Alain Favey, CEO of Peugeot, discusses the brand's strategies and future direction during a visit to the UK. He emphasizes the importance of the UK market for Peugeot, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) adoption and compliance with zero-emission vehicle mandates. Favey shares insights on Peugeot's multi-energy strategy, upcoming concept cars like the Polygon, and the brand's commitment to innovation in driving experiences. He also addresses the challenges of balancing affordability with upper mainstream ambitions amidst increasing competition in the automotive industry.
Peugeot CEO Alain Favey has a bold plan to put style and driving dynamics right back at the heart of the brand's positioning - and he's joined the Autocar podcast to tell us all about it.
Join deputy editor Felix Page at Stellantis's UK headquarters to hear Favey outline why the UK market is so important to Peugeot's EV strategy, how he'll grow its market share in Europe - and how the brand is very literally reinventing the wheel for its next-generation cars.
He also told us how Peugeot will rekindle the spirit of the legendary 205 GTi for a new line of hot hatches, and ensure that all future models 'feel like Peugeots', even if they're closely related to cars from other brands.
"I'm the deputy editor of AutoCar and I'm up in Coventry today at the Stellantis headquarters where I'm joined by none other than Alain Flavet, who is the CEO of Peugeot."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Peugeot and Chrysler. It was created when two companies joined together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses a variety of well-known automotive brands, including Peugeot, Chrysler, and Jeep.
"And especially in the BEV market to be here compliant with the ZEV mandates is clearly one of our targets."
BEV means Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a car that runs only on electricity and doesn't use gas or diesel. These cars are becoming more popular because they are better for the environment.
BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle, which is a type of electric vehicle that runs entirely on electricity stored in batteries, without any internal combustion engine. This category is growing as manufacturers aim to meet environmental regulations and consumer demand for cleaner vehicles.
"And especially in the BEV market to be here compliant with the ZEV mandates is clearly one of our targets."
ZEV mandates are rules that require car companies to make a certain number of cars that don't produce any pollution. This helps protect the environment.
ZEV stands for Zero Emission Vehicle, and mandates are regulations set by governments requiring manufacturers to produce a certain percentage of vehicles that produce no emissions. These mandates are part of efforts to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
"...a new tax on electric vehicles, which some people in the industry have said is the wrong measure at the wrong time..."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are often better for the environment because they produce less pollution.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They can include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly due to lower emissions compared to traditional vehicles.
"...to have a quicker transition towards electric mobility, I think is a concept that we like..."
Electric mobility means using cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. This helps reduce pollution and is better for the environment.
Electric mobility refers to the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and the infrastructure that supports them, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions. This concept is central to the automotive industry's shift towards sustainable transportation solutions.
"...we want clearly to be a contributor to a decarbonized mobility because we believe that this is an important contribution to the environment..."
Decarbonized mobility means finding ways to move people and goods without creating carbon pollution. This often involves using electric cars or other clean energy sources.
Decarbonized mobility refers to transportation systems that have significantly reduced or eliminated carbon emissions, often through the use of electric vehicles and alternative fuels. This concept is crucial in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices in the automotive industry.
"For example, with the concept car that we just introduced, which is called Polygon, which is kind of pre-empting what a compact future, compact Pujo could be. Developing a concept car is a good way for any brand like Pujo to kind of articulate the way we see the future and what future cars will stand for."
A concept car is a special type of vehicle that car companies create to show off new designs and features they might use in future cars. They're not usually for sale and help companies see what people think about their ideas.
A concept car is a prototype vehicle that showcases new design ideas and technologies that a manufacturer may consider for future production models. These cars are often used to gauge public interest and gather feedback before committing to a full production run.
"...you joined and it was 208 GTI and we've recently had HyperSquare, which has had huge coverage..."
The Peugeot 208 GTI is a faster, sportier version of the regular Peugeot 208. It has a more powerful engine and is designed for better handling, making it fun to drive.
The Peugeot 208 GTI is a sporty version of the standard 208 hatchback, known for its performance and handling. It features a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a compact performance car.
"...and we've recently had HyperSquare, which has had huge coverage..."
HyperSquare is a new car design or concept from Peugeot that has received a lot of attention. It's meant to show off exciting new features and ideas for future cars.
HyperSquare is likely a reference to a specific concept vehicle or design study by Peugeot that emphasizes innovative features and technology. It has garnered significant attention in automotive media and showcases the brand's future direction.
"...and the Polygon concept itself is sort of internet breaking in its caliber."
The Polygon concept is another new car idea from Peugeot that is very advanced and has a unique design. It's meant to show what the future of cars could look like.
The Polygon concept refers to another innovative vehicle design or prototype from Peugeot, noted for its advanced features and striking design. It aims to push the boundaries of automotive design and technology.
"And for example, on the GTI, we've presented the car in the last Le Mans."
The GTI is a sporty version of the Volkswagen Golf, which is a popular compact car. It’s known for being fun to drive and has a powerful engine that makes it faster than regular Golfs.
The GTI is a performance-oriented version of the Volkswagen Golf, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is celebrated for its balance of performance and practicality.
"And in the next Le Mans next year, we will actually open the orders and properly launch the car for sale."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Cars race around a track for a whole day, and it's a big event in the car racing world.
Le Mans refers to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a prestigious endurance race held annually in France. It is one of the oldest and most famous automobile races in the world, known for testing the durability and speed of vehicles over a full day of racing.
"...having a heritage like we do is a big help, because clearly you can rely on things like the GTI..."
Brand heritage is the history and background of a car brand. It helps people understand what the brand stands for and why it is trusted by customers.
Brand heritage refers to the history and legacy of a brand, which can influence its reputation and customer loyalty. A strong heritage can help a brand stand out in a competitive market by emphasizing its long-standing values and achievements.
"...with the I-Cockpit, you know, where we develop this particular seating position at the wheel with a very small steering wheel..."
I-Cockpit is a special design for the inside of Peugeot cars. It includes a small steering wheel and a dashboard that is easy to see, making it feel more sporty when you drive.
The I-Cockpit is a unique interior design concept developed by Peugeot that features a compact steering wheel and a high-mounted instrument panel, enhancing the driving experience and providing a sportier feel.
"Every day the prospect of me being able to buy a 700 horsepower big luxury Peugeot could pay."
700 horsepower is a measure of how powerful an engine is. Cars with this much power can go really fast and are often considered high-performance vehicles.
700 horsepower refers to the power output of an engine, indicating a high-performance vehicle. This level of horsepower is typically found in luxury or sports cars, allowing for rapid acceleration and high speeds.
"...increasing market footprint is probably going to be contingent on your multi-energy strategy, which means that people who don't want to go electric can have petrol."
A multi-energy strategy means a car company makes cars that can run on different types of fuel, like electricity or gasoline, so they can meet different needs and rules.
A multi-energy strategy refers to an automotive approach that offers various types of powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and traditional internal combustion engines. This allows manufacturers to cater to different consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
"The Renault 5 perhaps being the best example of a design that brings to mind the heritage of a brand in a very successful way."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by the French company Renault, popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It's known for its unique look and is considered a classic today.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by Renault from 1972 to 1985, known for its distinctive design and compact size. It played a significant role in establishing Renault's presence in the small car market and is often celebrated for its retro appeal.
"...the horizontal lines you could find on a 205 for example in the past."
The Peugeot 205 is a small car that was made in the 1980s and 1990s. It's famous for being fun to drive and has a special place in car history.
The Peugeot 205 is a supermini car produced by the French automaker Peugeot from 1983 to 1998. It is known for its compact size, agility, and was a significant model in Peugeot's history, often celebrated for its design and performance, especially in the hot hatch variants.
"...as you say there was a 108, there was a 107, there was a 106 in the past we've sold I think more than a million cars in the A segment..."
The Peugeot 108 is a small car made for city driving. It's designed to be easy to park and fuel-efficient.
The Peugeot 108 is a city car produced by the French automaker Peugeot. It is part of the A segment, which includes small, economical vehicles designed for urban driving.
"...there was a 108, there was a 107, there was a 106 in the past..."
The Peugeot 106 is an older small car that was made for city driving, known for being compact and economical.
The Peugeot 106 is a small hatchback that was produced by Peugeot from the early 1990s until the early 2000s. It was popular in the A segment for its compact size and efficiency.
"...we've sold I think more than a million cars in the A segment in the not so long past..."
The A segment is a group of very small cars that are great for city driving. They are usually cheaper and easier to park.
The A segment refers to a category of small cars that are typically compact and designed for urban use. These vehicles are often economical and easy to maneuver in city environments.
"...you create a different kind of conditions to allow for better price. Final thought, can you offer cars at the affordable end of the spectrum..."
Entry-level cars are the most affordable cars available, meant for people who are buying their first car or who want something inexpensive. They usually have fewer features than more expensive models.
Entry-level cars are vehicles that are priced affordably to attract first-time buyers or those on a budget. They typically offer basic features and are designed to be accessible to a wider range of consumers.
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