A touching story of auto-industry love may be developing between Mitsubishi and PSA, reports All Cars Electric, citing Wards [sub] and French newspaper reports. It seems the French concern was deeply smitten with Mitsubishi’s $45k MiEV electric car and pursued the option for Citroen and Peugeot-branded versions. And apparently, the more PSA learned about the Japanese company, the more they liked. Did hands brush awkwardly over battery capacity charts, causing a thrilling moment of heart-fluttering eye contact? Executives did share the stage at the announcement of the EV-sharing deal, and now sources close to the deal say the new-found relationship could be snowballing towards a full-on R&D cost-sharing alliance.
Of course, like all young love, this budding romance is fragile. Mitsubishi has had bad relationships in the past, most notably an unfulfilling turn as Chrysler’s R&D partner. Meanwhile, PSA’s CEO has implied that his firm would be a lifelong bachelor in the proud French tradition, saying “PSA’s management is too Eurocentric and the company has to become more global, yet must remain independent.” Still, we think these crazy kids might just make it together. After all, it’s getting harder for small automakers to get through alone, and Mitsu and PSA have hooked up at least once already. Besides, aren’t they just so cute together?
There are a LOT of people in a LOT of countries that really don’t want to send money to countries with oil just to waste 70% of that oil making heat and noise in inefficient ICEs.
Who knows if hybrids, electrics, hydrogen, or something we haven’t even invented yet will be the next technology we use but there are a LOT of people working to escape from oil.
Enjoy the ride.
It’s about time! These two kids were the only two left at the dance who hadn’t hooked up yet.
Back when I was a wet-behind-the-ears PR operative for Mitsubishi Motors North America, its then-CEO was asked on CNN whether Mitsubishi the car brand was for sale. His answer was no, but that he thought the management in Japan would want to pursue strategic alliances, particularly with Peugeot/Citroen because of the “natural synergies.”
I remember thinking that was a pretty intelligent answer. I understand the big cheeses in Tokyo, though, were pretty upset (Picture Don Corleone telling Sonny: “Never let anyone outside the family know what you’re thinking!”)
A year later, DaimlerChrysler’s Jürgen Schrempp bought Mitsubishi — we all know how that turned out.
On paper at least, a PSA/Mitsu alliance could be the start of a beautiful friendship. I wish them all the best.
Brilliant idea! Just ask Chryco.
Just because you found a picture of them exchanging Valentines doesn’t mean they’re kissing.
Well the PSA/MItsu alliance is i think a healthy one. not too endangering for both entities, and maximum benefit for PSA. remember, the french squad desperately needed a credible SUV/CUV to stake its claim of the Frenshist SUV market even renault was missing out until recently. and the outlander is a decent car to build upon.
as for the EV alliance, again it makes perfect sense. PSA and its affiliate have a lot of actual experience with electric cars in both R&D and production. Mitsubishi has proved that it has done a good job designing a usable and friendly electric car, so if two experts join on a common goal it’s bound to get better.
Peugeot are hoping that EV’s take off in the future as mainstream cars, and have been preparing for that for a while. if their gamble pays off, they might become a much larger company and still avoid being sucked in by a larger manufacturer that might jeopardize their family company image.
PSA’s temporary but very effective alliance with BMW AG has given rise to a very decent little engine that is capable of some mighty performances in both economy and blistering performance… so PSA seems to be strategic in its alliances wanting to bolster its R&D image in anticipation for a lucrative future.
@Ronman
remember, the french squad desperately needed a credible SUV/CUV to stake its claim of the Frenshist SUV market even renault was missing out until recently. and the outlander is a decent car to build upon.
PSA got re-branded Outlanders, and Mitsubishi got kick-ass diesels for the Outlander in return. Wouldn’t be surprised to see PSA diesels replace the VW ones in the Lancer.
PSA also have a joint OpCo with Toyota and another with Fiat.
Could this one with Mitsubishi be just a fumbling quickie in the dark or could it lead to a burgeoning relationship?
Only time will tell.
@Mirko; wasnt aware of the diesel situation because i live in a non diesel market…but it makes perfect sense, PSA does have some of the best diesels…
PSA seem to be specialists in hit and run R&D alliances.
it’s actually smart, they deal with some really good names in the business, and get to share engines and platforms with each others.if that isnt a bragging right i don’t know what is.
they share engines with BMW AG the best in its class, Mitsubishi share the best diesel in its class with PSA. PSA uses the Oulander’s underpinnings, some of the best in that SUV segment.
I can hear a 207 RC owner boast how his turbocharged 1.6 Liter THP is the same unit found in the Mini JCW.