PSA Rumored to Court Mitsubishi. Again...

The rumors surrounding a possible tie-up, regardless of its form, between French group PSA and Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi continue today with a report published in the French media. La Tribune, the French newspaper responsible for this latest rumor, cites PSA's Varin as saying he is "actively thinking about an alliance with Mitsubishi."

According to the new -let's call it – rumor, Mitsubishi's CEO, Osamu Masuko and his French counterpart, Philippe Varin have already signed a cooperative agreement between their respective companies.

The French media report, quoted by just-auto.com, says the two sides have agreed to bring the electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV to Europe, in the form of Peugeot and Citroen versions. The European i-MiEVs are said to be prepared for production in October 2010 and market launch towards the end of the same year.

The only official word from either of the two companies came in early July, when rumors surfaced saying PSA and Mitsubishi want to jointly research hybrids. Laurent Cicolella, PSA spokesman, stepped forth and said "there are no plans in place or being considered to cooperate with Mitsubishi on plug-in hybrids."

PSA's hybrids are scheduled to be launched in 2011, as a version of the Peugeot 3008 and Citroen DS5. The first plug-in diesel hybrid is set to be launched in 2012. So, the only vehicle missing from the picture is an EV, which PSA currently doesn't have.

The French and Mitsubishi are already involved in joint ventures, as the Japanese manufactures Outlander-based Citroens and Peugeots and have plans to work together in Russia.