Having the right car at the right time has ensured the success of the Citroen C4 Cactus. Developed from the PSA Group family platform underpinning the C3 hatchback, DS3 and Peugeot 208, the Cactus is a compact MPV which has captured the popularity of the practical bodystyle. Its rounded front end has helped it win the top safety award by EuroNCap testers and it will probably please owners … [Read more...]
German motor show snippets
The future of Vauxhall is difficult to predict, said PSA boss Carlos Tavares at the Frankfurt motor show. He will announce a plan for the German sister company Opel in November, but told reporters that it’s harder to decide on a strategy for the UK arm with its Astra plant at Ellesmere Port and van plant in Luton because of the Brexit negotiations and possible outcome. Volkswagen will spend … [Read more...]
Newslines 12 September
A more advanced and technically refined Ford Mustang for Europe has been unveiled. It features enhanced 450PS 5.0V8 engine with 10-speed automatic, revised suspension, safety systems and improved equipment but it will be at least six months before the new series hits European roads. PSA will share its EV knowledge and experience with newly acquired Opel/ Vauxhall for future vehicles. On … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: DS5 Performance Line 180 auto
Young upstarts often have a something to teach us and to learn, and that’s true of the DS5. The brand is just over five years old and came about by the desire of parent PSA to have a halo range which rekindles the chic of the first DS launched in 1955 as one of the Citroen luxury models. It is even sold through DS Stores and DS Salons, not a humble traditional dealership. There are five … [Read more...]
Tradelines 2 August
The UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon technologies will manage the National Chargepoint Registry (NCR), working in partnership with green energy software systems specialist Apetrel Systems and funded by the UK government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles. The upgrades to the NCR will help to ensure that the information on chargepoints in the UK is accurate and up-to-date, and will … [Read more...]
Newslines 13 June
Plaid Cymru has called for an investigation into the Welsh Government handling of the Circuit of Wales project. The £425 M project has been beset with difficulties over the last few years and Wales Audit Office has criticised Cardiff Bay giving a £9 M investment loan, and now there is disagreement over when there was suggestion of a partially funded underwriting proposal given to … [Read more...]
Tradelines 3 May
Dacia has announced UK pricing and specification for its New Logan MCV Stepway which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The distinctively rugged version of the New Logan MCV Stepway follows in the footsteps of the New Sandero Stepway and the fifth member of the Dacia UK range is priced from £11,495 with first customer deliveries expected in June. The Bank of England is reported … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 April
The Western European passenger car market is said to have grown by 10.3% y/y during March, according to IHS Markit forecasts. The different timing of Easter between 2016 and 2017 has been a big driver to the growth during March, but other factors in key markets have also come into play and IHS Markit is forecasting a slowdown and a consolidation of Western Europe's market in 2017, with … [Read more...]
PSA & Opel Vauxhall becoming powerful players, say analysts
Following the announcement that PSA will take over GM's Opel/Vauxhall operations in Europe, IHS Markit explores the potential impact on PSA's powertrain strategy in this special feature. Implications: Although plans for diesel are likely to be reasonably simple, PSA could go in several directions on gasoline, electrification and transmissions. Outlook: Although there … [Read more...]
PSA will buy Vauxhall, it is confirmed
PSA Peugeot Citroen will buy GM Europe, it has been confirmed and announced this morning. Vauxhall and Opel will come under the same control as Peugeot, Citroen and DS in the £1.9 Billion deal. Now there will be detailed due diligence discussions before the final contracts are signed, possibly in a year’s time. The deal is unlikely to see any changes in Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port Astra … [Read more...]