Internet Sales, the Next Big Thing for Renault's Dacia and PSA’s Rumored Simca Budget Brands

A low-cost company has to find low-cost ways not only to produce, but also to market and sell its products. This is why Renault devised a strategy to sell Dacia models online, through an Internet sales program that will be implemented in Europe.

“Internet sales will quickly become a reality. Many of our customers know what they want before they step into our showrooms, so an online sales channel makes sense,” said Gerard Detourbet, head of Renault's low-cost program.

But that isn't the only reason. Renault will be soon facing the threat of a low-cost rival coming from the French group PSA Peugeot-Citroen. Rumored to receive the abandoned Simca name, the new make could sell its vehicles exclusively through the Internet, as sales chief Jean-Marc Gales hinted at the Geneva Motor Show.

According to Gales, the cars will be built outside Western Europe, possibly in China, and could bring a higher profit margin for PSA than any other low-cost car manufacturer has managed to obtain until now.

"They're all selling cars at lower prices through the same high-cost distribution system that hasn't changed in 90 years. What we're talking about is a radically new approach to car distribution," said Gales. He added that cars will be sold exclusively through the Internet, with test-drive vehicles being offered through rental firms.

In doing so, PSA will not only increase profits, but will also avoid potential damage to the Peugeot and Citroen brands by keeping low-cost cars away from the showrooms.

By Dan Mihalascu

Source: Bloomberg

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Citroën to Show DS4 Purple, C3 Red Block and C6 Noir et Blanc Concept Models at the Geneva Salon

With the 2011 Geneva motor show only a week away, Citroën has published photos but very few details on three new concept cars based on the firm's production models that it plans to reveal on March 1. The design studies are the C3 Red Block, DS4 Purple and the C6 ‘Noir et Blanc’.

Starting with the C3 Red Block, the French firm's supermini sports a bespoke matt grey paintjob with red accents on the window line and the 17-inch alloy wheels, plus smoked headlamps and tail lamps, a lowered suspension, and unique interior trim highlighted by the red leather seats, aluminum accents on the steering wheel, door panels and center console, and what the company describes as a "3D Bulldog carved dashboard".

Set to make its debut alongside the final production version of the high-riding DS4, will be a design study called the DS4 Purple, which according to Citroën, "takes inspiration from the techniques of jewellery craft".

The third and final concept is the C6 ‘Noir et Blanc’, which is a study on new colors and materials for the firm's range-topping model.

We'll have more details on Citroen's trio of concept cars at the Geneva Salon next week.

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Modified Citroen Saxo VTR 2001 Pictures

Modified Citroen Saxo VTR 2001 Pictures


Modified Citroen Saxo VTR 2001 Pictures


Modified Citroen Saxo VTR 2001 Pictures

 
Modified Citroen Saxo VTR 2001 Pictures

Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept Racing Car

With Citroen, Peugeot RC HYmotion4 is a field that is increasingly cluttered with hybrid concepts using a new system that can take the road to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Fortunately for Peugeot, they have managed not just recycle or rebadge an existing model, but have incorporated this technology into an boldly attractive four door GT coupe.

Peugeot has joined sister-brand Citroen by releasing a concept vehicle based on the new HYmotion4 AWD hybrid system. The new concept is according to Peugeot, a ‘Touring Car Coupe’ that features a number of engineering and technological ideas expected to make their way, if only gradually, into both of the carmaker’s future production models. Unlike the hybrid systems used by current production vehicles, this concept has no direct mechanical connection between the electric and internal combustion drive systems. This way, the RC can operate in either rear, front, or all-wheel-drive modes. That means it can also operate using internal combustion, electric only or blended mode combining both. Propelling this concept is a rear mounted turbocharged 1.6 liter engine driving the rear wheels and producing 218 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. Up front, an electric motor provides up to another 132 lb-ft of torque and provides a governed combined production of 313 horsepower. This sort of power pays of with acceleration to 62 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds. The electrons are stored in a lithium-ion battery pack of an as unreleased size, but having the electric motor at the front instead of the rear axle means that more kinetic energy can be recaptured through the regenerative braking process. According to Peugeot, the RC can get 52.3 mpg with a minimum output of just 109 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Other Hymotion4 concepts in the mix for the future include Peugeot’s Prologue, which previews an upcoming 3008 crossover, as well as the Citroen Hypnos and C4 WRC rally car. These concepts, according to the manufacturer, are a synthesis of ideas that demonstrate a commitment to both respecting the environment and driving pleasure. If all of the technology that is used within this concept lives up to the manufacturer claims, the French may have the inside track in future hybrid production.

Citroen Metropolis 2010 Car Pictures

Citroen Metropolis 2010 Car Picture


Citroen Metropolis 2010 Car Picture


Citroen Metropolis 2010 Car Picture


Citroen Metropolis 2010 Car Picture


Citroen Metropolis 2010 Car Picture


Citroen Metropolis 2010 Car Picture

Citroen Frantik wide kits from Ibherdesign

Citroen Frantik wide kits from Ibherdesign. Consist of : Front Bumper, Rear Bumper, Sideskirts, Pair Front Wheel Arch Extension, Pair Rear Wheel Extension.

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Citroen Modification Cars

Citroen Modification Car


Citroen Modification Car


Citroen Modification Car

Citroen Survolt Concept 2010

Citroen Survolt Concept 2010