buys 7% stake in PSA Peugeot Citroën, creates global platform-sharing alliance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/gm-buys-7-stake-in-psa-peugeot-citroen-creates-global-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/gm-buys-7-stake-in-psa-peugeot-citroen-creates-global-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/gm-buys-7-stake-in-psa-peugeot-citroen-creates-global-platform/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



General Motors has finally made a move to help its ailing European operations by tying its fortunes on the continent with those of PSA Peugeot Citroën. The two automakers have agreed to a new global alliance in which GM will buy a seven-percent stake in PSA, thereby making it the European automaker's second largest shareholder behind the Peugeot family itself. The shares won't give GM any governance rights over PSA, and the two companies will remain competitors in Europe.

What the alliance will give each company is the ability to share vehicle platforms, components and modules, as well as stronger purchasing power for sourcing components, raw materials and other goods and services. They're combined annual purchasing volume together will be approximately $125 billion. The vehicle platforms most likely to be shared will be small and midsize passenger cars, MPVs and crossovers, with the first one arriving by 2016.

GM says that synergies resulting from the alliance will save approximately $2 billion annually within about five years, though critics argue the alliance doesn't address the main problem plaguing automakers in Europe: overcapacity. While the alliance does give a shot in the arm to both Opel, GM's European subsidiary, and Peugeot, analysts and investors alike still believe that plant closings and consolidations are the remedy required for Europe's struggling automakers. Full details in the press blast after the jump.

Continue reading GM buys 7% stake in PSA Peugeot Citroën, creates global platform-sharing alliance

GM buys 7% stake in PSA Peugeot Citroën, creates global platform-sharing alliance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcitroëncitroengeneral motorsglobal alliancegmpeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenWed, 29 Feb 2012 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20182799/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/gm-buys-7-stake-in-psa-peugeot-citroen-creates-global-platform/20182799/article-detail.xml 20182799 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gm-psa-ceos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gm-psa-ceos.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën DS4 Racing concept confirmed for Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/citroen-ds4-racing-concept-confirmed-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/citroen-ds4-racing-concept-confirmed-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/citroen-ds4-racing-concept-confirmed-for-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Citroën did it before with the DS3, bringing a DS3 Racing limited edition hatchback to the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, now it's time for the DS4 Racing concept. As with its predecessor it's been developed by Citroën Racing, the arm that preps the car that's won the WRC seven times running.

As you'd expect, the DS4 Racing concept is 35 millimeters lower and has a 55-mm wider track, with words like "bigger" and "more powerful" getting lots of use elsewhere. Go is provided by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that gets 256-horsepower, and stop is handled by four-pot calipers up front on 380-mm discs - 40-mm larger than on the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet we just drove.

A press release with more specs is after the jump, and all angles matt-gray beauty are in the high-res gallery. We'll see it live next week in Geneva.

Continue reading Citroën DS4 Racing concept confirmed for Geneva

Citroën DS4 Racing concept confirmed for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CitroënCitroën ds4Citroën ds4 racingcitroen ds4citroen ds4 racingds4ds4 racinggenevageneva 2012geneva motor showTue, 28 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20179506/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/citroen-ds4-racing-concept-confirmed-for-geneva/20179506/article-detail.xml 20179506 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/citroends4racingconce_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/citroends4racingconce.jpg <![CDATA[Citroen turns utility into style with new C3 Picasso Code]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/07/citroen-turns-utility-into-style-with-new-c3-picasso-code/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/07/citroen-turns-utility-into-style-with-new-c3-picasso-code/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/07/citroen-turns-utility-into-style-with-new-c3-picasso-code/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Citroen C3 Picasso Code

Some may look at a utilitarian vehicle like the Citroën C3 Picasso and wonder why bother sprucing it up, but Citroën begs to differ. After launching the Blackcherry edition just over a year ago, the French automaker has returned with the new Code edition you see here.

Available in white, red, blue or grey, the C3 Picasso Code packs a host of visual enhancements that inject the little minivan with an added dose of style: things like white or red-trimmed 17-inch alloys, chrome insets on the bumper and door handles, glossy black bumpers and door mirrors and more. All that costs just £300 more (in the UK) over the base C3 Picasso equipped with the same fuel-efficient 90-horsepower diesel engine and manual transmission. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Citroen turns utility into style with new C3 Picasso Code

Citroen turns utility into style with new C3 Picasso Code originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c3c3 picassocitroëncitroën c3 picassocitroën c3 picasso codecitroencitroen c3 picassocitroen c3 picasso codepicassoSat, 07 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139249/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/07/citroen-turns-utility-into-style-with-new-c3-picasso-code/20139249/article-detail.xml 20139249 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/c3-picasso-code_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/c3-picasso-code.jpg -1 2