Intro: Having commenced building motor cars as early as 1889, Peugeot could be said to have enjoyed a truly long and illustrious history in transport. While many of its earlier cars were quite rudimentary, being designed to suit French families and not much else, it was the total control exerted over the company by the Peugeot family that kept it in a profitable condition. Its growth was linear and never particularly flamboyant. Peugeot became the brand of choice in remote nations, renowned for their indefatigability and strength. By the 1960s, Peugeot was in the position to consider forging technical links with Citroen. The relationship continued for around ten years and by 1974, Peugeot had taken over its key French competitor. Renault, of course, remained under State control. Only four years later, the strong company took over the Chrysler-Europe business interests in both France and the UK.
Peugeot recently hit the jackpot with its 206 of which more than 3 million have been built within 4 years. Other succesful products include the 307, Car of the Year 2002 and the updated Partner. 407, the replacement for the 406 was introduced at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.
Peugeot now covers the minicar segment with its Czech-built 107, while the funky 1007 sits somewhere between a minicar and a mini-MPV. |
