PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Toyota will continue their collaboration in the minicar segment in Europe, the French group’s CEO told a German magazine. “Yes, the next generation will once again be jointly developed and produced in the Czech Republic,” Philippe Varin said in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport.
Speculation about PSA’s partnerships with other carmakers had arisen after reports about the French carmaker ending an engine cooperation deal with BMW surfaced. Most analysts viewed that as a consequence of PSA’s alliance with General Motors.
The Peugeot107 and Citroen C1 are built on the same assembly line as the Toyota Aygo in Kolin, Czech Republic. The next generation of the minicars is expected early next year. Since starting production in February 2005, the Toyota Peugeot Citroen Automobile (TPCA) joint venture has made more than 2 million vehicles. The Kolin plant has a capacity of around 300,000 vehicles a year.
In the same interview, Philippe Varin said the BMW engine deal will not be terminated, contrary to recent reports. He said PSA and BMW are jointly developing the 6.1 version of the EP engine and haven’t announced any decision beyond 2017. There will be talks about an extension of the deal, but “our decision must take into account the Euro-7 emissions legislation,” Varin said.
As for PSA’s alliance with General Motors, the CEO said the French carmaker is on track to reach $1 billion cost reduction, with the two groups deciding to build two models together: a van the size of the Opel Meriva and a crossover the size of the Peugeot 3008.
By Dan Mihalascu
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