Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen to release new technology development strategy for China

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai August 2) - Dongfeng Peugeot and Dongfeng Citroën will officially announce a new technology strategy at the upcoming Chengdu Motor Show, the Beijing Times reported today. The strategy will reportedly aim at revolutionizing production of engines, transmissions and other parts for the joint ventures' vehicles in China.

The joint ventures' engine factory in Xiangyang, Hubei will play a pivotal role in help pushing the plan along. Development of six engines from the EC (pictured), EP and EB series will commence at the plant, with production of the EC 1.6 L direct injection gasoline engine slated to begin this September. The engine will be used in the upcoming Peugeot 408, which will hit Chinese markets in October. According to Dongfeng Citroën Deputy General Manager Arnaud du Teilhet de Lamothe, there is also discussion whether or not to equip the Chinese Citroën C5 with an engine from the EP line.

In other news, BMW and PSA are cooperating in jointly developing a new 1.6 L turbocharged engine to be used in Dongfeng Peugeot's 3008 SUV, which is to be manufactured in China before the end of the year. According to various sources, the first batch of 3008's will use engines constructed overseas, while later models will have theirs built in China.