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PSA Peugeot Citroen, Bosch working on compressed-air, battery-free hybrid

Danny King — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hybrid, GM, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot

Nike single-handedly popularized the term "swoosh." If a new and unexpected project works out as planned, PSA Peugeot Citroen might do the same with "whoosh."

PSA Peugeot Citroen is working on a drivetrain that would hybridize a conventional engine with compressed air in one of the automaker's B-segment compact hatchbacks. The vehicle, which could go into production as soon as 2016, would include a hydraulic pump that allows the car to run in all-gasoline, all-air or combined (aka "hybrid air") modes. The system, which is being developed with Bosch, could offer more than 80 miles per gallon (on the more lenient European driving cycle) without the need for a big hybrid battery. PSA Peugeot Citroen is ultimately looking to develop an air hybrid that would get 118 miles per gallon.

Additionally, a PSA Peugeot Citroen spokesman tells Automotive News that General Motors may use the air hybrid system as well. Early last year, GM acquired a seven-percent stake in PSA Peugeot Citroen as part of an agreement in which the two companies plan to share vehicle platforms and components. PSA Peugeot Citroen's press release is available below.

Other air cars (not hybrids like this one) have been tried before, but the promises we heard about those didn't always turn out.

Continue reading PSA Peugeot Citroen, Bosch working on compressed-air, battery-free hybrid

PSA Peugeot Citroen, Bosch working on compressed-air, battery-free hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi recalling 14,700 i-MiEV, iON, C-Zero electric vehicles [UPDATE]

Danny King — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot, Europe/EU

In what is likely the largest EV recall ever, Mitsubishi is recalling about 14,700 electric vehicles worldwide because of a braking issue, Reuters reports.

Of the recalled vehicles, about 12,300 are i-MiEVs while 2,400 are Minicab-MiEVs. About 9,000 vehicles are in Europe, and some are badged as PSA Peugeot iON and Citroen C-Zero models, says Reuters. It's not clear if the US version of the i is also affected, but there is not yet a recall notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

The recall stems from a faulty electric brake pump that's supposed to send air to the brake booster, and the repair is said to take about 30 minutes. About 27,000 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs and i models have been sold since the model debuted overseas in mid-2009, meaning that about 45 percent of those vehicles are subject to the recall.

Mitsubishi sold only 588 units of the i in the US last year, fewer than the limited-production Ford Focus Electric. More recently, Consumer Reports reviewed the Mitsubishi and critiqued it for its lack of pep and cheap-looking finishes, among other things.

UPDATE: US-i vehicles are indeed affected, as a new post to the NHTSA website notes. 1,402 i models will need their vacuum pumps replaced, and the details on what to do if you have one of these are available below.

Continue reading Mitsubishi recalling 14,700 i-MiEV, iON, C-Zero electric vehicles [UPDATE]

Mitsubishi recalling 14,700 i-MiEV, iON, C-Zero electric vehicles [UPDATE] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW breaks up with PSA Peugeot Citroen, will develop hybrids in-house

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Hydrogen, BMW, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot

File this one in the envelope labeled 'Unsurprising'.

BMW has announced, according to Bloomberg, that it is ending its partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroën just eight months after the agreement to collaborate on fuel-efficient vehicles was announced.

Recall that the dual-headed French automaker recently shacked up with General Motors - causing BMW to halt its fuel-cell-development talks with GM - to co-develop future technologies, and BMW announced its intentions to work more closely with Toyota. Reading between the lines, it seemed as if BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën were content to go their separate ways.

The bits and pieces of the BMW Peugeot Citroën Electrification partnership that have already moved forward will be enveloped by BMW, though it's still unclear what will happen to the joint venture's employees. In any case, don't expect any of these automakers to slow down development of future fuel-efficient technologies.

BMW breaks up with PSA Peugeot Citroen, will develop hybrids in-house originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault gets an order fo 15,000 Kangoo Z.E. all-electric vans

Mark Sumner — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, PSA, Europe/EU

Renault's Kangoo Van Z.E. may not be the most stylish EV on the market, but it is on its way to becoming one of the most popular. Renault has announced that the results of a competitive bidding process have led to the sale of 15,637 units of the electric van, with 10,000 of those orders coming from the French postal authority. Another 1,500 of the little haulers are slated for Électricité de France, the second largest French utility company.

The Kangoo is priced between £16,990 and £18,690 ($27,640 and $30,410 U.S. at current exchange rates) with a required £59 ($96) per-month lease on the battery. Renault has been able to reduce prices and get the Kangoo to market relatively quickly because it builds the EV version of the van on the same production lines that are already cranking out the internal combustion Kangoo. With a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, the van is expected to get over 100 miles on a change, making it well suited to the demands of most postal routes and other commercial uses.

In 2012, Renault expects to add the Fluence sedan, compact Zoe, and the unique Twizy to its line of EVs. However, the on-again off-again support from the French government may slow the release of some vehicles.

Continue reading Renault gets an order fo 15,000 Kangoo Z.E. all-electric vans

Renault gets an order fo 15,000 Kangoo Z.E. all-electric vans originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler, BMW, PSA seek profit in carsharing

Eric Loveday — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Transportation Alternatives, BMW, Mercedes Benz, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot, Daimler

When Daimler launched its first North American Car2go pilot project in partnership with the city of Austin,TX back in November 2009, it probably anticipated that the program's growth rate would be quite rapid. But this big, this fast? With 15,000-plus members already registered, the sheer size has convinced Daimler it should expand the operation.

Other automakers have taken notice of Daimler's successful carsharing program and are working on similar projects of their own. PSA Peugeot-Citroen offers a business-to-business carsharing service in France and BMW on Demand provides members with short-term access to the automaker's vehicles in Germany.

In the interest of turning a profit, automakers are keeping a watchful eye on the success of carsharing. Automotive News (sub. req.) reports that Daimler's Car2go service in Germany has actually convinced people to forego buying a Mazda or Fiat model, instead choosing to share a vehicle with others. In general, carsharing programs rarely turn a profit. However, automakers hope that by swiping sales from their competitors and enrolling members who aren't interested in buying a vehicle but are willing to pay a small fee for the use of an auto, a lucrative carsharing business will materialize.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Daimler, BMW, PSA seek profit in carsharing originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW, PSA Peugeot Citroen to develop hybrid components for FWD vehicles

Eric Loveday — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, BMW, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot

2010 BMW 135i - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're well aware that BMW plans to introduce several compact, front-wheel-drive models in the U.S. within the next few years. We also know that BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen have been cooperating on engine development for several years, which includes a jointly designed four-cylinder gasoline engine that's about to go under the knife for a complete redesign and emerge as a Euro 6-compliant four banger. Now, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), it's known that BMW and PSA will expand their collaborative agreement to include the development of hybrid components for FWD models as well.

Unsurprisingly, neither party will discuss the specifics of the deal, but joint development and production of these components will allow both companies to leverage economies of scale. The deal should also speed up the hybridization process and perhaps create a competitive advantage for both brands, as well as reignite rumors about BMW's upcoming FWD vehicles.

If you recall, at the Annual Accounts Press Conference back in March, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW, had this to say:

[The small car] segment is expected to grow further. And we will take advantage of this opportunity. We are exploring the possibility of developing a joint architecture for the front and four-wheel drive systems of these cars. In other words: There will be front-wheel drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future.

Now, this latest hybrid agreement between BMW and PSA allows us to speculate that at least one of the upcoming, FWD models could feature a gas-electric powertrain as well. You think?

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW, PSA Peugeot Citroen to develop hybrid components for FWD vehicles

BMW, PSA Peugeot Citroen to develop hybrid components for FWD vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA, Mitsubishi Motors pair up to electrify Partner and Berlingo vans for production by 2012

Eric Loveday — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot

Citroen Berlingo

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and PSA Peugeot Citroen have reached an agreement to extend their collaborative electric vehicle (EV) efforts beyond the initial arrangement that brought the i-MiEV (and its European relatives, the Peugeot iON and Citroen C-Zero) to life. MMC and PSA have now announced plans to jointly develop a pair of electric vans that will move the company past the egg-shaped EV trio.

The Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo, two vans that are currently available either as people movers or in slab-sided light-duty commercial attire, will undergo the electrification process. Both MMC and PSA will work together to hatch out the technical details and the electrified models will be built at PSA's Vigo plant in Spain by the end of 2012. Hat tip to David!

[Source: Mitsubishi Motors]

Continue reading PSA, Mitsubishi Motors pair up to electrify Partner and Berlingo vans for production by 2012

PSA, Mitsubishi Motors pair up to electrify Partner and Berlingo vans for production by 2012 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Citroen to offer gasoline loaner to lessees of C-Zero electric car

Eric Loveday — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, PSA, Citroen, Green Daily

Citroen C-Zero - Click above for high-res image gallery

PSA Peugeot Citroen has devised a novel plan aimed at capturing a potentially large number of buyers who would otherwise scoff at the idea of buying or even leasing an electric vehicle (EV). First, Citroen plans to lease, and not sell, its upcoming C-Zero electric city car, and the company's plan doesn't end there. According to a report from Bloomberg, the C Zero's lease plan will likely include a stipulation that grants lessees access to a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle for trips that exceed the C-Zero's 93-mile range limitation. Bloomberg prodded for more details, but Citroen spokeswoman Valerie Gillot would not comment.

Peugeot Citroen product director, Vincent Besson, did offer up some words to justify company's decision to lease, rather than outright sell, the C-Zero. He explained it like this:

Leasing makes the most sense because electric cars are going to force consumers to think in terms of running costs rather than sticker price, the way company fleet managers already do.

Leasing can be a logical option and offering a loaner gasoline-powered vehicle might help boost buyer interest, but if someone is seriously considering this deal, then wouldn't a Chevrolet Volt or perhaps even a plug-in Prius make more sense?

Gallery: Citroen C-Zero

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Citroen to offer gasoline loaner to lessees of C-Zero electric car originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA Peugeot-Citroen receives $259M loan for development of plug-in hybrids

Eric Loveday — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot, Green Daily

2010 Peugeot 3008 - Click above for high-res image gallery

PSA Peugeot-Citroen is one of just a handful of companies that have displayed an interest in developing plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that utilize an efficient diesel engine, combined with an electric motor. It's been argued that the efficiency benefits of diesel technology would undoubtedly make for one killer plug-in hybrid and Peugeot-Citroen hopes that its PHEV efforts will shed some light on the advantages of using diesel over gasoline.

Peugeot-Citroen has dedicated some 500 employees to its diesel plug-in program with hopes of launching several models within the next few years, including a plug-in hybrid version of the 3008, pictured above. Now, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has decided that Peugeot-Citroen's efforts warrant a significant investment. The EIB has agreed to loan Peugeot-Citroen $259 million (U.S., at the current exchange rate) to fund the development of plug-in hybrids. The $259 million brings Peugeot-Citroen's total plug-in hybrid outlay to $518 million. Follow the jump for more on PSA's plug-in hybrid plans.

Gallery: 2010 Peugeot 3008

[Source: PSA Peugeot-Citroen]

Continue reading PSA Peugeot-Citroen receives $259M loan for development of plug-in hybrids

PSA Peugeot-Citroen receives $259M loan for development of plug-in hybrids originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi and PSA finalize deal for 100,000 electric vehicles

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot

Peugeot iOn EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen have finalized a supply deal that will see the Japanese automaker provide 100,000 electric vehicles to the French company over the life of the agreement. How long said agreement lasts hasn't been publicly announced, but Mitsubishi is due to start building the French-badged cars this October.

The re-badged iMiEV electric cars will be sold under the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero brands in Europe. Aside from the left-hand drive and slightly different fascias, the cars will be essentially unchanged from the iMiEV that is already on sale in Japan. Mitsubishi quotes a range of 100 miles but real world results are likely to be in the 60-80 mile range. Peugeot and Citroen have not yet announced pricing for the European market.

Gallery: Peugeot iOn

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi and PSA finalize deal for 100,000 electric vehicles

Mitsubishi and PSA finalize deal for 100,000 electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW and PSA to continue small four-cylinder collaboration

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot

The current-generation Mini uses a range of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines produced by a joint venture between BMW and French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen and it looks like that will continue into the foreseeable future. The two companies' chairmen, Norbert Reithofer and Philippe Varin, signed an agreement today to continue the partnership and build new Euro-VI-compliant versions of the engines. The powerplants will continue to propel both Minis and various Peugeot and Citroen vehicles.

The combined production of the engine family over the past four years amounts to over 1.3 million units. The partners have been pleased enough with the program that they will look at other systems to collaborate on.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW and PSA to continue small four-cylinder collaboration

BMW and PSA to continue small four-cylinder collaboration originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot updates 1.6-liter HDI engine to meet Euro-V regulations

Xavier Navarro — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, PSA, Peugeot, Europe/EU

The new year means it's time for Peugeot to update its 1.6-liter HDI diesel engine and adapt it for the Euro V specifications. The new engine gets two additional horsepower added to the current 110 hp and its torque is increased by 12.5 percent. The existing overboost function increases available torque up to 270 Nm (200 pound-feet) when the gas pedal is pressed. The improvements come from a revised combustion chamber that lowers the compression ratio and reduces emissions. The new engine also comes with Diesel Particulate Filters as standard. Fuel consumption is officially rated at 5.3 l/100 km (44 miles per gallon U.S.). The model will first be seen under the Peugeot 308CC hood, where it becomes the base diesel offering, but we expect the engine to be present in all PSA vehicle and European Fords very soon. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Peugeot updates 1.6-liter HDI engine to meet Euro-V regulations

Peugeot updates 1.6-liter HDI engine to meet Euro-V regulations originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peugeot SR1 hybrid roadster concept revealed far ahead of Geneva

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, PSA, Peugeot, Geneva Motor Show

Peugeot SR1 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

French automaker Peugeot will pull the wraps off a brand-new concept vehicle called the SR1 at the Geneva Motor Show later this year. Unlike a number of recent Peugeot cars and concepts, the SR1 isn't hallmarked by quirky, love-it-or-hate-it styling. Instead, we see a somewhat traditional long-hood, short-deck profile with some interesting details, such as the creased indentation in the doors that's echoed in both the front and rear fascias. Also note the redesigned Lion logo, which we surmise will show up on all future Peugeots from here on out.

Power for the SR1 (which, of course, has nothing at all to do with the Corvette ZR1) comes courtesy of Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology, which pairs a small 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels with a 95-horsepower electric motor at the rear. The all-wheel drive, through-the-road hybrid system will make its production debut in 2011 inside the 3008 crossover, with other models to follow not long after that.

Other concept-appropriate bits and pieces include a new removable plastic roof panel using technology that's borrowed from the world of sailing, a three-seat layout with the third passenger behind the twin front seats and instrumentation that pairs futuristic crystal tubes displaying current fuel consumption and remaining range with a classic timepiece designed by Bell & Ross. Continuing the old versus new theme are black nickel and satin chrome trim with traditional wood and leather inlays.

With 313 combined horsepower, fuel mileage estimated at 57.7 mpg (European, 48 miles per gallon U.S.) and carbon emissions of just 119 grams per kilometer, the Peugeot SR1 ought to be a mean, green performer. Plus, its speed-sensitive four-wheel steering and lightweight structure should equal formidable handling prowess. Of course, we may never know for sure, as this car, though signaling Peugeot's new styling direction, is nothing more than a concept at this point.

[Source: Peugeot]

Peugeot SR1 hybrid roadster concept revealed far ahead of Geneva originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters

Xavier Navarro — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, PSA

For 10 years, diesels lovers have had a reason to celebrate their engines a little bit more than before: filters that reduce pollution. Called Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), the devices were first introduced by Peugeot at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1999. The lucky vehicle was a Peugeot 607. As you might know, DPFs come in two versions. Some of them, like the ones used by PSA, need a special additive, called Eolys. Others, like the ones used at Toyota, store the pollutants in a chamber and burns them when necessary. Peugeot has sold 2.1 million cars with PDFs, 233,000 of them in Germany.

[Source: Auto News]

Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi iMiEV earns its chevrons - bring on the Citroën C-Zero

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi, PSA, Citroen

Citroen C-Zero - click above for high res image gallery

Last summer, French automaker PSA and Mitsubishi announced that the two companies would partner on electric vehicle development for the European market. Prior to the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot announced that it would market a version of the Mitsubishi iMiEV as the iOn and now sister brand Citroën has announced its own version of the car. Following its usual naming convention and the emissions free nature of the car, the Citroën is badged as the C-Zero.

The C-Zero will become the second battery-powered vehicle in the Citroën lineup in the fourth quarter of 2010 along with the Berlingo van. The C-Zero will be eligible for a €5,000 tax break in France. Like the iMiEV, the C-Zero takes 6 hours to charge its battery from a 220V European outlet. A special 400V / 125A charger can provide 80 percent replenishment in 30 minutes. Citroën is quoting a range of 80 miles on a full charge.

Gallery: Citroen C-Zero

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Mitsubishi iMiEV earns its chevrons - bring on the Citroën C-Zero

Mitsubishi iMiEV earns its chevrons - bring on the Citroën C-Zero originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: PSA to build Bolloré's BlueCar/B0?

Xavier Navarro — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:17:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, PSA

_{2008 Pininfarina B0 concept, the basis for the Bluecar - Click above for high-res image gallery}

Since Pininfarina is going through some rough times,the French press is speculating about what Bolloré is going to do about manufacturing the BlueCar. According to Ouest-France, Bolloré could be negotiating with a French manufacturer to build the car or play a role in part of the car's production. The manufacturer could be PSA, a company that has a manufacturing facility in Rennes, very close where Bolloré's batteries are manufactured (in Ergué-Gaberic, France). PSA CEO Philippe Varin didn't confirm what will happen, although most local politicians are happily speculating about this possibility. Currently, the PSA Rennes facility is running at very low capacity, and assembling this car would seriously boost their production.

[Source: Ouest-France via Le Blog Auto]

Rumormill: PSA to build Bolloré's BlueCar/B0? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: BMW and PSA partnership will go beyond engine sharing

Xavier Navarro — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, BMW, MINI, PSA, Citroen, Peugeot

BMW and PSA share a couple powertrains: The diesel Minis have the 1.6 HDi developed by PSA, while the 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline engines were co-developed with BMW. However, BMW chief exec Norbert Reithofer has confirmed in the Financial Times that the two European automakers could begin sharing not just powertrains, but platforms as well - specifically with Mini. From here, we can speculate that the DS3 could form the underpinnings of a forthcoming Mini SUV? Perhaps a new Peugeot 207 John Cooper Works? Whatever happens, it won't be a new German-French auto alliance.

[Source Pistonheads via Le Blog Auto]

Rumor: BMW and PSA partnership will go beyond engine sharing originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: PSA says it's not working with Mitsubishi on plug-in hybrids

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Mitsubishi, PSA, Peugeot

Mitsubishi i MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

PSA, the parent company of Peugeot and Citroën, this morning denied a report that came out in the Japanese Nikkei business newspaper about a new tie-up with Mitsubishi. The paper had reported that PSA and Mitsubishi would be collaborating on plug-in hybrid vehicles. The two automakers are working together on battery EVs with Mitsubishi supplying a version of its iMiEV to the French company, along with lithium ion batteries for other applications.

However, PSA says that it is developing its own plug-in hybrid technology. This is likely to be based on its Hybrid4 through the road hybrid system that debuted last fall at the Paris Motor Show. This system uses a conventional gas or diesel powertrain driving one axle with an electric motor driving the other. It is mechanically simpler than a power split hybrid and easier to implement. Mitsubishi is also working on its own plug-in hybrid system targeted for a 2013 release.

Gallery: i MiEV

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: PSA says it's not working with Mitsubishi on plug-in hybrids originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The best of the French low-carbon auto industry displayed at the Ministry of Environmental Affairs

Xavier Navarro — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:54:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, PSA, Legislation and Policy, Renault, Europe/EU

The parking spaces at the French Ministry of Environmental affairs was recently filled with alternative cars in many flavors. The alt-fuel vehicles were introduced to Jean-Louis Borloo, the French Environmental Minister and are the results of a €57 million investment from ADEME (The French Agency for Environmental and Wise Usage of Energy - quite a name, no?).

Renault participated with three new items: the Velroue, a hybrid city car; a system to improve EV range called Vega/Thop; and a plug-in rechargeable 12-ton freight truck. PSA brought two projects, a hybrid car that favors electricity over the ICE and a new hybrid system. Valeo, Heuliez, EDF, Total and several Universities also had technologies to showcase. Borloo announced that French institutions will purchase up to 100,000 EVs in the coming years, once the recharging station infrastructure is set up.

[Source: Autoplus]

The best of the French low-carbon auto industry displayed at the Ministry of Environmental Affairs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA expands production of transmissions for better fuel efficiency

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:38:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, PSA

PSA has produced 30 million transmissions at its Valenciennes factory near Calais, France since opening in 1981, and it has just launched an expansion there. While the plant produces four different types of transmissions, the expansion is focused on the two newest designs for the mechanical compact gearbox. This transmission is available in two varieties, one fully manual and the second and automated unit that activates the clutch and gear changes robotically.

The new gearboxes are 6-speed units and the automated version is known as the MCP. Both of the units can help reduce fuel consumption by up to five percent. The expansion will add 75,000 square feet to the 452,000 square foot facility. This will allow Peugeot to up production of the fuel saving transmissions from the current 1,750 units to 2,625 units daily.

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading PSA expands production of transmissions for better fuel efficiency

PSA expands production of transmissions for better fuel efficiency originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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