PSA “will not be braking,” and apparently the CEO knows it.
To us, it seems like the ink hasn’t yet dried on the PSA acquisition of Opel/Vauxhall, let alone on the news that PSA has successfully turned the company around and lined up a long-term strategy for the two brands that’ll see it through into the new-age of mobility.
But PSA’s not taking a break to pat its back for that success. In fact, they’re already looking into the idea of acquiring more companies to improve their reach. Several candidates are on their radar too, but it’s rumoured that the primary candidate is the ever-available Italian-American firm, Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles.
PSA’s readiness to take on another brand (or several) was expressed by Robert Peugeot, the boss of the family company (FFP) that owns the majority share of Groupe PSA.
“We supported the Opel project from the start. If another opportunity comes up, we will not be braking, and Carlos knows that. The Opel operation is an exceptional success; We didn’t think that the recovery could be that fast.” – Robert Peugeot, Chairman of the Board & CEO, FFP
This affirms reports that PSA CEO Carlos Tavares is on the hunt for acquisitions to expand PSA’s global footprint. Fiat-Chrysler’s most valuable brand, Jeep, would offer PSA a solid way to break into the US market where Groupe PSA doesn’t currently contend at all. When Peugeot was asked by French daily Les Echos about the rumours that an FCA acquisition was in their sights, he said that “with them [FCA] as with others, the planets could be aligned.”
Aside from gaining a foothold in the US market, ‘growing’ the PSA portfolio would help offset the increased levels of investment incurred by carmakers like Groupe PSA in order to keep up with tightening emissions regulations and growing demand for electrified & electric models. While Groupe PSA has already demonstrated how prolifically they intend electrification to be with the e-208, perhaps with the scales offered by the acquisition or merger of another car company, we’ll see a faster evolution of their zero- and minimal-emissions powertrains.
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