To finally relaunch itself, Peugeot Motocycles has set up a new team. The tandem formed by Peugeot (Stellantis group) and the Indian Mahindra is succeeded by a duo now associating the Indian group with a newcomer, the German fund Mutares. The latter acquired, for an undisclosed amount, the 50% stake held by the French brand and obtained 80% of the voting rights. An operation finalized in February. The two-wheelers will continue to bear the Peugeot crest, which will oversee their design.
The arrival of Mutares, an investment fund which took over the Magna (ex-Ford) gearbox factory in Blanquefort (Gironde), but also the Lapeyre carpentry group, should make it possible to ensure the development of Peugeot Motocycles (140 million euros in annual turnover), in Europe, but not only. “With 1.5 million units per year, the European two-wheeler market is not the one with the highest sales volumes. Asia, which totals 60 million, is our priority., underlines the new managing director of Peugeot Motocycles, Eric Apode. This former DS Automobiles was previously responsible for the operations of the Stellantis group in Southeast Asia.
Peugeot, hitherto specialized in the production of scooters, without having managed to rise among the main market players, intends to offer a broader spectrum of products by reviving the category of motorcycles, abandoned since 1988, but in full revival. The brand which was, in the 1950s, the French leader in the specialty ahead of Motobécane and Terrot is returning to its roots with the PM-01, a 125 cubic centimeter developed as part of a joint venture with its Chinese partner QJ Motor.
Production in the Doubs should double
The original engine has been adapted to European anti-pollution standards and the design, quite successful, has been refined by Peugeot, which has incorporated some of the distinctive signs of the French brand, including the now ritual three luminous claws. Offered from 3,999 euros, the PM-01 adopts a fairly aggressive price positioning. It will be followed, at the end of the year, by a 300 cubic centimeter version, which will target a more dynamic market segment. The manufacturer also plans to offer larger displacement machines in the future.
The revival of Peugeot Motocycles should reflect on the activity of the historic factory in Mandeure (Doubs), the cradle of the manufacturer, which will ensure the delivery of another novelty, mainly intended for Europe: the maxi-scooter XP400. In addition to this model, the establishment, which has 300 employees, manufactures the small Pulsion scooter and the Metropolis three-wheeler. In total, the production of Mandeure, which did not exceed 3,500 units in 2021, should double thanks to the expected success of the XP400, assure the leaders.
You have 30.35% of this article left to read. The following is for subscribers only.