Video: PSA Reveals All-New EMP2 Modular Platform

PSA Peugeot-Citroen has just released a video showcasing their all-new modular platform, called the EMP2, which stands for Efficient Modular Platform 2. The French group are planning to use it on a wide range of vehicles, from SUVs to light commercial vehicles, as well as regular hatchbacks, sedans and estates.

It will also be used to underpin the next generation of the Peugeot 308 and Citroen C4, as well as other mainstream models from the C and D segments.

The platform itself is easily modifiable, and can be stretched to fit various purposes, while the use of high-strength steels, composites and aluminium help it shed some 70 kg or 154 lbs over the current platform.

However, in their quest to make one platform fit all models, they have had to compromise. First of all, the idea of having just one platform is a clear cost-cutting exercise, and therefor they could not make it overly-complex, as it would be overkill on some of the cheaper models.

What this means, basically, is that it does`t get independent rear suspension, getting the multilink alternative instead. Now, while some cars with such rear suspension setups are good to drive (some Renaults and a few others), it means that neither handling nor comfort will be class leading.

We also found a plausible-looking rendering of what the next Peugeot 308 may look like, to give you some idea of the cars this new platform will underpin.

News Source:  autoevolution

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Peugeot RCZ Arlen Ness Edition

For some strange reason that's frankly beyond our understanding French carmaker Peugeot has released a special version of the RCZ named after American motorcycle builder Arlen Ness. The production two-door is worlds away from the custom choppers Ness builds, but this won't stop it from making an appearance at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy.

The RCZ has been finished in a two-tone paintjob, with matte black on top and orange on the bottom. Accent pieces like the wheels and spoiler, together with a longitudinal stripe, are also painted matte black.

The French coupe has been fitted with a full set of Brembo brakes, custom suspension and what look like motorcycle exhaust tips.

As for the performance side, the 1.6-liter THP under the bonnet has been fitted with high-flow air filter and a Termignoni sports exhaust that lift output to to 200 horsepower.

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[Report] Fiat and PSA predicted to be Europe's biggest losers in 2013

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.

News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.

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Spyshots: All-New Peugeot 308 Spotted Testing

Ever since the highly-appreciated 306, which spawned one of the best hot hatches of the 1990s, the 306 GTI-6, Peugeot lost their way a bit, and ended up making the 307. It was a bland car, with a bland interior, and there were very few people who actually liked it - its main downfall, we say, was the fact that it was nowhere near as fun to drive as the older 306.

Next came the current Peugeot 308, which received a facelift last year. However, it merely improved on what the 307 offered, and while it was noticeably better, it was and is still far from class-leading. It does have a competent chassis, though it does not have independent rear suspension, the interior is very good for a Peugeot, and it doesn`t look half-bad with some of the larger rims on offer.

Still, they have a lot to improve with the all new 308, which was recently spotted testing, bearing heavy camouflage, to hide its new design. It is reportedly a combination between the styling of the 208 and the SR1 concept, and it should also be considerably lighter and nimbler than the slightly-cumbersome 308.

It will also share some engines with the new 208, and even a three-pot may find its way under the bonnet of the all-new car. However, being underpinned by the same platform as the current Citroen C4, the 308 will still most likely be mediocre to drive, and not much fun.

Peugeot really need to get their act together, because the 308 is a very important car for them, and since they are already not doing particularly well in Europe, the new compact hatch really needs to shine. Otherwise, all those very negative news articles about them ending up on the border of bankruptcy may just come true...

News Source: autoevolution

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A year in gestation, Peugeot finally unveils 2008 crossover

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.

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Peugeot Reveals 2008 Urban Crossover Ahead of Geneva

In 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential race, the housing market went bust and needed to be bailed out, together with the US car industry. Overall, it went down as one of the worst years for people’s wallets, but that isn’t stopping Peugeot from naming their smallest crossover yet the “2008”.

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Peugeot Launches Design Lab

In an effort to better capitalize on their design expertise and bring in new kinds of business other than the automotive, French carmaker Peugeot has opened up a new design center called Peugeot Design Lab, located in the existing centers of Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paolo.

To show a bit of what they can do, they designed a luxury cigarette yacht, a sale boat, a lear jet, watches and some cool-looking bicycles, all of which you can check out in the gallery below.

Peugeot Design Lab will be led by Cathal Loughnan, who will report to Gilles Vidal, Director of Style Peugeot.

“The challenge for  automobile designers is ambitious: to anticipate ever higher expectations for quality, safety, and content, while preparing to make a step forward in design with a style that is innovative, attractive, and different,” said Gilles Vidal, Director of Style Peugeot.

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