Auto News 5

The new 3008 and 5008 MPV [multi-purpose vehicle/minivan/people carrier] ranges Peugeot introduced in the last year have done wonders for the UK unit's sales. Demand for the 3008, part SUV, part MPV, with a hint of hatchback and with two wheel drive, are 50% ahead of target. Demand for the larger 5008 is 40% more and the two ranges combined are so far 6,000 units ahead of schedule. Overall this added demand has boosted the brand's UK sales 29.4% in the first four months of this year. Full story...

The new 3008 and 5008 MPV [multi-purpose vehicle/minivan/people carrier] ranges Peugeot introduced in the last year have done wonders for the UK unit's sales. Demand for the 3008, part SUV, part MPV, with a hint of hatchback and with two wheel drive, are 50% ahead of target. Demand for the larger 5008 is 40% more and the two ranges combined are so far 6,000 units ahead of schedule. Overall this added demand has boosted the brand's UK sales 29.4% in the first four months of this year. Full story...

When the German supplier of the distinctive, swooping aluminium pillars on Peugeot's RCZ sports coupé went into administration [bankruptcy] last year, Peugeot found a replacement right here in the UK. Full story...

When the German supplier of the distinctive, swooping aluminium pillars on Peugeot's RCZ sports coupé went into administration [bankruptcy] last year, Peugeot found a replacement right here in the UK. Full story...

As it moves to more than double its share in the world's largest car market, PSA Peugeot Citroen aims to start building its third China plant with JV partner Dongfeng Motor by the end of this year, two sources were quoted as saying on Wednesday. Full story...

Back from two weeks’ ‘holiday at home’ (not entirely my first choice; do not mention the words ‘Iceland’ or ‘volcano’) to a mixed week for the auto biz. It’s nice to see a bit of uptick, at last, in the components sector with Magna back in the black in the first quarter on the back of increased OEM production in the USA (especially) and Europe and increased complete vehicle sales as new contracts like the Peugeot RCZ kicked in to replace the Chrysler minivan assembly withdrawn back to the US from the plant in Austria some time ago. Full story…

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen plans early repayment of part of state aid given to French automakers last year to help them through the financial crisis, CEO Philippe Varin said. PSA and Renault both received state loans of 3 billion euros ($3. Full story...

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen has reached an initial agreement to set up a 50-50 vehicle manufacturing venture with China Changan Automotive Group as it speeds up expansion in the world’s largest auto market. Full story…

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen plans early repayment of part of state aid given to French automakers last year to help them through the financial crisis, CEO Philippe Varin said. PSA and Renault both received state loans of 3 billion euros ($3. Full story...

German ADAC puts Citroen Nemo, Fiat Qubo and Peugeot Bipper Tepee through its elk swerve test with disastrous consequences.

Full story...

Team ORECA's Peugeot 908 set the best performance in qualifyings of the Castellet 8 Hours, first round of the 2010 Le Mans Series, just ahead of the factory Audi. Full story...

Audi improved the performance of its R15 Plus in the second free practice session held at the Paul Ricard HTTT circuit in France in preparation for the opening round of the Le Mans Series. Full story...

Firm bolsters 207 range with new diesel engine and six-speed gearbox

Full story...

Volkswagen AG, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat SpA, already working to counter a slump in domestic car sales, may struggle to cope with rapid increases in steel costs following changes to iron-ore pricing setups. Full story...

Volkswagen AG, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat SpA, already working to counter a slump in domestic car sales, may struggle to cope with rapid increases in steel costs following changes to iron-ore pricing setups. Full story…

PSA Peugeot Citroen is to spend EUR135m (US$200m) in Argentina this year, underscoring its commitment to Latin America. Full story...

Media reports in Russia indicate PSA Peugeot Citroen will start production at its Russian plant in Kaluga on 23 April. Full story...

PSA Peugeot Citroën plans to invest EUR530m between now and 2012 to develop its operations in Brazil. Full story…

PSA Peugeot Citroen is to suspend production at its Slovak assembly plant for 13 days over the next three months due to a drop in demand, local paper Hospodarske Noviny said on Monday. Full story...

Our verdict on the new McLaren MP4-12C, exclusive Peugeot RCZ first test, Lexus LFA first UK drive, Aston's four-door Rapide put to the test Full story...