Founded way back in 1810 as a family-run grain mill, which would become a global automotive brand, Peugeot is recognized as the world’s oldest car brand. The brand was founded by Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot and manufactured products like steel strips, saws, and springs for watchmaking.
In 1830, they ventured into bike manufacturing, and in 1882, the brand started making cars. Across two centuries and still counting, the Peugeot brand has built a solid heritage and reputation globally and registered its name as one of the finest French automotive manufacturers. Here’s an overview of the company and its achievements in the automotive niche.
Peugeot is One of the Oldest Automakers Globally
Peugeot, a global iconic automotive brand, boasts a rich heritage dating back over two centuries. As one of the oldest automakers globally, Peugeot has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry through its innovative designs, technological advancements, and commitment to quality.
The Peugeot brand did not start as an automotive manufacturing company but would revolve into one a few decades later. Founded in 1810 in the small town of Sochaux, France, by Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot, Peugeot was a family-run business. The two relatives who founded the company were only looking to transform their family’s grain mill into a steel foundry.
However, their venture into steel production laid the foundation for the Peugeot dynasty. By the early 1900s, the company had already started manufacturing a wide range of products, which included bicycles, coffee mills, vehicles, and power tools. The first ever Peugeot vehicle was made in 1889, it was the Peugeot Type 2, and it featured a steam-powered engine.
It was in 1896 that Peugeot launched its first petrol-powered car, the Peugeot Type 7, which laid the foundation of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Of course, from then until now, the French automotive giant continued to adapt and design innovative materials, components, and engines for its automobiles.
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Peugeot’s Contributions to the Global Automotive Industry
Peugeot has been at the forefront of automotive innovation, pioneering numerous technological advancements in the industry. In 1912, the brand launched the world’s first mass-produced car with an all-steel body, the Peugeot Léon, which set a new standard for automobiles made at that time.
Interestingly, the company ventured into motorsport in the early 20th century and won many honors in prestigious motorsports events such as the French Grand Prix. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 and the Peugeot 206 WRC dominated the rally scenes of motorsports. The brand still participates in these events up until this date.
Global Expansion and Market Presence
Peugeot started expanding its tentacles into many continents and countries, and so far has garnered a significant presence in markets around the world. The brand scaled from Europe to Asia, then Africa, and also into the Americas. Even with its expansion, Peugeot maintains its core values and commitment to quality and innovation.
The Modern Era
In 1974, Peugeot bought a 30% share of Citroën, but would later take over the brand completely a year later, the joint parent company was named PSA Peugeot Citroën Group. Also, the PSA group took over the European division of Chrysler in 1978.
But things didn’t go well with the brand in the 2000s; General Motors wanted to revive the brand by buying a 7% share for 320 million euros in a cooperation agreement in March 2012 but would sell all of those shares for a loss up to the tune of 70 million euros in December 2013.
In this modern era, Peugeot continues to thrive and adapt to the industry’s ever-evolving demands, but the sales numbers are not adding up. So, in 2020, the brand was acquired by Stellantis, an Italian–American conglomerate of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group.
Nevertheless, the all-new Peugeot 208 is remarkably one of the finest sedans in the market today, with a superior engine and ample space. The GTi trim comes with a 1.6L turbo i4 engine that outputs 197hp at 5,800 rpm and 203 lb-ft of torque at 1,700 rpm. The Peugeot 208 engine oil is made of fine ingredients to keep the engine clean and unlock the peak performance.
Conclusion
Although the brand is not very popular in today’s automotive market, it has already built a legacy that will live throughout its existence. As one of the oldest car brands in the world, Peugeot vehicles are still as strong as they used to be and include modern features to meet modern drivers’ demands.
