Peugeot Citroen plans to compete against the Germans in luxury sector

PSA Peugeot Citroen is gearing up to launch a new line of premium cars in China, according to CEO Gregoire Olivier.

The joint venture between PSA and Changan Automobile Group plans to compete against the Germans in the luxury car market, Olivier told Automotive News China.

The model will be based on the Metropolis concept car. "The same styling elements will be used for a high-level Citroen car to be developed in China," Olivier stated.

See pics of the Metropolis

The Metropolis was the first car designed by the PSA design centre in China. It shares a platform with the Citroen C6 and Peugeot 407. Although the concept version featured a plug-in hybrid motor with 454bhp, PSA has not confirmed what powertrains will be used in the production model. A hybrid version might be withheld completely from China, according to PSA bosses.

The PSA and Changan Automobile Group venture plans to produce 200,000 vehicles a year, with production starting in the second half of 2012.

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thebaldgit 28 October 2010

Re: PSA targets Chinese market

I understand PSA Peugeot Citroen targeting the luxury market in China as no one seems to buy their luxury cars outside of France, so they will hope that in a relatively new market they will be able to tempt the Chinese not to look down their nose at the brand.

optimal_909 27 October 2010

Re: PSA targets Chinese market

artill wrote:
The Metropolis also had a 2.0 V6 petrol twin turbo.
It would be completely against the trend - better sound, more refinement and better power delivery vs. better efficiency of a 4-banger. The latter wins these days, unfortunately. The strategy is very sensible though and they might pull it off. Chinese are also an early adopter of electric drive so that is also bull's eye. Good luck, PSA!

artill 27 October 2010

Re: PSA targets Chinese market

The Metropolis also had a 2.0 V6 petrol twin turbo. It would be nice to think that engine might end up in some of their products over here too. sounds like the sort of engine that would make the most of the C5, C6, and 508.