PSA Peugeot Citroën have announced that it will spend €175 Million to tool up one of its engine plants to build a new turbocharged inline-three cylinder engine. The Douvrin engine plant will have a capacity of 320,000 powerplants per year starting in early in 2013. The 1.2-liter engines will join a normally aspirated version that debuts one year earlier.

While PSA is one of the world leaders in diesel engine technology, this new engine is a gasoline-fueled unit. The high-volume commitment to a downsized gasoline engine is a sign of the increasing difficulty of meeting both new carbon dioxide emissions standards and nitrogen oxide standards that are part of the Euro VI package.

While PSA has no current plans to sell either Peugeot or Citroën vehicles in the United States, we are likely to see some three cylinder units coming from other automakers in the next few years including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and possibly Ford with a rumored 1.2-liter Ecoboost.

PSA Peugeot Citroën to Invest €175 Million to Produce New 3-Cylinder Turbo Petrol Engine

Between now and 2013, PSA Peugeot Citroën plans to invest €175 million at its La Française de Mécanique plant in Douvrin, in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, to prepare for the production of a new 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
The investment follows on from the Group’s decision to extend its line-up of petrol engines with a turbocharged version of the 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine currently under development.

Series production is scheduled to start in early 2013, with an output of 320,000 units per year.

This new engine version is based on the 3-cylinder 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, which will be manufactured at the Group’s Trémery plant in eastern France starting in early 2012.

La Française de Mécanique currently builds petrol and diesel powerplants for Peugeot and Citroën Peugeot models, as well as the EP engine developed in partnership with the BMW Group.

With this investment, PSA Peugeot Citroën has confirmed its commitment to maintaining extensive engine production operations in France.

Both the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region and Pas-de-Calais departmental authorities are actively supporting the project, which will support industrial development and economic growth in France’s second-largest automotive region.

Commenting on the investment, Philippe Varin noted: “By producing this new engine at La Française de Mécanique, we will be able to leverage world-class manufacturing expertise. And with its state-of-the-art environmental technology, the new powerplant will enable PSA Peugeot Citroën to strengthen its leadership in low-carbon vehicles.”

Created in 1969, La Française de Mécanique is a 50-50 joint venture between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Renault, with 3,400 employees. It’s machining and assembly lines produce 6,200 engines per day. Output in 2009 totalled 1.3 million units, of which 942,000 were for PSA Peugeot Citroën.

[Source:Autoblog]

Kris Meeke is the 2009 Intercontinental Rally Champion, and Peugeot UK wants to celebrate that accomplishment. As such, it’s releasing the 207 S16 – a 207 Sport tarted up to evoke the Peugeot 207 IRC car Meeke pilots. To that extent, you can get an optional graphics package (which is still more restrained than race car’s nose-to-tail Union Jack livery), along with a body kit including “pseudo rear diffuser” (Peugeot’s words), upgraded wheels, a mesh grille, tinted glass and special interior badging. All 250 Peugeot 207 S16s are mechanically identical to the regular 207 Sport 1.6 VTi they’re based on. Oh, and Kris Meeke signs every one. If you’re in the UK, owning the 207 S16 will dent your wallet to the tune of £14,695. The full press release is pasted after the jump.

THE PEUGEOT 207 S16 FULL OF VERVE ON THE ROAD AND OFF

* Only 250 Peugeot 207 S16s will be produced
* Powered by a 1.6 litre 120 bhp VTi petrol engine
* £1,200 of additional specification compared to a standard Sports model
* On-the-road price £14,695

Peugeot’s 207 has dominated the Intercontinental Rally Challenge for the last three years, whether on the gravel roads of Scotland or the tarmac of San Remo.

To recognise this achievement and that of Kris Meeke in winning the 2009 IRC drivers’ title, Peugeot has created the Special Edition 207 S16.

Based on the 207 Sport 1.6 VTi 3dr, only 250 examples of this car will be produced. The S16 adds to the already comprehensive standard equipment of the 207 sport model:

* Bianca White exterior body colour
* Full 207 RC Cup bodykit comprising front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a pseudo rear diffuser
* 17″ Hockenheim Alloy Wheels
* SP Sports mesh grille
* Dark tinted rear windows from the 207 GTi model
* Special interior badge signed by Kris Meeke
* Optional free of charge vinyl rally graphics which mimic those found on Kris Meeke’s IRC winning 207 S2000 rally car.

The 207 S16 benefits from over £1,200 worth of additional specification compared to a standard Sport model and is priced at £14,695.

To further enhance the appeal of the 207 S16 an optional leather interior is also available priced at £684.21. It is available in black with either black or silver Grey stitching.

Technical Data

Top Speed

125 mph

0 to 62 mph

10.7 seconds

Urban drive cycle

35.3 mpg

Extra urban drive cycle

57.6 mpg

Combined drive cycle

47.1 mpg

Regulated Emission Standard

Euro 5

CO2 Emissions

139 g/km

VED Rate

£120.00

The massive Toyota sticking-accelerator pedal recall has spread from the United States to Europe and even beyond Toyota-branded vehicles. Approximately 90,000 Peugeot 107 and Citroën C1 minicars have been added to the list of afflicted models. PSA, the parent of Peugeot and Citroën, has a joint venture with Toyota in the Czech Republic that produces the 107, C1 and the related Toyota Aygo.

The minis share the same electronic pedal assembly design used in the 2.3 million Toyotas being recalled in North America, as well a 1.8 million vehicles in Europe. In addition to the Aygo, Toyota has identified the iQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis and Rav4 in Europe. In total Toyota is recalling 7.5 million vehicles worldwide.

We don’t know for sure but it seems unlikely with this many vehicles involved around the world that CTS is the sole supplier of these parts. If CTS is not the only supplier then it appears likely that the issue is more of a design problem than a manufacturing issue at one plant or supplier. It is also possible that it could be a software issue unrelated to the hardware itself.

Update: We checked with Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister who confirmed that Denso is the other major supplier of this pedal assembly.

[Source:Autoblog]

‘Tis the season to form mergers, and the latest could involve a large stock swap between Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot-Citroen. The two automakers have longstanding ties that include such projects as the Mitsubishi iMiEV electric car (which Peugeot has shown as the iOn) and the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV (which Peugeot sells as the 4007 and Citroen as the C-Crosser). But now the rapprochement could be entering a new stage.

In a potential tie-in that could mirror rival French automaker Renault’s alliance with Japanese automaker Nissan, reports suggest that PSA and Mitsu are on the verge of a stock swap. Insiders aren’t sure what sort of arrangement could be brokered, but speculate that PSA could take effective control with a large minority stake in Mitsubishi in exchange for either stock in PSA, cash in hand or a combination of both.

The strengthened partnership would stand to help PSA, Europe’s second largest automaker, compete not only with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, but also with Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker which is teaming up with Suzuki for presence in Asian markets. Industry analysts, however, note that with PSA already burdened with growing debts and given Mitsubishi’s relatively small production and market share, the move could be ill-advised for the French auto group. On speculation of the potential partnership, PSA stock reportedly fell 3.6 percent, while Mitsubishi’s rose 7.5 percent – the largest respective drop and gain for each automaker in months. Thanks for the tip, Vladimir!

[Source: Bloomberg]

[Source:Autoblog]

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

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

[Source:Autoblog]

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

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

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

Source: Automotive News

The Frankfurt Motor Show next month will be a busy place for Peugeot, as the French automaker plans to unveil two new production models plus its first production hybrid along with a gas-electric concept vehicle. The 5008 minivan and RCZ sport coupe are both making their first public appearances as production models, and a second version of the RCZ will also be on display equipped with Peugeot’s new HYBrid4 powertrain. HYBrid4 is a parallel through-the-road system that utilizes a conventional internal combustion powertrain that powers one end.

A battery and electric motor reside at the opposite end. In both the RCZ and 3008 crossover, the electric drive is at the rear axle. The system allows the vehicle to have on demand all-wheel drive and can operate in internal combustion, EV or blended modes. The advantage of splitting the powertrains it vastly reduces mechanical complexity compared to power split systems like those from Toyota and Ford. There currently aren’t any production plans for the RCZ hybrid, although that could easily change.

The 3008 HYBrid4 is scheduled to launch in early 2011 and may well be the first diesel hybrid light duty vehicle on the road. The 3008 crossover is projected to have CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km while the RCZ would cut that to just 95 g/km.

The conventional gas-powered RCZ coupe debuts next spring with a 200 horsepower, 1.6-liter four cylinder. Meanwhile, the 5008 will join Chrysler’s minivans in being shown with an available in-car WIFI hot-spot.

[Source: Peugeot]

Peugeot at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show
Emotion and responsibility

* Peugeot leads in environmental responsibility as best-selling low CO2 producer
* New eye-catching firsts - 5008 & RCZ new model debuts
* Peugeot’s HYbrid future products shown in production and concept forms

Peugeot - the environmental leader

Results today …

* Pioneer and leader in the field of the Particle Emissions Filter: more than 2.1 million HDi FAP vehicles have been sold
* ‘low emission’ production models available:
o 207 ‘99g’, 107 ‘106g’, 308 Hatchback ‘120g’, 407 ‘129g’ and 3008 ‘130g’
* Numerous vehicles with CO2 emissions of less than 130 g/km

… and tomorrow it’s the turn of the HYbrid4

* Innovative hybrid-diesel technology that capitalises on Peugeot’s recognised expertise in HDi diesel engines and electric vehicles
* Parallel architecture allowing alternate or simultaneous operation of the HDi engine and the electric motor for optimal efficiency in town or on the open road.
* Breakthrough (-35%) in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions based on equivalent performance
* ‘Zero emissions’ mode benefits the environment while running quietly
* Enhanced performance with a potential 200bhp (147kW)
* New features: 4-wheel drive and transverse adaptability ensuring a technical and economic solution

Two concept cars receiving their world première illustrate this strategy: the 3008 HYbrid4 (now CO2 of 99g/km) which preludes the production model (launch due in the spring of 2011) and an experimental RCZ HYbrid4 (CO2 of 95g/km).

Peugeot’s eye-catching ‘firsts’

5008: the new people carrier profile

* An original interpretation of the compact people carrier: benchmark capacity and modularity that enhances the driving experience and versatile capability.
* 3008, 5008: new models for the brand in an aggressive market strategy: providing 90% coverage of the M1 segment compared to 75% previously.

RCZ: a combination of dynamic emotions

* The emotion of a dynamic and invigorating style characterised with the distinctive double-bubble roof
* Desirable interior where the excitement is harnessed by the ergonomic controls
* Engineering prowess with three high-performance engines including the new 147kW (200bhp) 1.6-litre THP.
* Dynamic emotion, taking driving enjoyment to a new level.

Peugeot embraces the ‘new’ in the world of the motor car

Drawing its strength from a rich heritage synonymous with different forms of mobility, from 2-wheelers to 4-wheel drive, Peugeot is a key player in global, sustainable mobility.

At this Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot is demonstrating once again its desire and ability to combine driving enjoyment and environmental efficiency with its vision to the mobility of tomorrow.

Elegance, creativity, technological performance and conceptual innovation: it is these characteristics that best describe the 32 production models, concept cars and demonstrators shown in an exhibition area of 2,900 m2.

Peugeot - environmental leadership

The new Frankfurt Motor Show gives Peugeot the opportunity to reaffirm its responsible approach of placing high economy and low CO2 emissions vehicles at the heart of its product policy: to offer today an attractive, competitive product range with a small carbon footprint, and to prepare for the future with the introduction of radical new technologies.

Results today …

Peugeot is the inventor and leader in the field of the Diesel Particle Emissions Filter (DPFS / FAP): since the beginning of the decade, more than 2.1 million of its HDi vehicles have since been equipped with it.

Today Peugeot is one of the leading manufacturers in the UK and in Europe for low-emission and high economy vehicles.

This performance is illustrated on the stand at Frankfurt by production vehicles with particularly low emissions in their category:

207 ‘99g’, 107 ‘106g’, 308 Hatchback ‘120g’, 3008 ‘130g’ and 407 ‘129g’.

… but for tomorrow it’s the turn of the HYbrid4

As well as a new ‘all electric’ urban vehicle from the end of 2010 and the rollout on production vehicles of the second-generation ‘Stop & Start’ system in 2011, Peugeot is preparing a future which, in less than two years, will combine greatly reduced fuel consumption and emissions with renewed driving enjoyment.

The innovative hybrid diesel technology - HYbrid4 - comes into its own in a European car market where the popularity of diesel engines is largest, capitalising firstly on the group’s advanced knowledge in HDi engines, electric vehicles and the perfection of existing components (i.e. the 6-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox and Stop & Start systems).

It also relies on a parallel architecture: alternating in operation between the HDi diesel engine and the electric motor to ensure optimal efficiency according to how the car is driven - in town or on the open road. When used simultaneously, the two power units offer increased performance. The result: a real breakthrough in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of around -35% in the combined cycle, compared to engines of an equivalent power output.

With the HYbrid4 solution, the innovative location of the electric motor at the rear of the vehicle offers new benefits - four-wheel drive, without the drawback of a mechanical connection - and ensures technical and economic viability thanks to the preservation of an engine compartment at the front able to accommodate different conventional engines and offering the benefit of adaptability.

Because progress means little unless it can be shared by the greatest number, Peugeot intends eventually to develop a range of HYbrid4 vehicles offering renewed driving enjoyment and exceptional environmental credentials to enhance performance and road holding, but also through the automatic and unobtrusive operation of the combined power trains.

Two concept cars, unveiled for the first time on the Peugeot stand at Frankfurt, illustrate this commitment: The 3008 HYbrid4 (now CO2 of 99g/km) previews the production model scheduled to appear in the Spring of 2011, while with the experimental RCZ HYbrid4 (CO2 of 95g/km), the manufacturer proposes a synthesis of performance and environmental responsiveness.

Peugeot, eye-catching ‘firsts’

5008: the new people carrier profile

Market expectations are constantly evolving: the large category of compact cars, which alone represents one third of the European market, is no exception. For several years there has been a surge of new body shapes and new concepts, all based on the high volume principle.

Peugeot illustrates this in 2009, a year rich in product launches: after the 3008, a crossover with a strong personality which successfully explores new motoring territory as attested by a commercial launch that surpassed targets, the 5008 receives its world premiere in Frankfurt.

With the 5008, Peugeot proposes an innovative interpretation of the compact people carrier, optimising the attributes expected by customers of this category of vehicle.

With its streamlined and aerodynamic style, the manufacturer’s first compact people carrier comes with a luxurious and spacious interior offering excellent capacity, comfort and modularity, and a class leading usable volume, while at the same time making the driving experience enjoyable.

The 5008 also incorporates advanced technologies to enhance safety (a Head-Up Display, Distance Alert, etc), and dynamic road holding of a high level that enhances the comfort of its five or seven potential occupants, complemented by a comprehensive range of environmentally-friendly engines and latest-generation driving assistance systems.

Also in Frankfurt, Peugeot presents a 5008 equipped with an in-car WiFi access point. The electronic unit installed in the car which accepts the customer’s SIM card allows an Internet connection to be maintained either at a standstill or when driving. This new connectivity will delight both professionals, who will be able to transform their car into a mobile office, and passengers in search of practical information or even teenagers wishing to continue their online gaming.

3008, 5008: two vehicles clearly destined to make inroads into the market which will allow Peugeot to offer an unrivalled range in the M1 segment, taking its coverage from below 75% to nearly 90%. These two distinct vehicles, aimed at distinct customer bases, also share the advanced technology, a high level of perceived quality and dynamic road holding.

RCZ: Dynamic desirability …

Two years after the presentation of the highly acclaimed 308 RCZ concept car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot presents the world premiere of the RCZ, a 2+2 coupé due on sale in the Spring of 2010.

The idea of producing the car commercially quickly took shape: the transformation from blueprint to reality, in order to attain a level of performance on a par with what the RCZ promises externally.

This brought with it a number of challenges; to conserve the stylistic mood of the concept while integrating the constraints inherent in large-scale production; to develop the car within a particularly short time scale and meeting extremely ambitious targets in terms of driving enjoyment and product quality; to guarantee a strong identity, reflecting an exclusive vehicle aimed at demanding customers who know precisely what they want from such a car.

The RCZ is first and foremost the expression of a dynamic and elegant style, balanced and energetic, its signature mark being the double-bubble roof which, together with the vehicle’s proportions and active rear spoiler, optimise the vehicle’s aerodynamics. There is a sense of newness inside the car where everything evokes a distinctive world in which practicality nonetheless has its place. Engineering prowess too, with three high-performance engines offering reduced fuel consumption, including the new 1.6 THP 147kW (200bhp). And finally the sheer dynamism of the RCZ, which aims to take driving enjoyment to a new level.

Peugeot embraces the ‘new’ in the world of the motor car

At key motor shows Peugeot likes to surprise, to stir the emotions, to publicly explore the many paths of a future rich in potential. Some of these come to fruition, as witnessed by the RCZ. The Peugeot stand at Frankfurt 2009 will be no exception.

Drawing its strength from a rich heritage synonymous with different forms of mobility, from the 2-wheeler to 4-wheel drive, Peugeot sees itself as a key player in global, sustainable mobility.

Peugeot is working to demonstrate that creativity and responsibility, far from being irreconcilable, actually allow pre-determined methods and familiar territory to be changed around, to re-think mobility both for today and the future, in fact to re-invent the car, in all of its dimensions!

[Source:Autoblog]

Peugeot has confirmed that for the second year running it will be sending its 908 HDi prototypes to Atlanta in September for the Petit Le Mans. Peugeot will be looking to follow up its victory at Le Mans last June with its first win at the ALMS flagship race. In France, Peugeot had a resounding victory over Audi’s new R15 TDIs but so far the biggest competition in Atlanta will come from the LMP1 Acuras. Peugeot will be bringing two of the 908s to Georgia for the race that joins Sebring in becoming increasingly known as a warmup for the 24 hour race in France.

There have been repeated rumors that the R15s would return to the U.S. for the final two races at Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca for several months. We checked with Audi Motorsports spokeswoman Eva-Maria Veith, who said, “There is no decision made about any more races with the Audi R15 TDI this year. I hope that we will know more in the near future.” Hopefully an official commitment from Peugeot will prompt Audi to try and avenge their loss in France.

[Source:Autoblog]

General Motors is very close to selling its Opel unit, with Canadian supplier Magna and Italian automaker Fiat among the suitors. If Magna and its Russian partners Gaz and Sberbank scores the winning bid for Opel, the parts supplier has big plans for the German brand and its factories. Automotive News Europe and German newspaper Welt am Sonntag both have quoted sources within Magna stating that the supplier could produce vehicles for other automakers. Furthermore, both Ford and Peugeot are reportedly interested in using the factory space, which makes sense considering the cost of opening new facilities.

While GM will have the final say regarding an Opel sale, the German government will have considerable sway in the matter. After all, the German government is likely providing up to 3.3 billion euros in financial support to keep Opel afloat. That may give Magna an advantage, since Fiat has said that it would close the Opel factory in Kaiserslautern, Germany, while Magna doesn’t plan to close any German facilities.

[Souce: Monsters and Critics]

[Source:Autoblog]

The Peugeot Hoggar Concept from 2003 was a two-seat buggy named for an Algerian desert, designed to be “a sports car for extreme conditions.” It had two cast alloy seats in the middle, and two transverse, 180-horsepower diesel engines – one mounted up front, one out back – driving each axle through two semi-automatic gearboxes. The cabin was, as one might expect of a showcar, filled with leather and aluminum.

But the Peugeot Hoggar Concept is not the vehicle you see above – it’s a smaller Hoggar knockoff made in China by an as-yet-unknown firm, evidently created by using images of the Hoggar found online. Like the concept, it has four-wheel drive, but that’s about where the overlap ends. It’s powered by an 800cc Chery QQ engine running through a five-speed gearbox. You can compare and contrast the two cars for yourselves in the gallery below.

[Source:Autoblg]