Peugeot Cars, Far Removed From Their Coffee Grinding Heritage

The Peugeot Company, started by the Peugeot family originally began its life as an ironmonger. Instead of cars the main items manufactured were coffee grinders and bicycles. It was not until 1876 that the company first started to make cars for the French public. The first cars were steam driven although in later years, with the help of Daimler; the internal combustion engine was adopted as the preferred means of propulsion.

In 1891 the first of these petrol driven cars was driven from Beaulieu-Valentigney to Paris and then onto Brest. The acclaim gained for this amazing feat cemented the car in the hearts of the French public and as a result the company sold three hundred cars in 1899, a marked improvement on the five sold in 1891. The range was further improved when the steering tiller was replaced with the wheel and electric ignition systems were added in 1902.

Development naturally continued in the 1910’s when Peugeot once again entered the world of motor sport. With the help of Ettore Bugatti the cars were further improved with stylistic design and an engine that produced an impressive ten horsepower. Examples of these models can still be seen today in the French National Automobile Museum located in the town of Mulhouse.

After the First World War Peugeot steamed ahead with production, producing their one hundred thousandth car in 1925, the cars of this era predominantly had three cylinder engines although at this time the company were experimenting with two stroke diesel models. Strangely in 1926 cars were produced for the first time with front brakes, previously cars had only had braking systems in the rear. During the late twenties Peugeot even released a sports car using a six cylinder Bugatti engine that had been supercharged.

The thirties saw Peugeot produce the first ever electrically retractable roof, a development that the company is still proud of. During the war the company also produced an electric car named the VLV Electrique. After the war the company was also one of the first to re-establish production lines selling almost fourteen thousand model 202’s in 1946. During the fifties Peugeot still managed to dominate the European markets. In 1955 the model 403 was the first car ever to break the one million units produced mark. Also during this decade the company entered the American car market.

The sixties and seventies were a seminal period for the company. The release of the Pininfarina designed 404 dawned a period of success all over the world in terms of sales as well as success in the Safari Rally. This period also saw Peugeot produce its five millionth car. The company managers also decided to expand in this period, taking over rival manufacturer Citroen in 1975 thanks to the financial assistance offered by the French government. The new company was labelled PSA although this was purely a parent company as both members of the group wanted to keep the identities of the two brands distinctly separate. The expansion however did not stop there; the company launched a successful bid to take over the European division of Chrysler in 1978.

This expansion meant that the company has overstretched itself and the early eighties were a time of financial uncertainty for PSA. Thankfully, the release of the immensely popular 205 in 1983 meant that the company was able to revive its fortunes and carry on producing distinctly French cars. Today, despite having to close the Coventry factory the company is still striving to produce cars that have a French nature and are popular with drivers of all ages. The motoring giant may be far removed from its humble coffee grinding heritage, but the traditions of this family company have not been forgotten.

Related posts

Car Spare part Supplier Windsor Exports From India

Manufacturer and Supplier of auto spare parts, peugeot parts includes Brake Line, Radiator Fan, Distributor Cap, Connecting Rod, clutch parts, nut Bolt, Brake Shoe Set. We are Exporter of Ball Joint, engine spares and transmission parts from India

We are one of the most reputed name engaged in Manufacturing and Exports of Car Parts and Truck Parts. Today we are recognized as a highly trusted business entity producing premium range of Car Parts and Truck Parts. Our Company is dedicated to Manufacture good quality Rubber Moulded parts allowing us to offer our clients the best quality at most comprehensive prices and highly professional services. We understand the precise requirement of our honorable clients and take utmost care in the in house quality control set up and Research & Development activities.

Windsor Exports is the leading exporter of Peugeot Car Parts and Truck Parts. We have vast sale network all over the world to serve the global market better. We are a leading manufacturer & supplier of Peugeots that includes Robber Mounting, Brake Parts, Nut Bolts and Electric Parts etc. for European and Japanese cars and Trucks. We are committed to offer to our customers the most cost effective range of Rubber products.

We are one of the most reputed name engaged in Manufacturing and Exports of Car Parts and Truck Parts. Today we are recognized as a highly trusted business entity producing premium range of Car Parts and Truck Parts. Our Company is dedicated to Manufacture good quality Rubber Moulded parts allowing us to offer our clients the best quality at most comprehensive prices and highly professional services. We understand the precise requirement of our honorable clients and take utmost care in the in house quality control set up and Research & Development activities.

We are one of the most reputed name engaged in Manufacturing and Exports of Car Parts and Truck Parts. Today we are recognized as a highly trusted business entity producing premium range of Car Parts and Truck Parts. Our Company is dedicated to Manufacture good quality Rubber Moulded parts allowing us to offer our clients the best quality at most comprehensive prices and highly professional services. We understand the precise requirement of our honorable clients and take utmost care in the in house quality control set up and Research & Development activities.

Used Cars Guide

Hpl Motors database is the natural UK home of the best value used cars. There extensive resource lists everything from vast four-wheel-drive leviathans to economical little city cars. Many of these vehicles have depreciated considerably since the original owners claimed the keys, so let’s consider a couple of noteworthy bargains.

A used car dealership must always have a large selection of different models and makes in stock right away.Many of the top dealers will stock used VAUXHALL cars, used FORD cars, used TOYOTA cars, used RENAULT cars, used PEUGEOT cars, used BMW cars, used VOLKSWAGEN cars, used NISSAN cars, used MERCEDES cars, used CITROEN cars, used AUDI cars, used VOLVO cars, used SAAB cars, used MAZDA cars, used HONDA cars, used FIAT cars, used CHRYSLER cars, used SEAT cars.

Eye-watering depreciation also affects the Volkswagen used cars online. Straight from the factory in 2007 the Phaeton 6.0-litre W12 4MOTION (lwb) cost £73,860. This monstrous beast is now only worth a comparatively modest £27,000. That is a drop of nearly £47,000 in three years, or to put it another way – virtually the price of a new Jaguar XJ.

The final executive contender is the recently retired Peugeot 607. This Frenchman’s plaything may not be particularly good to drive, but it is a good value used purchase. Shiny and new at the beginning of 2009 the top-end 3.0-litre V6 Executive cost a noteworthy £29,000. This model is today only worth a temptingly affordable £13,000.

These three vehicles are clear proof that cost conscious bargain hunters can find a great deal on second hand cars.