A possible corporate tie-up between Japanese firm Mitsubishi and French car maker Peugeot-Citroen could pave the way for a return to North America for the French firm, whose products are best known for their expressive and often-daring style.
Japan's Nikkei business newspaper reported recently that PSA Peugeot-Citroen could take a 30 to 50 per cent ownership stake in Mitsubishi.
Multiple auto analysts suggested that the move – if consummated – could give PSA a “toehold” in North America that would help ease its dependence on the European market.
It's not clear whether the Peugeot or Citroen brands would make it across the ocean, or whether PSA brands may end up wearing Mitsubishi badges on this side of the Atlantic, although the latter seems most likely.
Mitsubishi provides rebadged Outlander compact SUVs for Peugeot and Citroen in Europe. The Japanese company has also just confirmed a deal to provide the French firms with their own versions of the iMiEV electric four-seater.
Cars such as the popular Peugeot 207 hatchback have seen the brand's sales soar; they were up 29 per cent in November in England over the previous year.
Because of their relative small size and global reach, Peugeot and Citroen need to stand out in the marketplace, and therefore take the opposite tack to most mainstream auto makers – creating mostly bold shapes, instead of the conservative silhouettes most common on our roads.
source: theglobeandthemail
