Surely true fans of the Peugeot brand remember and know that in 2010 in Beijing, the French-Chinese brand Dongfeng Peugeot - Citroen showed the world the Peugeot 408 sedan. The car was built on the platform of its predecessor, the Peugeot 308, and was originally intended for sales in Chinese and South American market. Compared to the hatchback, the car has not changed significantly. The sedan's wheelbase has increased to 2717 millimeters; accordingly, the length of the car has also become longer - 4337 mm. Not a single Russian car enthusiast is interested in where the Peugeot 408 is assembled for sale on the domestic market. At first, this car model was produced by a plant located in Argentina and a large Chinese enterprise in the city of Wuhan.
But, due to the huge demand for cars in the Russian Federation, the management of the concern decided to open the PSMA plant near Kaluga. It was here that, starting in 2012, they began to produce this car model. The domestic enterprise is trying to produce a sedan that is most suitable for use on Russian roads. The Russian Peugeot 408 is available with engine compartment protection and a full-size spare wheel. A domestically assembled sedan is equipped with a more powerful battery and starter. In general, the PSMA plant produces cars for our customers, taking into account operating conditions. It is interesting that even the basic “Access” configuration of the Russian Peugeot 408 is equipped with a full-fledged winter package, which includes heated driver and passenger front seats, as well as heated windshield and windshield washer nozzles.
Features of the sedan
Cars with affordable prices and excellent technical characteristics are valued not only in the CIS countries, but also in Russia. To satisfy all the wishes of Russian buyers, the French concern Peugeot-Citroen created the model 408. It is known where the Peugeot 408 is produced, now let’s talk in more detail about the capabilities of this car. This car model cannot be called small; it can easily be classified as a D-class. Thanks to the increase in the dimensions of the car, the inside of the sedan has become much more comfortable and spacious. The dimensions of the Peugeot 408 are 4337 mm × 4703 mm × 1505 mm. Our compatriots are very fond of this car model; the owners speak especially positively about the car’s engine.
The Peugeot 408 sedan is equipped with a 150-horsepower turbocharged engine with a volume of 1.6 liters. The car's suspension is also excellent. Despite the quality of Russian roads, this nimble sedan copes with all obstacles and potholes with a bang. In addition to an engine with a power of 150 horsepower, Russian buyers can purchase a sedan with a 1.6-liter gasoline unit producing 110 horsepower, or an engine with the same volume, but with a power of 120 horsepower. A turbodiesel consumes five liters of fuel per hundred kilometers, while gasoline units consume a little more - 8.2 liters. The car is offered with both a 5-speed manual and automatic transmission. The volume of the luggage compartment of the car is 560 liters.
But by folding the rear seats, you will be able to increase it. The luggage compartment has its own “zest”. Where the Peugeot 408 is produced, a plastic cover for the front bumper grille is placed there. The manufacturer recommends that owners use this part in the winter. It will protect the engine compartment from snow, sand, and dirt. It also helps the engine warm up faster. Since the body is galvanized, the manufacturer provides a 12-year guarantee against corrosion.
Advantages and disadvantages of Peugeot 408
Regarding the quality of materials and workmanship, there is interesting information. As it turned out, to assemble the Peugeot 408 at the PSMA enterprise, they use seats from the American company Lear, plastic and upholstery materials from the French company Faurecia, and bumpers for the sedan are produced by the domestic company Magna. This car model, like any other, has its pros and cons. First, the good stuff. The Peugeot 408 has the largest dimensions in its segment. Also, the advantages include:
- high ground clearance
- spacious trunk
- rear wide and comfortable seat for passengers
- high level sound insulation
- wide engine range
- opportunity to take out a car loan on favorable terms
- low cost sedan
- perfectly adapted for use in the Russian Federation.
Where the Peugeot 408 is assembled, some mistakes were made:
- it takes a long time to warm up the interior
- The luggage compartment is difficult to open
- wipers don't work well
- it takes effort to close the door
- narrow luggage compartment opening.
The sedan from the French manufacturer is a very affordable vehicle that will suit even the most ordinary buyer. The basic version of the sedan will cost 549,000 rubles. A car with a 1.6-liter diesel unit (112 horses) costs more - 637,000 rubles. Peugeot 408 with a turbocharged 150-horsepower engine and automatic transmission is sold at a price of 746,000 rubles. For additional options and bells and whistles, the buyer will need to pay extra in the region of ten thousand rubles to 23,000. If you want to purchase a budget car with a maximum range of options at a reasonable price, then this “French” is what you need. The technical characteristics and “filling” of this car model are much better than those of its competitors.
For grinding salt, spices and coffee. The plant was equipped with three mechanical forging hammers and seven cold rolling machines. The company's trademark was the lion. There were three emblems. By 1886, the company had established serial production of bicyclettes (as bicycles were called in those days), and three years later, in 1889, a three-wheeled steam car called Serpollet-Peugeot rolled out of the company's gates.
first Peugeot car
Photo: The Pobeda trading house was one of the largest in the Russian capital
Peugeot Bicycles
Much earlier than cars, Peugeot bicycles appeared in Russia, or, as they were called then, bicycles. The first to start selling them, to the great pleasure of the “pedaling” public, was a certain A. Averst, who owned a bicycle warehouse and store in St. Petersburg at the corner of Simeonovskaya Street and Fontanka in house No. 1-32. Advertisements for this retail establishment are quite common in Russian sports magazines of the late 19th century. The cars cost, depending on the model and configuration, from 175 to 230 rubles and, apparently, were popular among our compatriots. This is evidenced by the fact that in 1898 the trade in Peugeot bisicles was carried out not only in the capital, but also in other large cities of the Russian Empire. Over time, not only bicycles, but also Peugeot motorcycles began to be supplied to Russia. They were sold at the same addresses and under the same conditions as the biscicles, however, the pre-order deposit was no longer 50, but 100 rubles
The Age of the Automobile
At the very beginning of the 90s of the 19th century, the Russian Empire entered the community of automobile powers, with all the ensuing consequences. Gradually the number of cars in the country increased. In 1898, the first store selling cars and motorcycles opened in St. Petersburg. And since French manufacturers then set the tone in the automotive business, this establishment, of course, was French. It belonged to the Clement-Gladiator-Phebus company.
In 1900, a new section “Import of automobiles and their parts” appeared in Russian customs statistics, which noted when, how many and what kind of cars were imported into the empire. Thanks to the surviving customs documents, it is clear that the leading suppliers of motor crews to our country were France and Germany. This is how the era of the automobile began in Russia
Military vehicles
By supplying cars to Russia, Peugeot did not remain outside the interests of official government circles. When the War Department in 1912 decided to conduct a test run of passenger cars, wanting to identify “the most suitable models for army needs,” Peugeot cars were among the participants and performed well.
In the same year, a cargo test run took place, the purpose of which was to select vehicles suitable for use in army units. Peugeot sent two cars for testing. These were three-ton cars equipped with four-cylinder engines with a capacity of 22 hp. With. Shortly before the start of the war, the car tried on a military uniform.
Automobile exhibitions in Russia
The center of automotive life in Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century, undoubtedly, was the capital of the empire - St. Petersburg. Many cars plied along the city streets, and many large European and American factories considered it necessary to keep their stores and representative offices there. It is not surprising, therefore, that the first specialized automobile exhibition in Russia took place in the capital.
Many manufacturers treated it with caution, since the automobile market in Russia was still in its infancy. The cars were quite expensive - from 6 to 10 thousand rubles. The demand for cars remained quite modest, although even then Russia was considered a very promising market among foreign manufacturers.
Peugeot did not take part in the first Russian automobile exhibition. But at the next exhibition, the products of the “Lion Brand” could be seen at the stand.
Sports achivments
The sporting achievements of Peugeot cars were a great help in advertising. An advertising brochure from the beginning of the century noted that cars of this brand won victories in a number of major international competitions, such as the Grand Prix de Dieppe in June 1912, the Grand Prix de France in Le Mans in September of the same year, and at the Mont Ventoux mountain races and Val Suzon, Brookland auto racing and several others.
Peugeot cars also took part in Russian competitions. Thus, in the car races in Simferopol, held on May 27, 1912 (old style) under the auspices of the local gymnastics society, Mr. Obukhovsky started in a Peugeot with a 12 hp engine. With.
Russian emigrants in France
Many Russians worked at Peugeot factories in France in the 20s and 30s. According to statistics, in the first years after the revolution, over a million people were forced to leave Russia. Some of them ended up in France. According to data cited by historians, in 1921 there were more than 65 thousand Russian refugees in the country, most of whom found refuge in Paris and its environs. Many of these people found themselves deprived of any means of livelihood. Former soldiers, officers, doctors, entrepreneurs and lawyers were looking for any job that could feed them and their families.
The cars that came out of the Peugeot factories at that time contained a lot of labor and emigrants from Russia.
Peugeot in the USSR
After the 1917 revolution, the company's ties with Russia were interrupted, but Lion Cars continued to operate in the country. It is interesting to trace the history of some of them. Take, for example, the Peugeot cars from the garage of Nicholas II. After the February Revolution and the abdication of the emperor, the garage was reorganized into the Automobile Base of the Provisional Government, and all the cars located there received new owners.
The story of one Bebe
Anyone who has visited the automobile department of the Moscow Polytechnic Museum at least once probably remembers the small green Peugeot Bebe car, modestly standing on display. This is the oldest car in our country, from those that are in private collections.
There is a real legend around it: many believe that this car was owned by the son of Nicholas II, heir to the throne, Tsarevich Alexei. Is it so?
After the collapse of the USSR: New relations
A turning point in relations occurred in the early 90s. After the collapse of the USSR, many foreign car manufacturers began to look at Russia as one of the world's largest potential markets and considered it necessary to take a number of steps aimed at developing this market as quickly as possible. Representative offices of foreign companies appeared in Moscow and the capitals of the former Soviet republics, like mushrooms after rain.
Plant construction
The successful development of the Russian automobile market in 2000-2007 convinced the management of the concern of the need to create its own production on the territory of the Russian Federation. This possibility was carefully studied by experts for several years, and in the end they came to the conclusion that this step was advisable.
At the beginning of 2008, a group of company employees arrived in the Russian capital, entrusted with the mission of preparing construction. Soon, along with French specialists, our compatriots also joined it.
The preparations took several months. During this time, PSA Peugeot Citroen and its partner Mitsubishi Motors Corporation found a suitable site near the city of Kaluga (next to the Kyiv federal highway) and signed all the necessary agreements.
Peugeot Chronicle
15th century There is information that the Peugeot family lived in the Dubs department in the vicinity of the city of Montbéliard.
1810
Brothers Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot founded a factory for the production of springs and other metal products in the town of Sous Cres.
1819
The Peugeot brothers' enterprise began to specialize in the production of products obtained by cold rolling of steel - saw blades, springs...
1824
Start of exporting products to Switzerland, Italy and Turkey.
1832
Creation of the "Society of Peugeot Big Brothers" (Societe Peugeot Freres Aines)...
The industrial activities of the Peugeot clan began with Jean-Pierre Peugeot, born in 1734. In modern terms, he worked in the light and food industries, but his two sons, Jean-Pierre Jr. and Jean-Frédéric, were more inclined to work in heavy industry. In 1810, they converted the grain mill inherited from their father into a steel foundry, marking the beginning of the Peugeot Freres enterprise. At first, the range of products was limited to “small forms”: saw blades, clock springs, grinders for coffee, salt and pepper (these items can still often be seen on the tables of European restaurants), crinoline rings and hooks for corsets... In November 1858 Emile Peugeot patented the image of a lion as the company's trademark, and the innovative method of cold rolling of metal invented by the brothers allowed the expansion of the product range. In 1882, Armand Peugeot launched the company's activities in the automotive industry, albeit indirectly, with the production of bicycles, and the success of the first model was simply amazing: by 1897, more than 16,000 copies were produced. The production of automobiles was already a stone's throw away, and in 1889 the first automobile rolled off the stocks of the Peugeot enterprise: the three-wheeled steam carriage Serpollet-Peugeot, designed by Leon Serpollet. With the very first model, Arman realized the futility of producing “steam engines”, so the series was limited to only four copies. The further development of the company's automotive direction was facilitated by the collaboration of Armand Peugeot with Gottlieb Daimler, whose gasoline engine (with a volume of 563 cm3) was installed on the first four-wheeled Peugeot car, which was released in 1890 and received the simple name Type 2. The car could reach speeds of up to 20 km /h.
Peugeot Type 2 had a 2-cylinder gasoline engine with a volume of 563 cm 3 and a power of one horsepower
All car designers of that time were well aware that the best test of car reliability was mileage. Therefore, when in 1894 the French newspaper Le Petit Journal announced an automobile competition along the route Paris - Rouen - Paris, five Peugeot cars took to the start. These competitions could not yet be called races, since according to the organizers’ conditions, the cars had to be “safe, easy to drive and economical,” and immediately before the start, the average speed that participants had to withstand was reduced from 17 to 12.5 km/ h. Two French cars with gasoline engines were declared the winners of this competition: Panhard & Levassor and Peugeot. And the next year, a real race was held along the route Paris - Bordeaux - Paris, and the first at the finish line was the two-seater Panhard & Levassor, but since, according to the conditions of the competition, the crews had to be four-seater (and the winner did not meet this requirement), the first prize was awarded to Peugeot. It is worth noting that 29 gasoline, 15 steam and 2 electric crews took to the start of this race, and the average speed of the winner was 24.42 km/h.
Peugeot Type 15 with an engine designed by Louis Rigoulot
In 1986–1987 Arman Peugeot gained both financial (without any investment from relatives who did not share Arman’s belief in the bright future of motoring) and technical (having abandoned Daimler engines) independence. In Odincourt, he organized his own enterprise specializing in the production of cars, and at the same time, Societe Anonyme des Automobiles Peugeot began producing an engine of its own design, developed by Louis Rigoulot. The first such motor with a power of 8 hp. was installed on the Type 15 version, which had a rear-engine layout, but then Peugeot designers switched to the classic front-engine layout. And soon a tilt steering column, rack and pinion steering and a classic steering wheel appeared on Peugeot cars. During this period, annual sales of Armand Peugeot products amounted to about 300 units - a quarter of all cars produced at that time in France, and the production employed more than 3,000 employees producing two dozen different models.
Ettore Bugatti himself took part in the development of the Type 69
At the Paris Motor Show in 1904, the company’s iconic model was presented - the “baby” Baby, a car with the Type 69 index, developed with the participation of the famous Ettore Bugatti. The length of the car was only 270 cm, weight - 350 kg, and the engine had a power of 6 hp. was able to accelerate the car to 40 km/h. The low price and a number of innovative solutions (rack and pinion steering, cardan instead of chain, transmission, shock absorber...) made the “Malyshka” an incredibly popular model. As soon as it went on sale, the car not only sold 400 copies, but was also subsequently updated. By the way, the updated Type 69 was the last project put into production during Armand Peugeot’s lifetime, in 1913 (Arman died in 1915). This period was very important in the history of the company: there was no longer any doubt in the Peugeot family that the automotive industry had become a very profitable business. Therefore, the company of Armand Peugeot merged with Les Fils de Peugeot Freres, the company of his cousin Ezhien. Peugeot's sports programs also resumed in 1912. For two years in a row, Peugeot cars excelled in the Grand Prix races of the Automobile Club of France. 1912 race winner Georges Boileau raced a car with an engine that had four valves per cylinder and overhead camshafts, a concept typical of later racing engines. And in 1913, when the Automobile Club of France returned to the rule of limiting fuel consumption, the winner of the race, the same Boillot, demonstrated the efficiency characteristic of diesel engines of the 70s of the twentieth century. At that time, Peugeot had an engine with a volume of 5655 cm3, a dry sump lubrication system and a cardan drive. It is worth noting that the average speed of the winner over a distance of 916 km was 116 km/h. Peugeot racers performed no less successfully overseas: in 1913, Jules Goux, driving a car with a 7.4-liter engine, won a 500-mile race on a track in Indianapolis, America. Peugeot cars, already with 4.9-liter engines, excelled on the same track in 1916 and 1919. The brand’s sporting successes in the period up to the 1930s can also be noted by victories in such races as Targa Florio, Coppa Florio, 24 Hours of Spa...
Peugeot 402 with a spectacularly raised metal roof
During the First World War, Peugeot enterprises were reoriented to the production of weapons, aircraft engines and ammunition, and after the war the company set a course for the production of inexpensive, economical cars. This helped Peugeot survive the Great Depression in the 1930s. In 1929, Peugeot released the 201 model with independent front suspension, the cheapest on the French market. It marked the beginning of the numbering of models with a zero in the middle. One of the iconic models of the late 30s in terms of style was the 402 Eclirse. Spectacular appearance, a “muzzle” with headlights hidden under the radiator grille, a folding top that rises electrically in just 15 seconds. During World War II, Peugeot produced the VLV, a three-wheeled model equipped with an electric motor and four batteries - the world's first mass-produced electric vehicle. During the war, the Peugeot plant in Sochaux came under German patronage and was subjected to severe bombing by Allied aircraft, and when the German troops retreated, the remaining equipment was taken to Germany. Nevertheless, already in 1946 Peugeot resumed mass production of cars, returning the 202 model to the assembly line (by the end of the year more than 14,000 copies were produced), and in 1949 the Peugeot 203 was released, which was produced until 1960. Another The “long-liver” was the 403 model, designed by Pininfarina, with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 65 hp, produced from 1955 to 1962, the sales volume of which amounted to a million copies. In fact, the 403 was supposed to replace the 203, but the popularity of the latter turned out to be so great that for a long time both models were produced in parallel. It is worth noting the Peugeot 204 – the first front-wheel drive car in the company’s range. In addition to a large selection of bodies, this model differed from its predecessors in that diesel was among the engine options offered. The collaboration with Pininfarina continued with the 404 model, the convertible version of which was not by chance considered one of the most beautiful cars of that time produced by Peugeot. Another fruit of cooperation with the famous design studio was the 504 Coupe model.
In 1974, an agreement was signed to merge Peugeot and Citroen into the PSA group, and, fortunately, some fears that Peugeot cars might lose their identity due to the merger were not realized. The advantages of the merger were the possibility of joint development and, as a result, the unification of individual parts, but no one canceled competition between the two companies. An example is the, albeit short-lived, but active rivalry between the two companies on the tracks of the World Rally Championship.
Immediately after the war, the 202nd model was returned to the Peugeot assembly line.
In 1983, Peugeot released the 205 model, and its version 205 GTi with 1.6 and 1.9 liter engines became a real bestseller among hatchbacks around the world! A sporty “assembled” suspension, clear and understandable steering, low weight and no auxiliary electronics. It is not surprising that this “rocket” had many sports versions. And if we talk about sports, then for the rally, according to the technical requirements of the then existing group B, the simply legendary “two hundred and fifth” was prepared - the Peugeot 205 Turbo T16. This unique car won two world rally titles in 1985 and 1986, and Timo Salonen and Juha Kankkunen became world champions in the driver's championship in the same years. When, after a series of tragedies on the rally tracks, Group B was banned, the Peugeot sports department switched to rally raids, building prototypes based on the 205 and 405 models. The performances were very successful: from 1987 to 1990. they had no equal at the famous Paris-Dakar marathon. This race was won three times by Ari Vatanen and once by Juha Kankkunen. After production of the “205” was discontinued in 1994, the corresponding niche in the range of Peugeot models was empty until 1998, when the Peugeot 206 was presented at the Paris Salon. And this model even surpassed its predecessor in popularity. Of course, Peugeot did not forget about the marketing component of the sport this time either: a year after the presentation of the “civilian” model, the French “world rally car” Peugeot 206 WRC entered the World Rally Championship tracks. And the very next year, Peugeot became the most successful team in the world championship: its driver Marcus Grönholm won the world champion title in the drivers' championship. Peugeot won the manufacturers' classification in the World Rally Championship in 2001, and the next year it did a double again, repeating the success of 2000: Grönholm again won the individual championship. Things were going well with other models as well. In 1995, another of the most popular models in the French company's car line was released - the Peugeot 406, the fruit of cooperation with both Citroen (the "four hundred and sixth" was built on the platform of the Xantia model) and with the Pininfarina design studio.
The Peugeot 203 was so successful that it was produced until 1960
An important fact of the commercial attractiveness of the 406 was that the numerous line of engines also included efficient diesel engines. This was the moment when many companies, especially European ones, due to environmental problems and economic reasons, tried to switch to alternative fuels. Four years later, the car was subjected to significant modifications, and its production continued until 2004. Sports programs associated with the 406 were also successful: cars prepared for circuit racing performed well in many European national championships. After the production of the “four hundred and sixth” was completed, it was replaced in the company’s sports programs by the 307th model, but with its entry to a serious global sports level, the company’s marketers clearly made a mistake. At the stages of the World Rally Championship, the Peugeot 307 WRC was able to score only three victories: in 2004 in Finland and in 2005 in Finland and Japan. After this, the PSA concern decided that the Citroen brand would remain in the World Rally Championship. But in circuit endurance racing, Peugeot sports prototypes preserved and increased the traditions of victories of the late 19th century. In 1990, the 905 model entered the “warpath” in the world championship among prototypes, which already in 1991 and 1992. won 8 out of 14 stages and won both the team and driver championships in 1992. That same year, as well as the following year, the 905 won victories in the 24-hour race at Le Mans. Le Mans was also conquered by Peugeot sports prototypes equipped with diesel engines: in 2009, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP finished in first and second positions.
Peugeot 404 is another fruit of collaboration with the design studio Pininfarina
Peugeot 504 Coupe – another fruit of collaboration with the Pininfarina design studio
Peugeot 205 GTi
Peugeot 205 Turbo T16
Version 205 Turbo for rally raids
Peugeot 206 and rally version of the 206 WRC
“406th” is one of the most popular models in the Peugeot range
The Peugeot 307 WRC was not as successful on the World Championship tracks as its “two hundred and sixth” brother
Peugeot 905
In the foreground is a Peugeot 908 HDi FAP
About a month ago, the PSMA Rus plant in Kaluga started production of passenger vans of the K0 project, which already includes two passenger versions of the Citroen SpaceTourer / Peugeot Traveler and two commercial ones - Citroen Jumpy / Peugeot Expert, launched back in February.
Just like commercial vans, passenger vans are assembled in Kaluga using the CKD-2 method: from the French Sevel Nord plant, located near Valenciennes, near the Belgian border, already welded body sides and the bottom arrive in Kaluga, and all other welding is done on PSMA . Now up to 12 bodies of K0 models are welded and painted per shift - there are almost no differences between the commercial and passenger versions at this stage, but on the assembly line, when the interior is completed, the power unit and chassis elements are installed.
The fact is that Citroen Jumpy / Peugeot Expert, produced in Russia, are not equipped with a urea injection system into the intake manifold, that is, an SCR neutralizer, but passenger cars just need it, despite the fact that there is no need to certify them under Euro-6.
PSMA Rus General Director Nicolas Febve confirmed that if urea injection is not installed on passenger versions of K0 vans, then they will not even be able to meet Euro-5 standards, which is required by Russian legislation. The weight of the Citroen SpaceTourer / Peugeot Traveler is significantly higher than that of its commercial “relatives” - mainly due to the interior trim and, in particular, the seats, so it’s simply impossible to do without AdBlue.
Henri Langovist, technical manager of the K0 project, said that if they had installed the SCR converter on the commercial versions, it would have greatly simplified logistics and assembly, but the plant went to the “inconvenience”, which made it possible to make the price of the commercial Citroen Jumpy / Peugeot Expert more attractive.
As for the assembly type - CKD-2, it allowed us to gain benefits in several directions at once. On the one hand, the task was to set up assembly in Kaluga as quickly as possible, and here this method fits perfectly. On the other hand, it allows you not to invest in expensive robots - workers carry out all welding with hand pliers, and special devices for automatic positioning of parts make it possible to eliminate errors and not connect parts at random.
In addition, although the capacity of the Kaluga welding line K0 is limited - it is 10 times less than that of the body welding line for Citroen C4 / Peugeot 408 sedans, which is idle most of the year, yet, working in three shifts, it is possible to produce about 9 thousand bodies. Obviously, for now this is significantly more than the Russian market can absorb. At least, I planned to sell about 6 thousand K0 models in 2019.
Meanwhile, the CKD-2 method also has disadvantages: it introduces strong dissonance into the work of the welding line at Sevel Nord, from where assembly units are constantly removed for the needs of Kaluga. According to Nicolas Febve, the robots at Sevel Nord work as many as four (!) shifts and still can’t cope - the demand for vans in Europe is so high, and here there are also “holes” due to the Russian plant.
Another disadvantage of the CKD-2 method is the relatively low share of added value. And this is a problem that, in light of the upcoming conclusion of Special Investment Contracts (they must be executed by all automakers by the end of the year), it will be the French management that will have to solve.
The fact is that the PSMA Rus plant will have one contract, and not divided into “French” and “Japanese” parts. At the same time, 70% of the enterprise belongs to the PSA Group. That is why the general director is appointed by the French side, and his deputy, Isao Taguchi, is appointed by Mitsubishi.
Nicolas Febve ironically remarks: “I, of course, can give the task to my deputy Taguchi-san to increase the degree of localization, however, I’m not sure that he will listen to me. The localization of the Japanese part of production depends solely on decisions made at Mitsubishi."
It’s interesting that Mitsubishi is doing much better with added production value than the French: both the Outlander and the frame Pajero Sport are produced in Kaluga using the CKD-3 method, which gives greater added value, and the French still only know about “Japanese” production volumes dream.
What to do in such a situation when there is a Special Investment Contract on the horizon? Obviously, you need to think about releasing a new model or large unit. Let us remember that at the beginning of March, at the launch of the assembly of commercial vans, Nicolas Febve mentioned the possible localization of the engine. Today Febwe does not say anything more definite, except that this project is currently under active development.
According to the site’s own data, the future Kaluga engine will be localized not only in assembly, but also in spare parts. Obviously, at first, PSMA managers will try to attract manufacturers of small items and attachments and will take into account drive belts, generators, power system elements, wiring, etc., while the engine block itself will come assembled. At the second stage, it is quite possible that in Kaluga they will establish mechanical processing of the block or even place an order for the manufacture of crankshafts from a third-party supplier - there are such companies in Russia. According to our data, we are talking about an engine for passenger cars. Moreover, a certain third-party Russian automaker is already considering installing an engine from PSMA Rus on its cars.
What about the new models? And here we have something to talk about. At PSMA Rus there is an ATP (Atelier Technique Prototype) workshop, hidden from prying eyes, with a so-called free layout - ATP has movable screens that can be used to arrange the space. In the Asia-Pacific region, the car is being studied to adapt it to the production capabilities of the Kaluga assembly line.
According to the site’s own data, work is now actively underway in the Asia-Pacific region with one of the Peugeot-Citroen models. What kind of car it will be, and by what method it will be produced at the plant, is not yet clear - Nicolas Febve does not give any explanations on this matter and asks for patience until the fall. However, the general director of PSMA Rus does not rule out that the issue of launching an all-wheel drive version of SpaceTourer in Kaluga may be considered in the near future.
Let us remember that Citroen has long established ties with the company Dangel, which was engaged in refining the company’s basic models, including the production of all-wheel drive versions. By the way, now in Europe both passenger and commercial 4x4 vans, in particular, the Citroen SpaceTourer / Jumpy 4x4, are very popular among active recreation enthusiasts. Moreover, as Henri Langovist told us, the K0 project is the first model in the history of PSA in the development of which Dangel engineers were directly involved - precisely in order to install all-wheel drive elements in standard places, and not saw through half the body.
Meanwhile, the mysterious (at first glance) PSA model, which is now being toyed with in the ATP, will definitely not be put on the Kaluga assembly line in the near future - that’s a matter for next year. The fact is that along the way we talked with Nicolas Febve’s deputy, the Japanese Taguchi-san. There will be a separate article about this, however, for now we will present part of the content of the conversation. Taguchi-san outlined for us the duration of all the cycles of putting a car on the PSMA conveyor. The entire process can take up to 18 months, and the APR stage separates the launch from about 12-15 months. What does it mean? This means that the new model will be delivered to the Kaluga assembly line approximately at the end of the third quarter of 2019.
Let's think about it: doesn't PSA currently have any new model on the European market, the prospects of which in terms of gaining popularity in the Russian market would not raise the slightest doubt? Yes, there is such a model - this is the Peugeot Rifter. He is also the future Citroen Berlingo, he is also (drum roll!) – Opel Combo. What kind of motor do they put on them? Including 1.2 PureTech. Where is it brought to Europe from? That's right, from China. Well, the fact that Kaluga is located right between China and France - any schoolchild will confirm this to you...
As well as special purpose vehicles. Bicycles, motorcycles and engines of a real brand are quite in demand. The history of Peugeot dates back to the 18th century. Initially, the family enterprise was limited to the production of various steel products.
The beginning of the Peugeot enterprise was distinguished by the production of springs for watches and blades for saws. Then the range expanded and the brothers began to produce more advanced and complex products for that time: coffee grinders, tools, spice mills, irons, sewing machines, umbrellas. By the eighties of the last century, the family business had already grown into a fairly large enterprise operating in the metalworking industry of France. During the same period, the products of this brand are already exported to several countries.
Invention of the bicycle
In 1882, Peugeot produced the Le Grand-Bi bicycle. This was the organization's first experience in vehicle production. Initially, only the production of spokes for bicycle wheels was established, and then, on the initiative of Armand Peugeot, the grandson of the company founder, who is fond of cycling, serial production of bicycles began. They had a chain drive.
The first products featured wheels of different sizes. The front one was 1.86 m, and the rear one was 0.4 m. Gradually, the production of such promising vehicles gained momentum. Quite quickly, Peugeot becomes the leading bicycle manufacturer in France. And in our time the situation does not change.
Le Grand-Bi is Peugeot's first bicycle, released in 1882. Main stages of development
The history of the Peugeot company goes back more than 120 years. After mastering the bicycle market, the company began to mass-produce mopeds, motorcycles, and scooters.
The history of the Peugeot brand in relation to the automotive industry begins with the release of the three-wheeled steam engine Serpolette-Peugeot. But this experience was considered not entirely successful and after that steam structures were no longer produced.
In 1891, a four-wheeled car was produced. The engine in this car was from Daimler. During the same period, the company's name changed to Les fils de Peugeot frères. Peugeot produced its own engine in 1896, and the company ceased to depend on anyone else.
The most significant and high-profile event in the history of the company was the release of “Little Peugeot”. This is what people called the inexpensive single-cylinder Peugeot Bebe. This car was intended for the poor middle class.
Before World War I, France was a leader in automobile production. And half of all products were from the Peugeot company. This means that the brand’s products during this period occupied 1st place in the world. Before the start of the war, the organization began to introduce the method of conveyor production of cars.
At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, more and more new car models were introduced. In 1923, the number of cars produced already exceeded 10 thousand units. The thirties were marked by the appearance on Peugeot cars of an electric awning lift and independent front suspension.
The Second World War destroyed many of the company's production buildings, and work was restored only in 1949.
Peugeot began buying shares in Citroen in 1974. Subsequently, one company was created, Peugeot Societe Anonyme (PSA). However, both brands were retained.
The Peugeot company also controlled the Maserati brand and headed the European division of Chrysler in 1978.
The modern concern is the largest private enterprise and is in second place in Europe in the production of cars. During 2012, car production volume exceeded 3 million units, and in total more than 1.6 million cars were released under the Peugeot brand.
Company `s logo
Like any other automobile company, Peugeot has its own logo. Despite everything, for more than 120 years, the original heraldic French lion will remain unchanged.
The first vehicle, released in 1882, had an emblem in the form of a lion facing left with a royal crown. This symbolism was not chosen by chance. The province in France where Peugeot's founder was from has a lion on its coat of arms.
The direction of the lion has never changed for 120 years. But the figure itself has undergone many changes. In 1891, the crown disappeared and the body and mane increased in size. The color of the lion was changed from black and white to gold, which is a symbol of wealth, luxury and success.
For the period 1912–1920. the logo was deprived of the image of a lion. However, after the First World War, the lion reappeared. Its size, appearance and background color have changed many times. The last evolution of the emblem occurred in 2000. The beast has become convex, and under the figure of the lion the name of the Peugeot brand is printed. The animal is depicted against a dark or black background. In some exceptional cases, the substrate may be red.
Facts from history
The history of the creation of the Peugeot brand is fraught with many interesting facts. For example, the Peugeot car was equipped with the first in the world. And in 1892, the Bey of Algeria ordered the production of a single copy of a car with a body made of pure cast silver.
In 1941, Peugeot designers created a lightweight vehicle for getting around the city. It was a three-wheeled electric cycle.
Peugeot cars have appeared in many popular films. For example, the car of the famous Inspector Columbo and a taxi from a series of films from Luc Besson. Among Russian stars, Anton Makarsky, Alena Apina and others prefer Peugeot.
Peugeot cars have repeatedly won prizes at European competitions. The PSA concern has opened its own museum in London's Soho, which houses more than 150 cars.
Peugeot in sports
The production of Peugeot high-speed cars is quite successful. In the Paris-Rouen automobile race in 1894, the Peugeot car took second place. Many victories were also won in Austria, Germany, and France.
The nineties are significant because Peugeot cars won victories in the world championship.
Key models of the brand
Peugeot designers have given the world many cars. Some of them left a particularly vivid mark on history:
- At the very beginning of the 20th century, the Peugeot Bebe enjoyed deserved popularity. And in 1913, the world was presented with the fastest car of its time - the Peugeot Goux. It was capable of reaching a speed of 187 km/h.
- The thirties and forties gave the world the 302 and 402 models. They had a classic design and elegant design.
- In 1957, the Peugeot 404 was produced, which is considered an “eternal” car. It has several modifications. Until 1975, a total of 1.4 million units were produced.
- The Peugeot 205, which has small dimensions, has become something of a legend in the automotive industry and received nationwide love.
- Release of the popular compact car - Peugeot 106.
- And in 1996, the Partner model was released. The real car was produced in quantities of more than 1 million units in just 33 months.
- Throughout the history of the Peugeot company, it was the Peugeot 206 that became the absolute sales leader. In total, more than 5 million cars rolled off the assembly line.
- In 2001, the Peugeot 307 was introduced to consumers. It was recognized as the best car in the world in 2002.
Peugeot in Russia
On the Russian market, the Peugeot company is deservedly considered the patriarch, because bicycles of this brand were supplied to Russia at the end of the 19th century.
The Peugeot brand is very popular in Russia. Many models exported to our country were specially designed taking into account our poor roads. The Peugeot brand is in the top ten best-selling cars in the Russian Federation.
To summarize, we can say that today the Peugeot company produces comfortable, reliable and adapted for Russia cars. Its specialists continue to improve their designs further. They use new production technologies for this and try to create even more advanced vehicles.