BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën Form Joint Venture to Produce Hybrid Components

Already partners in developing 4-cylinder petrol engines, BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën have decided to set up 50-50 equity joint venture named the BMW Peugeot Citroën Electrification, which will primarily focus on developing hybrid components. Sharing the cost of research and development as well as production and component purchasing, the two companies expect to achieve significant economies of scale.

The hybrid components in question include battery packs, E-machines, generators, power electronics and chargers, alongside the necessary software to operate them that will also be jointly developed. The new technologies will be used by the two automakers for their upcoming electric vehicles and could be sold to other companies as well.

The joint venture is expected to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2011 and it’s estimated that the first series production hybrid components will arrive in 2014.

“This cooperative venture will enable us to achieve significant economies of scale in the field of electrification. It also represents an important step on the road to sustainable mobility”, said Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

“With this joint venture, we are sure to develop and expand our expertise and to build a European leader in the field of automotive hybrid innovation”, noted Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën.

By Csaba Daradics

BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën Form Joint Venture to Produce Hybrid Components

Already partners in developing 4-cylinder petrol engines, BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën have decided to set up 50-50 equity joint venture named the BMW Peugeot Citroën Electrification, which will primarily focus on developing hybrid components. Sharing the cost of research and development as well as production and component purchasing, the two companies expect to achieve significant economies of scale.

The hybrid components in question include battery packs, E-machines, generators, power electronics and chargers, alongside the necessary software to operate them that will also be jointly developed. The new technologies will be used by the two automakers for their upcoming electric vehicles and could be sold to other companies as well.

The joint venture is expected to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2011 and it’s estimated that the first series production hybrid components will arrive in 2014.

“This cooperative venture will enable us to achieve significant economies of scale in the field of electrification. It also represents an important step on the road to sustainable mobility”, said Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

“With this joint venture, we are sure to develop and expand our expertise and to build a European leader in the field of automotive hybrid innovation”, noted Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën.

By Csaba Daradics

Euro NCAP's Best and Worst Performers of 2010

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), which is similar to the American IIHS testing regimen, has released a list with the safest car in each vehicle category and the two worst performers overall of 2010. The cars that attained the coveted five star rating and achieved the highest overall score in their respective segment are:

------ Executive category: BMW 5 Series
------ Small Family category: Alfa Romeo Giulietta
------ Supermini category: Honda CR-Z
------ Small off-road 4×4 category: Kia Sportage
------ Small MPV category: Toyota Verso

On the other side of the fence are two models that achieved the poorest results of 2010. These are the Citroen Nemo with three stars and China's Landwind CV9 that received only two stars.

The European body noted that the cars in the top list "accomplished a high combined score based on the scores in each of the individual four areas of Euro NCAP’s assessment, while notably exceeding the thresholds for a 5 star overall rating". Along with the five top achievers, Euro NCAP said that the Suzuki Swift, Kia Venga, BMW X1, VW Sharan/Seat Alhambra, Citroen C4 all exceeded the 80% mark in overall score putting them on the runner-up list for the safest cars of 2010.

Commenting on the results, Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General said: “Every year, car manufacturers constantly work to innovate and make their cars better and safer for the driver, whatever the size of the vehicle. The presence in these categories of high performing 5 star cars demonstrates car manufacturers’ commitment to safety for all sizes of vehicles.”

In early 2009, Euro NCAP implemented tougher crash testing procedures that make it more difficult for vehicles to receive a five-star rating. Last year, the European body crash tested a total of twenty-nine vehicles from numerous categories, of which 65 per cent reached the five star rating, compared to 90% in 2009.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Euro NCAP's Best and Worst Performers of 2010

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), which is similar to the American IIHS testing regimen, has released a list with the safest car in each vehicle category and the two worst performers overall of 2010. The cars that attained the coveted five star rating and achieved the highest overall score in their respective segment are:

------ Executive category: BMW 5 Series
------ Small Family category: Alfa Romeo Giulietta
------ Supermini category: Honda CR-Z
------ Small off-road 4×4 category: Kia Sportage
------ Small MPV category: Toyota Verso

On the other side of the fence are two models that achieved the poorest results of 2010. These are the Citroen Nemo with three stars and China's Landwind CV9 that received only two stars.

The European body noted that the cars in the top list "accomplished a high combined score based on the scores in each of the individual four areas of Euro NCAP’s assessment, while notably exceeding the thresholds for a 5 star overall rating". Along with the five top achievers, Euro NCAP said that the Suzuki Swift, Kia Venga, BMW X1, VW Sharan/Seat Alhambra, Citroen C4 all exceeded the 80% mark in overall score putting them on the runner-up list for the safest cars of 2010.

Commenting on the results, Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General said: “Every year, car manufacturers constantly work to innovate and make their cars better and safer for the driver, whatever the size of the vehicle. The presence in these categories of high performing 5 star cars demonstrates car manufacturers’ commitment to safety for all sizes of vehicles.”

In early 2009, Euro NCAP implemented tougher crash testing procedures that make it more difficult for vehicles to receive a five-star rating. Last year, the European body crash tested a total of twenty-nine vehicles from numerous categories, of which 65 per cent reached the five star rating, compared to 90% in 2009.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Paris 2010: 2011 Citroën DS4 continues the automaker's design revolution

Citroën continues to expand its DS lineup of cars. The first model-launched with the DS styling was the DS3, and here at the Paris Motor Show we have just gotten our first look at the all-new Citroën DS4.

The five-door hatchback shows off the new direction of Citroën styling and pushes the automaker into a new era. The DS4 will be available with a slew of engine choices that can be paired up with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. For diesel fans, there are 110- and 160-horsepower units, however the ever-important torque figures are not yet available. Petrolheads can choose from either 120-, 155- or 200-hp gasoline-drinking variants. Word on the virtual street is that a sportier DS4 Racing model is also in the works.

We love seeing automakers push for new design styles that help refine the brand. It's even better when they create a car that looks damn good in the process.

Live in Paris 2010 - Citroen C4 Picasso and Grand Picasso 2011

Citroën defends itself against the introduction of the Ford C-Max by its own visioning spaces' geven.De a facelift facelift outside a number of changes that can and have the e-HDi engines of the latest generation. These micro-hybrid technology combines a Stop & Start system with a 1.6 HDi 110 bhp engine and a gearbox. LED strips do outside their entrance, a small reference to the DS3.

Also, the more streamlined logo on the grille and tailgate stuck. The headlights get white turn indicators, rear lights have a black bezel. C4 gets the (Grand) Picasso other materials for coating, as usual for a facelift. He also gets the eTouch available. That system was already available on the C5 and allows the operator to send emergency calls to roadside assistance or to apply. Also do you play a virtual service book and an Eco-driving program.

In Paris 2010 , debuting Hatchback Citroen DS4 Live Purple

At that opens today international motor show in Paris, was presented hatchback Citroen DS4. This car is built on the concept car High Rider and continues to a completely new line of DS, which was opened last year, a compact hatchback DS3. A larger five-door DS4 got a smooth silhouette, more reminiscent of a coupe than a hatchback, and the layout of the rear doors with hidden handles and components, as it were a single unit with raised arches of rear wheels. Taillights machines are made in the form of a boomerang. The car has received a huge panoramic windscreen, 19-inch wheels, chrome stroke windows, shutters on all windows and spoiler.

New dimensions are: Length - 4.27 m, height - 1,81 m, width - 1,53 m. Citroen DS4 is equipped with five engines: two diesels with 110 and 160 hp and three petrol engines, developed in collaboration with BMW (120, 155 and 200 hp). They will combine six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The first game of power: Citroen Survolt against Agni Z2

The electric vehicle concept Citroen Survolt and electric motorcycle Agni Z2 lived a curious meeting in the form of race on the circuit Thurxton (United Kingdom).

In the capable hands of two professional pilots, Vanina Ickx and Jenny Tinmouth - confronted the two wheels to four. Vanina had participated in Le Mans series Survolt aboard, so this marked his second experience with the prototype electric sports French manufacturer.

Vanina said, "It was a fantastic experience, the electric opener of its kind. The lack of engine noise has become a very interesting challenge. Usually you have an idea of where the other competitor by the sound of your engine, but with electric vehicles does not happen, because they are much quieter, so the dynamic is totally new career. I enjoyed very much and am very happy to have been part of this unique event. "

Powered by two electric motors with a combined capacity of 300 hp from 0 to 5,000 rpm, the Survolt is capable of exceptional performance, offering a maximum speed of 260km / h and acceleration from 0-100km / h in under five seconds . The concept includes batteries weighing 140kg of lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 31kW each, can cover a distance without recharging der 200 km (124 miles).

The Agni Z2, meanwhile, weighs 220kg and accelerates from 0 to 100km / h in 3.5 seconds, top speed of 209 km / h.

Citroën Lacoste: Concept Car in the buggy-style stands in Paris

With a futuristic study will provide Citroen at the Paris Salon (2 to 17 October 2010) for attention. The French car manufacturer shows at the fair, the concept car Lacoste. The study was developed together with the eponymous fashion label.

The 3.45 meters long, 1.80 meters wide and 1.52 meters high Lacoste study will also be environmentally friendly, economical and affordable. The Lacoste commemorated with the higher body laid and the big wheels on a beach buggy. Other noticeable features are the high belt line, strongly contoured fender and minimal overhangs. Doors do not exist, instead, only a section, go through the passengers into the vehicle.


The rear seats are to be achieved according to the manufacturer with a casual leap . For transportation of larger pieces of luggage or sports equipment, the rear seats are folded. In keeping with the vehicle it will also give a specially created sports - such as tennis rackets, golf clubs, balls, skis, a surfboard and a bike.

Lacoste Citroen Concept: The tower owner. (Video)

Small video session that we owe to Automobile Magazine, which allows us to do around the house to discover a little more detail this concept car Citroen Lacoste aimed at leisure among young people on holiday hype