26/06/08

Peugeot: a future based on low environmental impact

50 million units produced, an event celebrated in eco-style

When the 50 millionth unit left the assembly line, at the Peugeot headquarters the event was celebrated by uncorking several bottles of champagne. In little longer than a century the French automaker has opened 24 factories , sold over 160 models and designed 34 segments, from the 201 to the 308. From Sochaux the group has won far-off markets such as China and Brazil, where the 2007 results show 13.8% and 19% increases.

But the Lion’s history is not made up of ‘plain numbers’ and annals only, indeed, its present and future are marked by research and innovation mainly in the environmental sector. Actually, when the French company had the hunch for the FAP, soon after it was adopted by other automakers.

From its launch up until today some 1.8 million Peugeot cars, fitted with particulate filters, are estimated to be driving on the roads. The same applies to the Start & Stop system which, according to the company, will be available in an updated version and produced in great amounts. But the future also means hybrid technology, whose debut as well as the diesel Hdi engine’s is scheduled by 2010. Once again from the ‘plain figures’ we learn that over the past seven years in the European market Peugeot has sold one million one hundred thousand cars whose CO2 emissions are lower than 120 g/km, while 40% of the cars sold in 2007 recorded a figure lower than 130g/km. At this stage the pathway towards the future has already been drawn.