Peugeot is back. Now with a Global Small Car

Peugeot 309 Car

Wehey!! Peugeot is ready to make a comeback, this time with a small car. Peugeot was one of the first auto majors to set shop in India in the 1990′s when the gates were thrown open to multinational investment.

Back then, Peugeot produced the 309 in India but their dreams were short lived. The 309 never caught the attention of the Indian buyer and in 1997 Peugeot pulled out completely. Now though, almost 13 years later, they are back. Peugeot is all set to make a comeback with a global small car developed jointly with Mitsubishi. Peugeot spokesperson confirmed this to the French daily “Les Echos“.

PSA Peugeot Citroen to make a comeback into Indian markets.

Peugeot, with its global small car, is targeting BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) economies. However, expect it to make way into Thailand and some other countries in the Asia-Pacific region too. Peugeot’s topsy-turvy past in India has seen alliance with Tata Motors for the 307 project which never took-off. Sources have quoted the Peugeot-Mitsubishi alliance to be ‘interesting’ as both the companies were contemplating a cross-holding of equity which eventually did not happen.

1994 Peugeot 405

The next thing on the agenda would be to put a comprehensive business model in place. In all probability, PSA Peugeot Citroen will setup their plant either in Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh. Peugeot will be keen to go for operations based on direct imports and CKD kits.

Picture Courtesy: chigo-kun