Next decade, General Motors will have fresh competition in the United States. PSA Group, the French automaker GM sold Opel and Vauxhall to, has chosen Peugeot to lead its return to North America.
The decision puts an end to speculation over the past two years over which brand PSA would choose to return to U.S. shores. The automaker has already set up a North American headquarters and launched a car-sharing business to understand U.S customers and their preferences. Its next-generation vehicles have already been engineered to meet U.S. regulations as well.
The Peugeot decision also kiboshes any chance for Opel to return to U.S. shores. Previously, PSA executives hinted Opel was the frontrunner to lead the automaker’s return to the U.S. PSA liked the idea of a German brand in the U.S. as it realized consumers may have poor connotations with purchasing a French car.
There’s no exact timeframe for when Peugeot will launch in the U.S., but according to Automotive News (subscription required), the company has narrowed down its launch to 15 states and four Canadian provinces. Previously, PSA targeted a launch no later than 2026 to return to North America. The models Peugeot will offer will initially be sourced from Europe and China.
Peugeot last sold cars in the U.S. in 1991 but left the market after dismal sales performance. In 1990, it sold just 4,292 cars. Today, PSA said the brand’s strong growth and profitability make it the best choice to lead the French automaker’s return to the U.S. and Canada.
Comments
Great decision by PSA in my opinion.
Peugeot is kind of quirky and might catch on a little better than the Bland Opel vehicles. Their vehicles will look like nothing on the road on our American roads. They better start off with CUV’s though HAHA
Are you looking at the same photos I’m looking at?
“Their vehicles will look like nothing on the road on our American roads.”
The photo in the article with the 2 white cars and a white CUV.
Those cars could be from any car company, they look like Nissans, Hondas, etc, I really don’t see where you’re getting that sorry.
2 Accords and a Murano is what I see……
Are you familiar with their vehicles?
They look nothing like cars here.
Americans aren’t into VW so Opel may have faced difficulty. I was hoping for Opel but Peugeot has great designs and is a great turn around story.
I guess they would sell their cars under GM, if PSA has relationship with GM.
GM should partner with PSA to establish a healthy, high margins EU presence with a well run automaker poised for growth under Taveres.
GM is strict with capital expenditures but PSA stock is still cheap. PSA would also help GM to reduce R&D costs on future projects. Peugeot cars would fit nicely on Buick and GMC lots due to the niche appeal.