Paul Tan's Automotive News» Citroën at Paul Tan’s Automotive News

Citroen C-Zero: a rebadged i MiEV electric car

Paul Tan — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:52:38 +0000

This is basically a rebadged Mitsubishi i MiEV, due to go on sale in Europe in Q4 2010 under the Citroen brand. It is a expansion of an existing collaboration between Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot-Citroen, where the French marques badge-engineered the Mitsubishi Outlander as their own SUVs. But with the Outlander they made significant changes to the exterior sheet metal, with the C-Zero the MiEV looks very much unchanged.

Drive is via a permanent magnet synchronous motor making 64 horses between 3,000rpm to 6,000rpm and peak torque of 180Nm from 0 to 2,000rpm. The motor is powered by a 330V lithium-ion battery made of 88 x 50Ah cells. You can recharge the batteries via a regular cord into a 220V socket. Regular charging takes 6 hours, and a 80% can be done in half an hour if you use an external charger which supplies a single-phase current of 125A at 400V.

Citroen will be launching more alternative fuel vehicles such as a full hybrid vehicle called the Citroen DS5 in 2011.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Mystery Citroen concept car to debut at Frankfurt

Paul Tan — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:25:59 +0000

Citroen will be exhibiting the car above at the Frankfurt show but other than this photo we don’t know any other details at the moment, not even whether it is a concept or a production model, though by the looks of it, it should be a concept.

It definitely looks like a small car though, something smaller than the C3, perhaps a new C2 or maybe a C1 (current C1 is a badge engineered Peugeot 107/Toyota Aygo from the B-Zero project). It could also be a smaller car in the new DS premium range.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Photoshopped: Citroen DS3 Convertible

Paul Tan — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 13:44:33 +0000

Click for enlarged image

There’s bound to be a convertible coming up in the new DS range by Citroen but not right now anyway. After all, other premium small cars like the MINI and the Fiat 500 have drop top versions, but not the MiTo though. Theophilus Chin has whipped up a convertible version of the DS3. Theophilus says this is his idea of what a replacement for the Citroen C3 Pluriel would look like.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

New Citroen DS3 premium hatchback unveiled!

Paul Tan — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:21:06 +0000

Citroen has unveiled the new DS3, a hatchback that Citroen wants to give a premium positioning. Think MINI and you’ll understand what I mean. It’s for buyers who have seen past the need for a large car and more metal to offer premium features and a premium image.

The DS line of cars will feature three models and this is the first: the DS3. It measures 3,950mm long, 1,710mm wide and 1,450mm tall. This makes it similiar in size to the new MINI Clubman, though the DS3 is slightly larger in every dimension.

Typical of Citroen, the exterior styling details are a little quirky, such as the shark-fin B-pillar. The DS3 is fully customisable in term of trim level, even the colour of the wheels, fabric, gearknob, exterior trim, and even the ‘floating roof’ is customisable – you can have it in either black, white, blue or red, to contrast it with the main body colour.

A choice of 5 engines are available – the 90hp and 110hp HDi diesels with DPFS fliters, and three petrol engines – the VTi 95, VTi 120 and the turbocharged THP 150. Only manuals are available for now, either 5-speed or 6-speed depending on the engine specified.

Look after the jump for a photo gallery of the new DS3.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen to launch production DS3 in Frankfurt, DS4 and DS5 models to arrive in 2011

Harvinder Sidhu — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:44:35 +0000

Words are being exchanged that French auto maker Citroen, will unveil the production version of the DS3 three-door as early as September this year, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The production DS3 will be inspired by the DS Inside Concept which was showcased at this year’s motor event in Geneva. A number of design elements will be carried over into production, and rumor has it that the vinyl roof option may be offered as well.

According to Autocar, Citroen also revealed that both the DS4 and DS5 models will arrive in 2011, as 2012 models. The DS4 would be a coupe-ish MPV with a crossover touch, that will be based on the C-Sportlounge Concept, first shown in 2005.

The DS5 on the other hand is expected to compete with the BMW X6, but with a cheaper price tag as one of it’s benefits over the German offering. The DS5 will be based on the Hypnos Concept, showcased in Paris last year. It is expected to be powered by, among others, a diesel-hybrid engine. The DS range, including all the above mentioned vehicles will be part of Citroen’s new up market vehicle line up.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen’s new 3.0 liter HDi V6 diesel more powerful, less polluting and thirsty

Paul Tan — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:03:54 +0000

Car manufacturers have been revealing latest generation versions of their large displacement diesel engines one by one. We have BMW’s new N57, Volvo’s new twin turbodiesel, and another similiar unit from Jaguar.

The latest manufacturer to unveil a new turbodiesel engine is PSA Peugeot Citroen, who will be putting a new 3.0 liter HDi V6 turbodiesel in their C5 and C6. The new engine produces 240hp, up from 208hp in the outgoing 2.7 liter HDi, but is between 13 to 17 percent more fuel efficient and 12 to 15% less polluting in terms of CO2 emissions, also Euro 5 compliant. The engine also has an alternator that does brake energy recovery.

In the C5 and C6, the engine will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. BTW I have more than one occasion spotted the Citroen C5 in Malaysia, although it has not been launched yet as far as I know. It may be due for a launch soon, if not already launched.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen C-Quatre (C4 notchback sedan) in China

Paul Tan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:06:17 +0000

The C4 facelift has been extended to the notchback sedan model in China and with the facelift comes a namechange – the C-Triomphe is now known as the Citroen C-Quatre.

Sedan models or at least a notchback is important in China as like Malaysian and unlike Europe, the market there favors cars with boots. The new name is an obvious tribute to the original C4 name, which they probably decided not to use in China because of the meanings associated with the number 4.

Citroen’s stand at Auto Shanghai 2009 encompasses a 1,000 square meter stand which showcases the C4 WRC rally car, the GTbyCITOREN GT5 tie-in concept car, the C3 Picacco, and the C-Elysee powered by CNG. Next up for Citroen in China will be the new DS line.

Look after the jump for more pix of the C-Quatre.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen confirms production for its GTbyCitreon Supercar

Harvinder Sidhu — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:06:05 +0000

Vincent Besson, an executive for Citroen revealed in Geneva that the auto maker has confirmed its intention to produce the GTbyCitroen based on a limited production run of probably 20 units. The GTbyCitroen first appeared in the Gran Turismo 5 game based on the Playstation 3 platform and its full-scale model was featured in Paris.

The GTbyCitroen would become the first car to be produced based a video game. Besson did not reveal a production schedule and other details, but the GTbyCitroen will most probably feature a V8, supplied by either Ford or struggling General Motors.

The full scale model measures 4.960 meters long, 2.080 meters wide and 1.090 meters high, which is considered pretty big for a super car. Other features included in the scale; large wheel arches, 21-inch alumimium wheels, LED lights that project information to the driver and “gullwing” styled doors. Lets just keep a watchful eye on racing games these days, as you would not know, what might just end up being produced! Continue reading to view an image gallery.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen brings back the DS nameplate with the Citroen DS Inside Concept

Paul Tan — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 19:25:01 +0000

Citroen will be bringing back the DS nameplate to its range of vehicles. DS is pronounced Deesse, which pronounced in French means Goddess. The DS was a showcase of technology of sorts, for a car introduced in the 1950s it had a hydropneumatic suspension, a robotized gearbox (without automatic selection though so its more of a robotized clutch), an it had an air-cooled flat-6 gearbox that was mounted in a MF layout, mid-engined, front wheel drive.

The new DS line will be targetted at those who enjoy motoring with no loss in practicality. It is meant to offer prestige, thrills and refinement, without the rigid codes of traditional upper-range models. It aims to appeal to the affluent customer who has downsized in his vehicle size but are on the lookout for more economical and intelligent products.

This new concept car called the Citroen DS Inside Concept and is a preview of the upcoming DS range. The new DS range will consist initially of 3 cars in the small, medium and large segments. Its naming system will carry the DS name, much like its mainstream cars are prefixed by “C” and its MPVs a “Picasso” suffix. The three cars will be called the DS3, the DS4 and the DS5. DS will stand for “Different Spirit”.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Nikkei: Mitsubishi to supply 10,000 electric cars a year to PSA Peugeot Citroen?

Paul Tan — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:01:45 +0000

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We first heard of a joint study between Mitsubishi and PSA Peugeot Citroen to evaluate a potential cooperation between the two companies on the supply of electric vehicles back in June 2008. The study also included evaluating the feasibility of shared production sites for producing components for electric vehicles.

Japanese newspaper The Nikkei (the same guys who reported the Suzuki Kizashi would be axed) now reports that the deal went through and Mitsubishi will supply the French company up to 10,000 electric cars a year by the year 2011. This could include the Mitsubishi i MiEV, which is shown above as an artist’s impression with Peugeot styling (look after the jump for a Citroen version).

PSA would benefit by getting electric car technology fast, while Mitsubishi would benefit from PSA’s vast distributor network in Europe, which would be beneficial for Mitsu’s coffers anyway since they are the supplier, despite the cars not having Mitsubishi badges.

Source

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This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

PSA Peugeot Citroen may merge with Fiat

Paul Tan — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:28:23 +0000

An Italian newspaper reported on Saturday that PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat are considering a potential merger, which would make the new PSA Peugeot Citroen Fiat entity the world’s number 4 carmaker. If true, it is some pretty quick progress, coming right after Fiat’s CEO mentioned the Italian company needed to find a partner to survive the crisis brewing in the automotive industry, but such haste is needed in these times.

PSA has mentioned before in the past that it preferably did not want to add new alliances, but instead wanted to deepen existing relationships. PSA and Fiat already have current co-operations in areas like commercial vans. The Fiat Fiorino, the Peugeot Bipper and the Citroen Nemo are all derived from the same project.

The two companies also have joint ventures with other companies on their own. PSA Peugoet Citroen’s recently launched SUVs are a development of the Mitsubishi Outlander while the Fiat Sedici is a Suzuki SX4.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen C4 “Staying Alive” Transformer TVC

Paul Tan — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:40:21 +0000

Citroen has facelifted its Citroen C4 for the 2009 model year and has added two new engines to the line-up – the Prince engine co-developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen with BMW, also used in Peugeot and BMW MINI cars.

The VTi 120 and THP 150 variants are powered by the normally aspirated and turbocharged variants of the Prince engine respectively. The VTi 120 engine replaces the old 1.6i 16V engine and features variable valve timing as well as intake control without a throttle butterfly. The THP 150 is powered by a 150 horsepower variants of the turbocharged direct injection 1.6 liter Prince engine and replaces the normally aspirated 2.0i 16V engine in the pre-facelift car.

To promote the new C4, Citroen has produced a “facelift” of the Transformers TV commercial that was used to promote the original pre-facelift Citroen C4. This time the robot is dancing to Bee Gee’s Stayin’ Alive.

Watch the video after the jump!

VIDEO: Citroen C4 TV Commercial

PHOTO GALLERY: 2009 Citroen C4 Facelift
Click thumbnails to view high resolution photo

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen Hypnos Coupe-SUV Concept

Paul Tan — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:02:35 +0000

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A French take on the BMW X6 will be displayed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show called the Citroën Hypnos. Citroën says the Hypnos combines the “dynamism of a coupe”, the “elegance of a sedan”, and the space of an SUV. The interior which you will find after the jump is even funkier, done up in all the colours of the rainbow. The concept is powered by a 200 horsepower engine (likely turbocharged) with 60+mpg and 120g/km of CO2.

Click to view larger image

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 7-seater MPV

Paul Tan — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:33:13 +0000

The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is a 7-seater version of the C4 Picasso. It is priced at RM168,000 with a 2 year or 100,000km warranty. The C4 Picasso loses its egg-like contour thanks to the third row which gives it a more traditional shape towards the rear.

It is powered by a 2.0 liter engine with variable valve timing producing 143 DIN horsepower and 200Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The Euro 4 compliant engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The interior is particularly impressive especially at this price range as it features a massive glass sunroof that is laminated and tinted for anti-UV and anti-infrared properties. That combined with the panoramic windscreen and the large side windows gives the interior a very roomy and airy feel. There are air vents for all 3 seating rows, and the third bench folds down flat with a 50:50 split whenever you need the luggage space.

The second row features tables integrated into the front seats, like the ones you find in airplanes. The steering wheel features the trademark Citroen fixed hub which does not turn together with the wheel. Headlamps and wipers turn on automatically when needed.

Safety features include a 5-star Euro NCAP rating and 9 airbags (2 x front, 2 x front side, 2 x side, 2 x curtain and 1 driver’s knee). There are seatbelts with warning indicators for all 7 seats to ensure everyone including the third row buckles up. ISOFIX child seat points are found on the front passenger seat and three 2nd row seats. Stability control and ABS are standard.

A comfort pack is available which adds Bluetooth handsfree, ambient lights, and a telephone kit for RM3,000. Leather wrapping on the steering wheel costs an additional RM400 while leather for the seats cost RM1,800.

Look after the jump for more photos of the Grand C4 Picasso.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen C6 luxury sedan launched in Malaysia

Paul Tan — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:46:38 +0000

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Citroen’s new Malaysian distributor Brooklands Motors Sdn Bhd has launched the new luxury D-segment Citroen C6 in Malaysia last week.

The C6’s 3.0 liter V6 puts out 215 hp DIN at 6,000rpm and 290Nm of torque EEC at 3,752rpm. It really looks quite different from any other car out there thanks to the notchback-like convex boot and the overly long front overhang. The doors are also frameless which make them quite sexy, something usually only found on coupes.

There are also a few technologies goodies in the C6 which sets it apart from the rest of its competitors, and just how the interior looks makes it fit to be called a gadget person’s car. It has a dual-mode active silencer which maintains serenity under normal conditions and improves performance under load.

A in-car entertainment system called the Citroen NaviDrive displays key information such as entertainment, climate control and navigation on a large 7 inch 16:9 widescreen LCD.

A heads-up display projected onto the windscreen displays key driving info such as driving speed and can also display navigation data. Citroen says HUDs can improve motoring safety as moving your eyes to look at traditional displays for this info can take up to 0.5 seconds of time at at speeds of approximately 110km/h this can mean 15 meters of travel or an average of 3 cars’ lengths.

The car also features the Hydractive III+ suspension system, which is an electronically controlled suspension which can vary different settings like damping and height. For example, the car’s height will always remain the same no matter how many passengers or luggage are loaded into the vehicle. Height is also automatically adjusted according to speed and road condition to optimise comfort, ground clearance and fuel consumption.

A Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warns the driver via vibrations in the seat if he accidentally leaves his lane by monitoring the white lines marked on the road via infrared sensors built into the front of the vehicle.

Priced at RM398,000 it offers an alternative to the likes of the “mainstream” A6 the E-Class and the 5-Series. The other luxury D-segment competitors are the S80 and the Jaguar XF.

Click for hi-res photo

Click for hi-res photo

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen C-Crosser now with 2.4L 4B12 engine

Paul Tan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:27:06 +0000

Citroen has added a new petrol engine to its Citroen C-Crosser SUV (rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander), complementing its existing 156hp 280Nm 2.2 HDi offering. The new Citroen C-Crosser 2.4i is powered by Mitsubishi’s 4B12 GEMA 2.4 liter engine producing 170hp at 6,000rpm and 226Nm of torque at 4,100rpm. It is mated to a CVT gearbox, though a 5-speed manual is also available.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

PSA and Mitsubishi to work together on electric cars

Paul Tan — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:27:34 +0000

We may see Peugeot and Citroen badge engineered versions of the Mitsubishi i MiEV in the European market, much like PSA Peugeot Citroen’s deal with Mitsubishi with the Outlander, resulting in the C-Crosser and the 4007.

PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors have started a joint study that will last several months to examine the scope a potential cooperation to produce small electric-powered vehicles designed for city and urban use.

The study will also involve the feasibility of shared production sites for components for electric vehicles. This announcement comes just after the beginning of the construction of a new jointly owned factory in Russia.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen C5 – Unmistakeably German Advertisement

Paul Tan — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:37:18 +0000

Citroen’s Unmistakeably German ad campaign for the new second generation Citroen C5 by Euro RSCG highlights the “Teutonic” qualities of the new Citroen C5. It further strengthens the fact that the typical “German-ness” of a car is something very desirable. Even when the Ford Focus was launched, ad campaigns delivered the message “European styling, German technology.” The Citroen ad features a traditional Bavarian bar and grill, sections of the Autobahn, and the historic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Watch the Citroen C5 ad after the jump.

Related Posts:
The new second generation Citroen C5

VIDEO: Citroen C5 – Unmistakeably German Advertisement

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen to start using turbocharged Prince engine

Paul Tan — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:39:49 +0000

Citroen has announced that it will start using the BMW-PSA Prince engine, which comes in normally aspirated 120 horsepower form and turbocharged 150 horsepower and 175 horsepower form, and the engine’s first usage in a Citroen car could be in the second generation Citroen C5. It’s sister marque Peugeot already uses it in the Peugeot 207 and the Peugeot 308, which are B-segment and C-segment hatchbacks respectively.

The normally aspirated Prince engine is called the EP6 internally by Peugeot and features variable valve timing and Valvetronic variable valve lift, while the 150 horsepower turbocharged version is called the EP6DT, and the 175 horses version EP6DTS. The turbocharged versions do not have Valvetronic, but feature direct injection and a twin scroll turbocharger.

Large cars with small displacement engines that have forced induction to boost power output are no stranger in these days, as even the large Volkswagen Passat can be equipped with the 1.4 liter TSI engine.

The Citroen C5 currently comes with two petrol engines and four HDi turbodiesels – a 127 horsepower 1.8 liter petrol, a 143 horsepower 2.0 liter petrol and multiple turbodiesels from a 110 horsepower 1.6 liter inline-4 up to 208 horsepower V6. The top of the pops 175 horsepower turbocharged 1.6 liter Prince could slot in as the top of the range petrol engine, equipped with a ZF 6-speed quick shifting automatic.

Related Posts:
The new Citroen C5

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

New Citroen C5 unveiled in Paris

Paul Tan — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:45:14 +0000

Citroen has unveiled it’s brand new Citroen C5 in both sedan and stationwagon body types. It will go on sale in the UK early 2008 onwards. The C5 is the second largest Citroen after the large D-segment Citroen C6.

Innovative features include a second generation fixed hug steering wheel, a seat back massage function and a choice of suspension setups thanks to the Hydractive 3 Plus suspension system. You can also specify it with Citroen’s new NaviDrive system which features a 7 inch LCD display and lets you control functions like a built in GSM phone, audio system and satellite navigation. There is also an optional automatic electric parking brake and hill-start assist. The Citroen Hydractive 3 Plus self-levelling suspension system features continuously self-adjusting spring and damping rates. Two preset modes are available – Comfort and Sport.

The new Citroen C5 is longer and wider than the model it replaces, with the sedan measuring 4780mm long, 1860mm wide and 1450mm tall. The estate is slightly longer at 4785mm, but other dimensions remain the same.

There are two petrol engines and 4 HDi turbodiesel engines. The petrol choices include a 127hp 1.8 liter engine and a 143hp 2.0 liter engine. The oil burners consist of four units – a 1.6 liter HDi 110, a 2.0 liter HDi 138, a 2.2 liter twin-turbo HDi 173, and a 2.7 liter twin-turbo VGT HDi 208, with the first three being inline-4 units and the largest one being a V6. The numbers indicate power output in horsepower. These HDi units are fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter System.

More photos after the jump.

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This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen C-Cactus Concept

Paul Tan — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 22:01:02 +0000

This strange concept car is not as strange as it’s name – the Citroen C-Cactus Concept. It’s powered by a Hybrid HDi powertrain – that’s a PSA Peugeot Citroen technology that uses a 70hp HDi diesel engine with DPFS mated to a 30hp electric motor installed in the clutch housing. The hybrid system also has a Zero Emissions Vehicle mode that runs on the electric motor only.

The Citroen C-Cactus Concept is built on the Citroen C4’s platform. It was built according to the following values – essential, intelligent and ecologically aware. It only weighs 1,306kg which is not too heavy by today’s standards, but what’s interesting is the way Citroen engineers built it.

They’ve simplified the number of parts and mechanisms in the car to an extreme, grouped several functions in a single part, and removed all parts that are non-essential to the running of the car, or to the comfort and well-being of it’s passengers. Yes, this is done to the extent that there is no dashboard – all functions are integrated onto the fixed hub steering wheel, like indicators, lights, wipers, horn and cruise control, tachometer, headlamp controls and warning signals.

Even the doors have been simplified to the extent that power windows or even traditional windows that go down and up are not used, instead there is a simple sliding mechanism. The door panels are made of two parts, compared to twelve in a conventional hatchback door. The seats are also only made of two parts – the foam, and the frame inclusive of rails that fixes to the car.

More images after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Citroen C-Airscape Concept to debut at Frankfurt

Paul Tan — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 08:44:07 +0000

Citroen will be showing it’s new Citroen C-Airscape concept car at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show next month, which will give us a preview of how the next generation Citroen C5 will look like, even though the C-Airscape will be presented in cabriolet form. This might hint to us the possibility of a future coupe-convertible Citroen C5 and perhaps a drop top version of it’s mechanical twin later – the Peugeot 407.

Chassis, engine, gearbox and many other will be shared with the Peugeot 407, and the interior will be typically futuristic funky Citroen – a wide, sporty yet elegant dashboard incorporating two LCD-screens â€“ one in the centre-console and one behind the steering wheel in place of a traditional meter panel. It will also come with the latest version of Citroen’s Hydractive suspension.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

More PSA-Mitsubishi 4WD tie-ups

Paul Tan — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 08:22:23 +0000

PSA Peugeot Citroen is expected to further expand it’s cooperation with Mitsubishi Motors Cooperation after it’s badge/styling engineering efforts with the Mitsubishi Outlander as the Peugeot 4007 and Citroen C-Crosser has shown promise of becoming a hit – the entire 2007 UK stock of the C-Crosser has been snapped up by 200+ British dealers!

We are quite open to doing another SUV in the future. We will see what the reaction and feedback is on the C-Crosser first – it’s obviously too early do draw conclusions now – and see which direction the SUV market is going,” says Xaview Duchemin, Citroen UK managing director.

A lifestyle pick-up French version of the Mitsubishi Triton has been hinted.

Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

PSA Peugoet Citroen might revive Panhard

Paul Tan — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:37:38 +0000

PSA Peugeot Citroen said going into the market of premium vehicles with a new marque might be one of the options it is considering, a move much like Nissan and Toyota with their Infiniti and Lexus brands respectively. While these two brands have had considerable success (especially Lexus), a similira move by Mazda with the Amati badge was a failure even before it was launched.

French magazine Challenges reported that PSA Peugoet Citroen might revive the old Panhard brand for it’s luxury marque, a report that PSA Peugeot Citroen declined to comment on. Panhard was a French car manufacturer that was established in 1890, but it’s modern day existence is limited to light tactical and military vehicles.

Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

CitroÃ«n Cruise Crosser by Espera Sbarro School

Paul Tan — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 17:11:22 +0000

CitroÃ«n Cruise together with the Espera Sbarro School have come up with the CitroÃ«n Cruise Crosser concept for the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The CitroÃ«n Cruise Crosser concept is based on Citroen’s first SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander-based Citroen C-Crosser which will go on sale later this year. The CitroÃ«n Cruise Crosser concept is a tribute to Andre CitroÃ«n, the company’s founder, who often went on adventurous automotive expeditions across Africa and Asia.

The strange 6-wheel designed truck is powered by a special hybrid drivetrain that combines a conventional turbodiesel engine with electric motor located under the rear floor. This electric motor powers the third axle right at the rear of the vehicle, while the front and middle axles are combustion engine powered. The turbodiesel engine can be shut off, leaving the car powered by the third axle alone, allowing a zero emissions drive.

One more photo after the jump.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Proton foreign partner – Volkswagen and PSA Peugeot Citroen off the screen?

Paul Tan — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:38:01 +0000

The deadline for the announcement of Proton’s new partner is coming soon, but talks do not seem to be conclusive for favorites Volkswagen and PSA Peugoet Citroen. Previously, Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamad Yakcop said Proton’s foreign strategic partner would be announced by the end of this month. This bad news adds more grief to the recent announcement of Proton’s 3rd straight quarterly loss.

Business weekly The Edge reported that talks between Proton and Volkswagen have hit a bumpy patch, and Volkswagen seems to be getting less and less keen as time passes by. It’s said that Volkswagen’s recently changed top management never really did agree to the Proton idea as much as the previous management did, so the deal might just be off if whatever problems the discussions are having right now are not sorted out quickly.

As for PSA Peugeot Citroen, it’s CEO Christian Streiff told newspaper Le Figaro that the French automaker has dropped all talks with Proton over a possible alliance. “Concerning alliances, I do not want to extend them to new partners. I would rather continue to get the most of out of the best alliances we have at the moment,” said Streiff, further reinforcing the statement that PSA would have nothing to do with Proton. It already has an alliance with a Malaysian automaker, Naza, which assembles the Peugeot 206 for local consumption as well as right hand drive exports.

(6/3/2007) UPDATE: An official press statement by PSA Peugeot Citroen continued to add that “PSA Peugeot Citroen has decided to discontinue the discussions launched in September 2006 with Proton. The talks focused on a possible co-operative venture to support the development of Peugeot and Citroen in Malaysia and to serve as a production base for the marques’ sales operations in the ASEAN region. An in-depth study of the automobile market and the economic conditions for co-producing vehicles with Proton concluded that the conditions for the project’s success were not present.”

News about Proton-General Motors talks have been almost non-existent, and GM is most probably having it’s hands full with the possible acquisition of Chrysler from DaimlerChrysler. So where does this put Proton?

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

PSA and Mitsubishi in turbodiesel deal

Paul Tan — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:22:25 +0000

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and PSA Peugeot Citroen signed an agreement regarding the supply of turbodiesel engines by the French manufacturer to it’s Japanese partner. PSA Peugeot Citroen will supply it’s 2.2 liter common rail direct injection particulate filter turbodiesel engine to Mitsubishi.

PSA Peugoet Citroen has adapted the engine to be installed in it’s two SUVs based on the Mitsubishi Outlander platform – the Peugeot 4007 and the Citroen C-Crosser SUV, and Mitsubishi will be using the engine for it’s own Mitsubishi Outlander from mid-2007 onwards. The common rail direct injection turbodiesel makes 156 bhp and 380Nm of torque, and is biodiesel ready. Biodiesel fuel up to a 30% mixture can be used without any modification to the engine.

If anything happens between Proton and PSA Peugeot Citroen, I hope it somehow involves turbodiesels as it is somewhat essential for the European market.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Proton-PSA partnership feasibility study completed

Paul Tan — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 06:55:52 +0000

Proton and PSA Peugeot Citroen’s technical feasibility studies have just concluded, and both parties are in the process of evaluating the results of the studies now. The feasibility studies included gauging the feasibility of collaborating in the areas of optimizing Protons production capacity focusing on contract assembly, product collaboration, supply of engine and components, and sales and distribution collaborative and contract assembly products.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

Proton Stake Purchase Updates

Paul Tan — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 06:30:30 +0000

Here are some due updates on the few companies that might end up as a new stakeholder in Proton, as well as have a controlling stake in it’s manufacturing arm.

Mofaz

Mofaz has teamed up with a foreign technical partner in it’s bid for a stake in Proton Holdings Bhd. This proposal was submitted three months ago, but the foreign partner in question was not named. Mofaz intends to help turn Proton around, and stresses this is more important than owning a stake in it. How do have the power to turn Proton around without having a controlling stake in Proton, I don’t know. Apparently Mofaz has it’s own way of influencing Proton’s management without a stake?! – Source

Sime Darby

No firm acknowledgement of the intention to buy shares so far. Sime Darby itself has had it’s shares suspended to be merged with Kumpulan Guthrie, and Golden Hope.

Naza

Naza, being a private company, has no Bursa Malaysia sending them queries to explain news so they’ve been quiet about this for quite sometime. But Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin finally let the bird out of the cage at the launch of Naza’s new 3S facility at Juru. A letter of intent has been submitted two months ago to the government on the matter of the Naza Group acquiring a stake in Proton Holdings Bhd. Naza believes it can bring the company to greater heights. – Source

DRB-HICOM

Refer to this post for the latest on DRB-HICOM’s plans to take over Proton. No new updates since then.

Volkswagen

No word from Volkswagen themselves, but our government has confirmed it is in talks with Volkswagen again, with the possibility of a controlling stake purchase, which is what Volkswagen wanted but was denied before talks broke down some time ago.

PSA Peugeot Citroen

PSA’s technical team is in town to conduct feasibility studies in the areas of collaboration highlighted in the previous MoU signed. However, Proton says it is not aware of any intentions by PSA to take up a stake in Proton, while officials from PSA itself has mentioned that there are no intentions to take up a stake, merely to partner up for doing business together in the region. Since PSA Peugeot Citroen already has a preexisting partnership with the Naza Group, there seems to be some form of “tag team” of local and foreign partners in place here with Naza and PSA. If not so, then PSA’s collaboration with Proton could be for the Citroen brand instead – remember PSA Peugeot Citroen doesn’t necessarily mean Peugeot! – Source

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.

CitroÃ«n C-Crosser SUV announced

Paul Tan — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 21:59:01 +0000

Along side it’s Lion-badged brother the Peugeot 4007, the new Citroen C-Crosser SUV has been announced by Citroen, and is set to go on sale from Summer 2007 onwards, similiar to the 4007’s sales date. The Citroen C-Crosser adopts the name of Citroen’s C-Crosser Concept 4X4 shown at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Power is provided by the same 2.2 liter common rail turbodiesel with particulate filters mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 4X4 transmission has the normal three options of 2WD, 4WD and a locked mode for low speed low grip conditions.

A feature I didn’t mention in the 4007 post – the tailgate opens in two sections. This makes it easier to load bulky objects into the boot. The lower part is able to support up to 200kg, allowing it to double up as an al fresco seat, perfect for owners with a love of outdoor activities.

BTW, have been trying to blog more often, but it’s very hard to post when most posts require photos, this means I have to grab them from the press sources which are huge because they’re also for print media, resize, upload, all of this can be done conveniently with a broadband connection. But what do you know, when the Raya holidays started, Streamyx decided to take a break as well, leaving me with no choice but to use an unlimited GPRS package which is only sufficient for e-mailing and text downloads. Streamyx has been down for 4 days now.

Is anyone from TM reading my site?

Related Posts:
Peugeot 4007 announced by Peugeot

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 17:51:40 +0800.