PSA Delays Launch of Plug-in Hybrids

The ever growing need to save money and cut costs could result in the delay of PSA's hybrid vehicles launch. The delay could take as long as two years, but will not interfere with the company's plans to develop hybrid cars.

Ladimir Prince, PSA's Hybrid Innovovation manager was quoted by Autonews as saying that even with the current delay and the ongoing crisis, the company is still working on the development of a hybrid powertrain for the Peugeot 3008 model, due to be launched in 2011. For other hybrid models, Prince says PSA doesn't yet have a date for series production.

At least for the following years, PSA estimates hybrid vehicle sales to reach tens of thousands. Until then, PSA targets to market 1 million petrol and diesel vehicles fitted with Stop & Start systems by 2011. This system is already available for Citroën C2 and C3. Stop & Start technology reduces fuel consumption by between 8 and 15% in city driving, depending on the traffic.

PSA Peugeot Citroën will launch an operational recovery plan to return to growth and profitability. The group aims to exceed the 4 million vehicle sales mark, to consolidate its position as the leading ecological carmaker and to achieve an operating margin of between 5.5% and 6% in 2010. By 2015, PSA wants to become the most competitive car manufacturer in Europe.

Company's anti-crisis measures include the increase of productivity by 4 to 6 percent per year, reduce overheads and development cycles by 30%, cut logistics costs by 10% and halve warranty costs. "More government support could also speed development”, Prince said.