Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen launches C5 at 2nd plant

Shanghai, November 18 (Gasgoo.com) The second plant of Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile (DPCA) in Wuhan came into operation yesterday, with the Citroen 5 as the first sedan model running off its production line, local media reported.

The joint venture's second plant, with an annual output of 150,000 vehicles, will make Citroen C5 and Peugeot 408 models first, aiming for China's high-end auto market. The company is also mulling introducing the hybrid versions of C-Elysee, Peugeot 307 and C-Quatre next year.

DPCA, a car venture established in 1992 between PSA Peugeot Citroen and Dongfeng Motor Corp, now has an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. The venture started building its second plant in October 2006. The project stalled for some time when the first plant was not fully used.

The launch of the Citroen C5 sedan added a new rival to the mid-size sedan segment in China. The C5 will find itself some stiff competition from locally made Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and VW Magotan, which are highly popular cars in that segment.

The Citroen C5 is priced between 200,000 yuan ($29,300) and 300,000 yuan, and will come with 1.8L, 2.0L and 3.0L gasoline editions. The Peugeot 408 is expected to be produced at the second Wuhan plant soon alongside C5.