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[Anti-DUI campaign puts the fear of god into drunk drivers in India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Hindu religion is said to have something like 330 million deities - that's nearly as many gods as there are residents in the United States. Another startling number is the amount of road fatalities in India attributed to drunk driving: 70 percent.

Combining the former with the latter, a restaurant called Zara in Chennai worked with an ad agency to heighten awareness of leaving the bar after several too many and promote a designated driver service. When patrons got their cars back from the valet, they discovered someone else along for the ride - and in a country as sensitive to supernatural encounters as India, it was apparently the last god these motorists wanted to meet. Check out the video below - it's worth a watch.

Continue reading Anti-DUI campaign puts the fear of god into drunk drivers in India

Anti-DUI campaign puts the fear of god into drunk drivers in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chennaideitiesdrunk drivinghinduindiapsapublic service announcementvideoyamazaraTue, 19 Feb 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465318/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/20465318/article-detail.xml 20465318 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/yamacampaign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/yamacampaign.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Industry observers are expecting Europe's new vehicle sales to fall to lows not seen in decades, with Fiat and PSA/Peugeot-Citroën sitting in the lead car of the plummeting coaster. Both of those automakers traditionally count on the southern part of the continent for sales, yet consumers in that region have slowed spending due to the financial crisis.

Compounding the problem for Fiat is a lack of new product, as CEO Sergio Marchionne has stalled development to conserve cash during the downturn. PSA has invested in new vehicles, but aggressive price wars have forced it to sell its product with steep discounts. Making matters even more difficult, both companies may have their credit ratings cut this year. That would raise borrowing costs and only deepen the wounds.

The news isn't just bad for Fiat and PSA. Analysts are predicting that volume automakers in Europe lost 8 billion euros (about $10.68 billion in today's rates) overall in 2012, and they won't break even until mid-decade.

Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefiatpsapsa peugeot citroensergio marchionneThu, 17 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20426489/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/fiat-and-psa-predicted-to-be-europes-biggest-losers-in-2013/20426489/article-detail.xml 20426489 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/marchionne-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/marchionne-628.jpg <![CDATA[A year in gestation, Peugeot finally unveils 2008 crossover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/a-year-in-gestation-peugeot-finally-unveils-2008-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/a-year-in-gestation-peugeot-finally-unveils-2008-crossover/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/a-year-in-gestation-peugeot-finally-unveils-2008-crossover/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Production Peugeot 2008 crossover - front three-quarter view, white

First we saw the Urban Crossover Concept at the Beijing Auto Show, a small high-rider from Peugeot that was a product of the company's design studios in Paris, Shanghai and São Paulo. That evolved into the Peugeot 2008 concept and a liquid lime paint scheme at the Paris Motor Show a few months ago, now the French firm has unveiled the production version of the B-segment crossover that's an offshoot of its 208 hatch.

At 13.6-feet long, the 2008 is about six inches longer than the 208, or two inches longer than a Mini Countryman, and it has been tuned to provide the drive of a hatchback with the stance and utility of a crossover. That stance will be set up by punched-out wheel arches covering either a set of 17-inch alloys or a "mud-and-snow" kit for the truly rugged urban animal. Utility will come via the low-loading level in back, black bumpers and side sills, and extra headroom from the double-bubble roof (there's a panorama option, too). The studios chosen to create it weren't chosen at random, the 2008's production and main markets planned as France, China and Brazil.

The engines will include three-cylinder gas units and Peugeot's e-HDi diesels. It will be shown at this year's Geneva Motor Show before it goes on sale in late summer. The press release below can tell you more about it until then.

Continue reading A year in gestation, Peugeot finally unveils 2008 crossover

A year in gestation, Peugeot finally unveils 2008 crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20082008 concept2013 peugeot 2008peugeotpsaurban crossover conceptMon, 07 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20418602/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/07/a-year-in-gestation-peugeot-finally-unveils-2008-crossover/20418602/article-detail.xml 20418602 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/peugeot2008prod_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/peugeot2008prod.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[GM pondering even closer Opel joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroën]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/13/gm-pondering-even-closer-opel-joint-venture-with-psa-peugeot-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/13/gm-pondering-even-closer-opel-joint-venture-with-psa-peugeot-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/13/gm-pondering-even-closer-opel-joint-venture-with-psa-peugeot-cit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Opel Adam live on show stand - copper with white wheels and top

Let's face it, even when they go well, partnerships rarely go as planned. Almost eight months after General Motors spent $423 million to snag seven percent of Peugeot, we on the outside are still wondering what the plan is. When the tie-up was announced, the main benefits were listed as purchasing power and platform sharing, and only a month after that, a deeper collaboration was discussed that would involve development of a dual-clutch transmission and a small car for Latin America.

We don't know what's come of it other than a potential write-down and Peugeot continuing to take a beating, but Reuters reports that the first phase of the venture is complete and now the two companies are working on more involvement for the second phase. A French newspaper report says one option for advancement would be the two companies becoming 50-50 partners, with GM kicking in more money for the privilege of doing so. Neither side would comment, but according to one Reuters source, the options on the table have also included "selling Opel to Peugeot, buying Peugeot's automotive business or putting them all together in a new entity."

If Peugeot bought Opel or vice versa, that would make sense - but only for the seller, who could wash his hands of the misery. The buyer would then have two poorly performing brands with deep structural problems, huge cash requirements and two national governments chaperoning its moves. We're not sure how the other possibilities mentioned could help Peugeot or Opel out of their quandaries, but we know something has to happen so it's likely we'll hear more soon enough.

GM pondering even closer Opel joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroën originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgmgm peugeotopelpeugeotpsapsa peugeot citroenSat, 13 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20348974/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/13/gm-pondering-even-closer-opel-joint-venture-with-psa-peugeot-cit/20348974/article-detail.xml 20348974 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gmpugtalks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gmpugtalks.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[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[Ailing Peugeot may get boot from French stock exchange's benchmark CAC 40 index]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/ailing-peugeot-may-get-boot-from-french-stock-exchanges-benchma/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/ailing-peugeot-may-get-boot-from-french-stock-exchanges-benchma/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/ailing-peugeot-may-get-boot-from-french-stock-exchanges-benchma/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Peugeot lion emblem on sheetmetal

The clouds that have been darkening the forecast for Peugeot just keep getting darker. The latest storm front involves the risk of being delisted from the CAC 40, the benchmark index composed of the 40 companies with the "most significant values" among the the companies with the top 100 market capitalizations listed on Euronext Paris (the French stock market). The blow wouldn't just hit Peugeot's prestige, but it's stock price, too - and that has already sunk so low in the five months since General Motors bought into Peugeot that GM is looking at taking a €174 million ($215M U.S.) charge.

Peugeot's market-cap of 2.4 billion euros - roughly $3B U.S. - is 77th out of the top 100 companies on Euronext by valuation. That's where the phrase "most significant values" comes in; even though it's already well outside the numeric cutoff, the selection committee for the CAC 40 has discretion and Peugeot is a marquee French company. This is also where politics come in - cutting Peugeot from the top ranks, even if only in name, especially with speculation that the carmaker would be replaced by a Belgian chemical company, would hurt far beyond the company walls.

A meeting of the selecting committee is expected to take place the first week of September, and analysts believe that, short of "an exceptionally 'political decision,'" Peugeot will find itself outside the club. In that case, analysts expect further selling pressure on Peugeot stock to the tune of seven million shares, which would force the its price even lower. The sooner the automaker can get the French government behind its plan to cut its overcapacity in factories and plant personnel, the sooner it can begin to put a stop to the gloom.

Ailing Peugeot may get boot from French stock exchange's benchmark CAC 40 index originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boursecac 40euronextpeugeotpeugeot-citroënpsastock marketThu, 23 Aug 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20305285/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/23/ailing-peugeot-may-get-boot-from-french-stock-exchanges-benchma/20305285/article-detail.xml 20305285 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/peugeotcac40_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/peugeotcac40.jpg <![CDATA[Ford, Ferrari and BMW clean up at 2012 International Engine of the Year Awards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/ford-ferrari-and-bmw-clean-up-at-2012-international-engine-of-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/ford-ferrari-and-bmw-clean-up-at-2012-international-engine-of-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/ford-ferrari-and-bmw-clean-up-at-2012-international-engine-of-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ford CEO Alan Mulally kissing 1.0 EcoBoost

International Engine of the Year 2012Ford has won the International Engine of the Year Award for its 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three cylinder. The award was handed out at the Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany. This is Ford's first outright victory from the panel, which consists of journalists from around the globe.

This is the second year in a row that the Engine of the Year jury has chosen a small-displacement mill for top honors, selecting the 0.9-liter TwinAir two-cylinder engine from Fiat in 2011. Of the emerging trend, Dean Slavnich, editor of Engine Technology International and co-chairman of the International Engine of the Year Awards, says:

"That the small capacity engines continue to impress the most in overall terms, even against the larger, higher performance engines, says a great deal about how the automotive industry has developed in recent years."

General Motors won the award for the Green category with its 1.4-liter range extender as seen in the Chevrolet Volt, but it was BMW earning the most accolades from the panel. The Bavarian automaker won in the 3.0-4.0-liter, the 2.5-3.0-liter, 1.8-2.0-liter and 1.4-1.8-liter categories, sharing the award in the smallest of those with partner PSA.

If your interests veer more to the performance side of the industry, you'll be interested to note that Ferrari has taken the Best Performance Engine laurels for 2012 with its excellent 4.5-liter V8. The full list of winners can be seen in the press release below, and more background can be found on the official website here.

Continue reading Ford, Ferrari and BMW clean up at 2012 International Engine of the Year Awards

Ford, Ferrari and BMW clean up at 2012 International Engine of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwcitroenecoboostengine of the yearferrarifordinternational engine of the yearinternational engine of the year 2012minipeugeotpsaWed, 13 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20257722/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/13/ford-ferrari-and-bmw-clean-up-at-2012-international-engine-of-t/20257722/article-detail.xml 20257722 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mulally-ecoboost_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mulally-ecoboost.jpg <![CDATA[This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/this-is-how-to-teach-teens-the-perils-of-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/this-is-how-to-teach-teens-the-perils-of-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/this-is-how-to-teach-teens-the-perils-of-distracted-driving/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A European group called Responsible Young Drivers wanted to showcase the dangers of texting while driving, and got ad agency Publicis to help them out. The result: a two-minute spot that put trainee drivers in Belgium with an instructor who said part of their driving test would be to avoid an obstacle while texting a random sentence that he'd dictate.

Since nothing beyond a cone or two was hurt in the making of this video, we'll admit we laughed. That said, the message is clear.

Scroll down to see it for yourself. And FYI, a driver training instructor in Belgium doesn't need to wear a seat belt on a closed course... though maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Continue reading This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving

This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementbelgiumdistracted drivingdriving schoolpsaresponsible young driversrydsafetytextingtexting while drivingyoutubeMon, 30 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227568/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/30/this-is-how-to-teach-teens-the-perils-of-distracted-driving/20227568/article-detail.xml 20227568 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/belgiantextschool_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/belgiantextschool.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Peugeot 208 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/2012-peugeot-208-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/2012-peugeot-208-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/2012-peugeot-208-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Euro Hatch Icon Reclaims Some Of Its Mojo

2012 Peugeot 208

The challenge of small, efficient and clever hatchbacks catching on with the American masses is a long story that shows infrequent signs of becoming less challenging. The bottom line is that most U.S. consumers feel such vehicles are simply too small for our wide-open-spaces sensibilities. This smallness is only enhanced when one looks around while stopped at American intersections, only to see big and tall sheetmetal in all directions. There are admittedly serious strides being made in this segment in various U.S. markets, usually of the urban variety and on the coasts, but it will always be a struggle.

The last time Peugeot tried directly communicating in American English with imported product was back in 1991 with its 505 and 405 ranges that unceremoniously flopped. There was ongoing talk at that time of bringing over the 205 hatchback to try and improve things, but we missed out and Peugeot was gone. Perhaps the seven percent of PSA Peugeot-Citroën now owned by General Motors will someday result in the importing of the solid hatchback tested here, but I won't hold my breath.

Recently, the new Peugeot 208 was all over the French giant's show stand at the Geneva Motor Show, together with its legendary GTi trim and new XY upmarket trim. Back in 1984, it was the 105-horsepower 205 GTi that established the legend of the French hot hatch. While the 206 was then a smash hit with buyers between 1998 and 2006, the subsequently larger 207 has been far less popular in the face of much improved competitors - a group that blossomed from just 16 different models on the European market in 1998 to now 27 separate hatches today. In its prime, the 206 outsold even the mighty Volkswagen Golf and stayed at the top of Europe's sales charts for a time. The outgoing 207, however, has routinely lingered behind the Volkswagen Golf and Polo, Renault Clio, Opel Astra and Corsa, not to mention the Ford Focus and Fiesta.

Continue reading 2012 Peugeot 208 [w/video]

2012 Peugeot 208 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>207208featuredfirst driveFirstDrivepeugeotpeugeot 207peugeot 208peugeot-citroënpsaThu, 19 Apr 2012 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/2012-peugeot-208-first-drive-review-video/20218898/article-detail.xml 20218898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-peugeot-208-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-peugeot-208-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot-Citroën raises cash by selling its Paris headquarters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/peugeot-citroen-raises-cash-by-selling-its-paris-headquarters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/peugeot-citroen-raises-cash-by-selling-its-paris-headquarters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/03/peugeot-citroen-raises-cash-by-selling-its-paris-headquarters/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PSA Peugeot Citroën logosYou know things are rough when you have to sell your corporate headquarters to raise some cash. But that's just what PSA Peugeot-Citroën did this week, unloading its Parisian office building for about $327 million, according to Automotive News.

The 48-year-old headquarters is located in Paris' central business district, not far from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees. According to the report, the French carmaker will continue to lease the building from its new owner, Ivanhoe Cambridge, a real estate subsidiary of Canadian pension fund management company Quebec Deposit and Investment Fund.

This latest move follows several efforts by PSA Peugeot-Citroën to reduce debt, cut costs and boost profitability. Last fall, it cut 6,000 jobs and in January it pulled out of Le Mans racing. In February, it announced a plan to liquidate assets and agreed to sell a seven-percent stake to General Motors, as part of a new global alliance that could help both car companies trim costs through shared purchasing.

Peugeot-Citroën raises cash by selling its Paris headquarters originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenheadquartersivanhoe cambridgeparispeugeotpeugeot headquarterspsapsa peugeot citroenquebec deposit and investment fundTue, 03 Apr 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20207388/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/03/peugeot-citroen-raises-cash-by-selling-its-paris-headquarters/20207388/article-detail.xml 20207388 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/psa-logos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/psa-logos.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[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.

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Automotive News is reporting that stories in two other papers, France's La Tribune and England's The Financial Times, assert that General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën are "in advanced talks about an alliance." Neither maker would comment on the stories, but it has been well documented that both are looking to turn around their European operations. Peugeot's parent announced 6,000 job cuts late last year and the immediate cessation of Le Mans racing this year. Opel lost hundreds of millions last year and took on a new CEO with a near-vertical climb ahead based on the prognosis for the European market.

If the talks are concluded in the way reports indicate, Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot would cooperate on projects from developing engines and transmissions to complete models that each could sell. Peugeot already has partnerships with several other automakers, but none are as involved as this one could potentially be. It's understood that no shares in either company would change hands, but a partnership this intense would still require the approval of the Peugeot family.

We wonder if Opel/Vauxhall and Peugeot can do together what each can't seem to achieve alone. Sure, Opel could lower its development costs and with a joint model Peugeot could gain less expensive access to wider markets, but can the two different cultures create cars that would serve their respective brands? Suggestions are that talks are far enough along that an agreement, if achieved, could be announced at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

GM, Peugeot in "advanced alliance talks" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroengeneral motorsgm peugeotgm psa peugeot citroenjoint ventureopel peugeotpartnershippeugeotpsavauxhall peugeotWed, 22 Feb 2012 09:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20176776/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/gm-peugeot-in-advanced-alliance-talks/20176776/article-detail.xml 20176776 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gm-rencen-hq_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/gm-rencen-hq.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 twins refreshed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/citroen-c1-peugeot-107-twins-refreshed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/citroen-c1-peugeot-107-twins-refreshed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/citroen-c1-peugeot-107-twins-refreshed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Citroen C1

Peugeot 107Citroën and Peugeot have released the first volley of information and images on their refreshed C1 and 107 runabouts. The Citroen C1 will bow with a new face, complete with a shorter hood, redesigned foglamp housings and new LED daytime running lights. The vehicle's rear valance has also received a few design touches to differentiate it from the previous year model. Buyers can expect to find the same 68-horsepower three-cylinder gasoline engine bolted to a manual transmission under the hood.

Not surprisingly, its mechanical twin, the Peugeot 107, has received a similar once over. Designers have graced the three-door with a reworked front fascia that features a new front bumper, foglight housings and LED daytime running lights, just like its Citroën cousin. Peugeot will also offer the 107 in three trim levels: Access, Active and Allure.

The Citroën C1 will be on display at the Brussels Motor Show starting on January 10, and it's probably fair to assume the Pug will make the scene there as well. Hit the jump for press releases on both of these small hatchbacks.

Continue reading Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 twins refreshed

Citroën C1 / Peugeot 107 twins refreshed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>107brussels motor showc1citroëncitroencitroen c1geneva motor showpeugeotpeugeot 107psapsa peugeot citroenThu, 05 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20141153/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/citroen-c1-peugeot-107-twins-refreshed/20141153/article-detail.xml 20141153 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-citroen-c1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-citroen-c1-628.jpg <![CDATA[A PSA from ATS: Don't run red lights]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/01/a-psa-from-ats-dont-run-red-lights/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/01/a-psa-from-ats-dont-run-red-lights/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/01/a-psa-from-ats-dont-run-red-lights/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Traffic Light Camera video screen capture

Abiding by traffic signals is perhaps the simplest rule of the road. Any preschooler can tell you what red light means, but that doesn't stop a staggering number of drivers from ignoring the lights altogether. ATS, a company responsible for manufacturing red light cameras, wants us to think a little harder about coming to a complete stop the next time we lose the right of way. The company says that more than 100,000 people are injured in collisions involving a driver who ignored a red light.

The video after the jump compiles a number of incidents in New Jersey involving inattentive or downright stupid drivers. Some of the clips feature near misses, while others involve scary collisions. Hit the jump to see for yourself, and remember to heed the traffic signal the next time you're behind the wheel.

Continue reading A PSA from ATS: Don't run red lights

A PSA from ATS: Don't run red lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atscrashcrash videonew jerseypsared light camerasafety videotraffic cameratraffic lightvideoSun, 01 Jan 2012 14:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137299/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/01/a-psa-from-ats-dont-run-red-lights/20137299/article-detail.xml 20137299 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/traffic-light-camera-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/traffic-light-camera-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot-Citroën chopping 6,000 jobs in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/peugeot-citroen-chopping-6-000-jobs-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/peugeot-citroen-chopping-6-000-jobs-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/peugeot-citroen-chopping-6-000-jobs-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Peugeot-Citroen logosThe U.S. auto industry seems to be picking up nicely, but the same can't be said for Europe. Ford just announced that it lost $100 million a month in the market over the third quarter, and PSA Peugeot-Citroën SA didn't fare much better.

Automotive News reports that the French auto conglomerate is looking to cut fixed costs by 800 million euros ($1.1 billion USD) next year, and job cuts will be part of the plan. PSA will reportedly terminate 6,000 European jobs next year, with 1,000 cuts to manufacturing, 2,500 lost contractors and another 2,500 from sales, marketing, research and IT.

The auto market in Europe has suffered from a rise in pricing pressures. PSA felt the pinch with a 1.6 percent drop in automotive revenue during the quarter. Overall revenue actually increased by 3.5 percent due to PSA's majority ownership of parts maker Faurecia SA. PSA has changed its outlook for 2011 from "clearly positive" to something closer to break even.

Peugeot-Citroën chopping 6,000 jobs in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroëncitroeneuropejob cutspeugeotpeugeot-citroënpeugeot-citroenpsaFri, 28 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20092516/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/28/peugeot-citroen-chopping-6-000-jobs-in-europe/20092516/article-detail.xml 20092516 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/psa-logos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/psa-logos.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën working on neo Deux Cheveaux?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/citroen-working-on-neo-deux-cheveaux/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/citroen-working-on-neo-deux-cheveaux/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/citroen-working-on-neo-deux-cheveaux/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Citroen 2CV by Hermes

Citroën's next look into the future appears to involve a look into its past: according to Car Magazine, the French firm is planning a 3CV that will make a modern case for the beloved 2CV. It isn't expected until 2013, so only a few brains inside Citroën have any idea what it will look like, but the prognostications suggest "the spirit of the quirky Ami 6," lots of space and a comfortable ride.

Speaking of that ride, the company's CEO said "it's so relaxed that we may even cap top speed." That would be something special for a car to be built on the same PF1 platform that supports the Peugeot 207 and Citroëns DS3 and C3, yet will be smaller than the C3.

Citroën working on neo Deux Cheveaux? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2cv3cvcitroencitroen 2cvcitroen 3cvpsaWed, 26 Oct 2011 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20090148/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/citroen-working-on-neo-deux-cheveaux/20090148/article-detail.xml 20090148 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/citroen3cv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/citroen3cv.jpg -1 2