PSA Peugeot Citroën extends its range with its new...

Developed as part of the cooperation agreement between Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and PSA Peugeot Citroën, the new SUVs will be marketed by the Peugeot and Citroën brands from July 2007 with an HDi engine and a particulate filter (DPFS). The sales target of 30,000 units a year will enable the Group to become a major player in a segment with high growth prospects in Europe.

The SUV segment was a niche market in Europe in the early 90s, but since then sales have risen significantly and continuously. Four-wheel drive vehicles now account for 6% of the passenger vehicle market in Europe, with sales of more than 1 million units in 2005, making them a segment apart.

A successful agreement for both groups
The two groups decided in 2005 to join forces and work on an SUV-type 4WD vehicle platform already under development at MMC. The agreement concerned adapting this platform for the Peugeot and Citroën makes. Concluded on a “win-win” basis, it is clearly advantageous for both partners. PSA Peugeot Citroën gains access to 4WD technology enabling it to market a new product range in the European SUV market, while Mitsubishi Motors recuperates on its investment through higher sales.

The best of both worlds: the sense of safety and the possibility of travelling off the beaten path that come with a 4WD combined with the driving pleasure of a saloon
Mitsubishi Motors provides a new platform based on its renowned technical expertise in 4WD vehicles. To obtain product definition compliant with Group standards, PSA Peugeot Citroën took part in developing and adapting its SUVs, notably regarding running gear. Brakes, steering, suspension, rear axles and tyres have all been reworked and adjusted to ensure the highest levels of comfort and road behaviour, compliant with the demanding requirements of the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group in this area.

PSA Peugeot Citroën fits its SUVs with the best in clean diesel technology
Seeking to reconcile leisure and the environment, Peugeot and Citroën have equipped all the models as standard with the Group’s particulate filter (DPFS) and the latest 2.2 HDi diesel engine. This engine is also designed to run on up to 30% biodiesel, as are all the HDi engines of the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group. The Group thus consolidates its position as world leader in clean diesel vehicles with particulate filters.
The SUVs’ common-rail, direct-injection diesel engine is based on the block already fitted on the Group’s mid- and high-range vehicles. Developed in partnership with the Ford group, it has been adapted to the special requirements of 4WD vehicles.

PSA Peugeot Citroën underlines the identity of the brands
Faithful to its strategy, the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group made it a priority that each brand’s vehicle should have its own clear identity, so a great deal of effort went into interior and exterior styling.

PSA Peugeot Citroën offers levels of safety, comfort and driving pleasure unheard of in this segment

With this new product offering, PSA Peugeot Citroën is pursuing its strategy of entering new market segments while at the same time renewing its existing ranges. The Group gives both brands additional resources to win over new customers that want to drive “differently” without having to surrender driving pleasure, comfort and respect for the environment.