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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Peugeot Reveals 908 HYbrid4 Le Mans Racer at the 2011 Geneva Salon

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot uncovered its new 908 HYbrid4, a diesel-hybrid endurance race car designed to compete in the 2012 edition of the 24 hours of Le Mans. Starting from 2011, regulations for the Le Mans race make hybrid vehicles eligible for top honors, with the objective being to encourage makers in developing hybrid race cars that can challenge the supremacy of diesel-powered Audis.

Even though the new 908 hybrid will not be entered in this year's Le Mans race – since the French car maker has already presented the diesel-powered 908 in February – Peugeot has big plans for its “eco-friendly” race car.

Designed to comply with the latest endurance racing regulations, the 908 Hybrid4 will play a major role in Peugeot's 2011 environmental strategy. The hybrid system uses the same 550 hp V8-diesel engine as the conventional 908, but adds an extra 80 hp boost thanks to an electric motor powered from the stored kinetic energy generated under braking. For short periods of time, the extra power is released automatically to the rear wheels under acceleration. The recovered energy (500 kJ between two braking phases) is stored in lithium-ion batteries and the system will allow for powering the car in electric mode only while in the pit-lane.

The first track test of the 908 HYbrid is scheduled for the end of March, with Peugeot aiming to run the car at the official pre-Le Mans 24 Hours test day on April 24.

By Dan Mihalascu

Peugeot 908 HYbrid4 – Technical Data

Chassis: Carbon monocoque

Gearbox: Sequential, hydraulic, six forward speeds plus reverse

Internal combustion engine: Diesel, V8 HDi FAP

Cubic capacity: 3.7 litres

Power: 550 horsepower

Hybrid system:

Power: 60kW (80hp), during energy delivery phases only

Delivery of recovered energy:

To the rear wheels;

500kJ between two braking phases;

Energy stored in lithium-ion batteries;

Automatic delivery of energy under acceleration (no "push to pass" function). It is also possible to use the electric mode only along the pit lane.

Dimensions

Length: 4,640mm

Width: 2,000mm

Wheelbase: 2,950mm

Height: 1,030mm

Weight: 900kg

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Peugeot's Geneva Motor Show Debuts Limited to 308 Facelift and Special Editions of RCZ and 3008 Hybrid4

Unless Peugeot is hiding a surprise in its pouch, the French carmaker's presence at the upcoming Geneva Salon will most likely go under the radar. Aside from the subtly facelifted 308 family which includes the hatchback models, an estate and the coupe-cabriolet, Peugeot's stand will also host the premiere of two limited edition models.

The first is the RCZ Asphalt which is based on the most potent variant of the coupe model with the 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, and is set to go on sale in Europe this spring. Exclusive features include a matt grey body colour, two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels and numerous other interior and exterior appointments.

The second model is a limited edition of the 3008 HYbrid4 crossover, which features a 163HP turbo diesel driving the front wheels and an 37HP electric motor at the rear for a maximum power output of 200-horses, a “zero emission” mode and an average fuel consumption of 74.4 mpg UK, equal to 3.8lt/100km and 61.9 mpg US. Production will be limited to 300 numbered cars, all of which get a Pearlescent White exterior finish and two-tone full leather trim.

The 308 facelift and the two special edition models will be joined by two older concept studies, the HR1 and EX1, plus the new 908 Le Mans race car which was unveiled by Peugeot Sport in February.

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Peugeot 4007 DCS Automatic Car

Peugeot 4007 DCS Automatic will be presented for the first time at Frankfurt Motor Show and it is now now available to order. The 4007 range starts at £23,345 with the DCS automatic. The semi-automatic gearbox chosen for the 4007 is equipped with six speeds to make best use of the performance from the 2.2-litre HDi FAP 156 bhp engine. The choice of wet clutch technology has been favoured to .

the 2011 Peugeot BB1 concept vehicle

The Peugeot HR1 Concept is an exclusive and innovative urban concept car that blends together a number of genres (city run-around, coupé and SUV). It is targeted at active young city dwellers smitten with design and innovation who are in search of a vehicle that matches their profile.

Peugeot is always exploring new motoring ideas and this inventiveness has already given rise to many production vehicles and concept cars, including a number of genuine commercial and design successes (Coupé/Cabriolet, the 3008... and more recently the BB1 concept vehicle).

The Peugeot HR1 Concept is based on several different body designs: city run-around, coupé, SUV... and, in doing so, is creating its own identity and new and original benefits.



the 2011 Peugeot BB1 concept vehicle

The Peugeot Hoggar is 10% of the Brazilian compact pick-up market,

The interior area can easily hold compact luggage. With the seats folded right down, the capacity of the cab rises to a volume of 120 litres, up to the height of the load space, so the driver can store rucksacks and other items.The Peugeot Hoggar's cab has plenty of room for a toolbox. Easily accessible (behind the driver's seat and under the mat), a single compartment holds a wheel spanner, a warning triangle, a towing ring and a jack.

Styling that conveys the personality, vigour and dynamism of the new pick-up
Peugeot Hoggar's design, vigorous and modern, was developed with an eye to the inimitable aesthetics characteristic of the 207 family. The façade has a large air intake intersected by an impact bar, and expressive headlights that veer along the wings, accentuating the model's feline look.

The Peugeot Hoggar is 10% of the Brazilian compact pick-up market,

Introducing the 2011New Peugeot 508

Peugeot expects buyers to prefer the common rail diesel engines and they have come up with several engine displacements as well. These include a 2.0, 2.2 and a huge 2.8 liter engine that belts out a whopping 127bhp at 3,600RPM. The common rail diesel engine design breakthrough guarantees greater fuel economy, as well as greener emissions. All the clean power is transmitted via a 5 speed manual gearbox. Another improvement is the gear shift level which is now located at the dash board. There is no improvement in performance, but you can have greater ease of access especially when cleaning plus more floor space for that extra storage. Also noticeable is the improved interior noise levels. This is due to the insulations incorporated to improve sound deadening characteristics and reduce body vibrations. The sills on both rear and front are designed to be low enough to provide ease of access to the cargo area. All these make the boxer panel van a truly capable vehicle.

2011 Peugeot 508 Pictures

The Peugeot 407, along with the larger 607, is scheduled to be superseded by the Peugeot 508 in early 2011 but prior to that the 407 has been given a minor facelift in 2008 to keep it in line with Peugeots design philosophy as well to make sure it does not look aged compared to its competitors.

MOst Luxury Cars 2012 Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

European sales will start in the spring of 2011. In the U.S. however, sales for hybrids have dropped during the last few years. It seems that some hybrid buyers prefer full-electric cars.The first hybrid car in the U.S. was Honda Insight sold in December 1999. A decade later one and a half million hybrids were sold in the United States. For the next decade, car manufacturers are offering a variety of electric or hybrid cars to satisfy consumers that are interested in using vehicles that are more environmentally friendly.

2012 Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 Luxury Cars

The majority of 'Crossover styling' is taken from SUVs. Crossovers possess sporty looks, large front grilles and a high driving position. They also often feature all-wheel drive capacity but have the handling of a hatchback. They are easy to drive and not too big so that they're difficult to park.

They are also far more affordable than a traditional SUV and ever since their launch their popularity has grown enormously.

MOst Luxury Cars 2012 Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4

Peugeot 508

Revolution is done by the French car manufacturer, Peugeot. They have to "bury" 407 sedans and 607 just to market a new model, 508, whose pictures are shown now.

Was first shown at the Geneva Auto Show event last year, this car is still in draft form with the name 5by. Peugeot party says it will display the original product at the Paris Auto Show, September.

Compared with the form of concept, a premium sedan that entered this category have been refined so as to produce a more elegant appearance and make it a sports aura intact. As the tug on the line next door that blend up to the bumper, this implies that these vehicles have a reliable performance.

Advances are not impressive display of luxury. This is evident in the design of headlights and fog lights in combination with conventional-style grill small models, such as traditional forms in contemporary cars. Meanwhile, outside rearview mirror look as good as the door handle.

A little more special, wheel design that uses lightweight materials look different with products from other European car manufacturers.

Behind the kitchen hood embedded e-HDi-tech runway that is more economical, but have high performance. Reportedly, the brand will stand symbol lion carrying three engine options, namely diesel-powered 2.0 L and 3.0 L 160 dk (237 dk); 1.6 L turbocharged gasoline-capable 156 dk; and hybrid combinations of applying the driving engine 2.0 L and an electric motor capable of 37 dk.

For the 508, apart from the sedan, Peugeot is also offering a station wagon. New prime unit sales will be conducted early next year.

Peugeot 3008

Modify crossover fever is sweeping the world, did not make the Peugeot remain silent. Concept cars with high utility aka all terrain, yet still retain a sense of a sedan, participating manufacturers exhibited variant bearing the lion standing by 3008 latest.

At first glance, the Peugeot 3008 is a blend of MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle), SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) and hatchback. This can be observed from the shape of the body, hang out legs and the shape of the stern with minimal overhang.

Price list has become very sensitive since 3008 carried a premium feature is directly proportional to the price to be paid. AUTOMOTIVE agree with this when shared directly Peugeot 3008 crossover luxury in May last year with a 200 km route along the Croatian coast comb.

The most noticeable characteristic is when the driver sitting behind the wheel that has an atmosphere like an airplane cockpit. Dashboard and instrument panel design leads to the driver centric, it can serve entirely different adventure sensation. In fact, probably the first new Peugeot offers a cockpit-style setting for just driver. See center console and dashboard full of nuances that imply the aircraft cabin atmosphere. Lattice row of buttons below the AC that continues to gear lever, giving nuance 'ready for action' to every person who sits behind the steering wheel.

Not only the usual atmosphere of the aircraft, the feel of a driver or passenger can suddenly felt in the cabin jet fighter thanks to the panoramic roof is specially designed to be just above the head. Once moving head, clear sky can be observed.

Even so, sitting position and view of the eye to the windshield seemed to drive a typical premium European sedans that are full of comfort and feature a myriad of tools to operate the vehicle. No more SUVs in general impression.

Tool to talk while driving, 3008 armed with a variety of features that almost was not able to rival or competitor. The simplest example is a screen MID (Multi Information Display), which paired the driver's eye level just behind the roof of the speedometer cluster.

Still would not impede the view for this MID screen like acrylic or colored translucent mica, but can remove images and text according to the needs of drivers while driving. Move eye point of view slightly to the left, exactly to the center dashboard, a retractable display large display navigation system.

Another uniqueness of the design of cabin interiors 3008 is a multi-compartment. That is clear, his name is synonymous congenital modify crossover stuff quite a lot. So many drawers, holders and spaces in each corner of the cabin to store luggage so as not to loose the car when maneuvering or extreme enough suspension travel.

This is possible because the 3008 armed with two kinds of gasoline engine capacity of 1600 cc, ie VTi and THP is capable of spraying power between 120-150 dk. Output to be reckoned with for bringing a large enough body with five seats.