While we’ve known for some time that the PSA Group will be making a return to the U.S. and Canada, the official word has always been that it could happen with any of its core brands, including Citroen, DS or even the newly acquired Opel.
Now, however, we have official confirmation from the company’s CEO Carlos Tavares, stating it will be the Peugeot brand that will spearhead the French group’s comeback, entering a market it once exited 28 years ago, as reported by Autonews Europe.
Why Peugeot?
According to Tavares, it was the Peugeot brand’s “strong growth” and profitability that led to this decision. As for which specific model/models or where its U.S.-bound vehicles will be built, those are decisions that will likely be made by mid-year. At this point, there is no reason to rush, since the time frame to have vehicles on sale in the U.S. is anytime between now and 2026.
The company also said that 15 states and four Canadian provinces have been shortlisted as possible points of entry for sales. These states have customers who are willing to buy imports and represent 62% of vehicle sales nationwide, said the French automaker, which is also in the process of homologating vehicles for the U.S. market, a process that’s expected to take several years.
As for why Peugeot exited the U.S. market in the first place back in 1991, it happened because of a recession, slumping sales and the rising costs of U.S. regulations – they sold just 4,292 cars in 1990, nearly 80% less than in 1984.
Which Peugeot models would you like to see coming to North America?
It would be interesting to hear from you which cars from Peugeot’s current range you’d like to get first in the USA and Canada, so voice ahead your thoughts in the comments!
