Citroen C4 Cactus Crossover Sneak Peek [w/Video]

New bits and pieces of information about the upcoming production version of the  Frankfurt Motor Show Cactus Concept, the C4 Cactus, keep surfacing online.

After learning about the automaker's decision to keep the study's innovative protective body air capsules and classic sofa-style front seating, a report from France's TF1 that aired earlier this month provides new material on the car.

The French journalist who drove the concept and visited Citroen's headquarters to see what the brand's designers are up to, lifted the skirt on a near production model (notice the regular door handles) while also sharing a rendering of the car's dashboard.

He also mentioned that Citroen will reveal the final production C4 Cactus in February. The world premiere will take place at the Geneva Motor Show in March with European sales of the compact crossover model to start in the summer of the same year.

Story References: TF1 via Worldcarfans

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEO

Peugeot Reconsiders Alliance with GM as it Looks to China for Help

France’s largest carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen has said that its alliance with General Motors may be scaled back, sparking speculation that it is doing so in preparation for a deeper partnership with China’s Dongfeng Motor.

The carmaker, which recently posted a 3.7 percent quarterly revenue decline, said plans for a joint small-car program with GM are “under review”, despite having announced earlier this month joint production of B-segment MPVs in Spain.

“The project of development of a new joint platform for B segment models with GM is under review as well as the relevant terms of the development agreement. As a result, the announced mid-term synergies ($1 billion for PSA) may be readjusted downwards. New initiatives are under consideration,” Peugeot said in a statement.

Peugeot is currently in tie-up talks with its Chinese partner Dongfeng Motor. Dongfeng and the French have stated that they are considering taking equal stakes in Peugeot of about 20 percent in a capital increase that would raise at least €3 billion ($4.13 billion). While the GM alliance is focused on cost reductions in the shrinking European market, a partnership with Dongfeng would help Peugeot expand in China and boost its profits.

Peugeot and Dongfeng currently operate three factories together in China, with annual production capacity expected to rise by two-thirds to 750,000 vehicles until the end of 2015. Peugeot’s sales in the first nine months of this year in China rose 29 percent to 403,000 vehicles. Peugeot has a second joint venture in the country, Changan PSA Automobile, and opened a fourth factory last month.

Should PSA Peugeot Citroen pursue a deeper partnership with Dongfeng, it would risk the GM alliance, since GM’s Chinese partner is SAIC Motor, a rival for Dongfeng. If that happens, GM may pull out of the alliance with PSA and sell its 7 percent stake.

By Dan Mihalascu

Story References: Reuters & Bloomberg

PHOTO GALLERY

Citroen Says Production C4 Cactus will Keep Concept's Airbumps and Sofa-Style Front Bench

When we shared the first scoop photos of the production C4 Cactus last month, we looked at the camouflaged prototype and couldn't see the concept's so-called "Airbumps", which is a customizable cladding on the doors made from a soft skin featuring air capsules that protected the bodywork against light impacts.

Turns out that they must be there somewhere as Frederic Duvernier, the Cactus concept's external designer, told Autonews Europe that the feature will appear on next year's production model.

"The material used for the Airbumps is very resistant and durable. It is similar to what you find in the sole of a Nike Air shoe," he told the publication. "The Airbumps will protect the bodywork from small impacts, such as a shopping trolley hitting it in a supermarket parking lot."

He added that the Airbump feature will allow customers to personalize the look of their car by ordering then in different colors.

Another surprise feature of the concept that will make it into production is the sofa-style front bench seating. "Putting in a sofa instead of two standard front seats is more expensive but it will create a feeling of comfort," said Mark Lloyd, Citroen's design program director.

Lloyd pointed out to Autonews Europe that Citroen's new C-line cars will sport simpler shapes and more plain surfaces instead of aggressive styling as other modern cars. "People's lives are complex and overloaded nowadays. Most of our customers are looking for simplicity. We have taken out anything unnecessary to concentrate on comfort and well-being," he said.

The same philosophy will apply to the next C1 city car which is being co-developed with Toyota, as well as the successors to the C3 supermini and the mid-size C5. "Every car will have its own design, but the philosophy of simplicity will be common to all the line," he added.

PHOTO GALLERY

GM and PSA Axe Plans for Mid-Size Models, Narrow Their Partnership

Even though it hasn't been that long since General Motors and PSA Peugeot-Citroen announced big plans for an elaborate partnership, the two companies have failed to come to an agreement on a number of projects.
After dropping plans to jointly develop a small car for Latin America and a dual-clutch gearbox earlier this year, we now learn that GM and PSA have also scrapped plans for a joint mid-size car program that would have seen models like the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, Peugeot 508 and Citroen C5 sharing parts.

Toyota Looks to PSA Peugeot-Citroen and Fiat for its New ProAce LCV

If you're a professional in need of a medium-duty van and for whatever reason, you don't like the Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat badges and/or the selling and service points of the aforementioned brands, there's a fourth variant of the series from Toyota.
The Japanese carmaker wanted to re-enter the light commercial vehicle segment in Europe after suspending sales of the HiAce van and decided it would be better to sign an OEM agreement with PSA group and re-badge the Citroen Jumpy / Peugeot Expert, which is also offered under the Fiat brand as the Scudo.

Citroën Plugs Into the Grid with New DS3 Electrum Concept

Not to miss out on the electric car fad, Citroën is presenting a new take in the segment with a conceptual version of its DS3 supermini at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
The not-too-brightly named DS3 Electrum might look like a regular model on the outside but under the hood, it replaces the internal combustion engine with a pair of 65kW 87Hp) electric motors.

Citroën Facelifts Berlingo and Jumpy/Dispatch Vans for 2012

Citroën has revealed the facelifted versions of its Berlingo and Jumpy (called Dispatch in Britain) minivans. Depending on the market, the Berlingo and the larger Jumpy/Dispatch are offered in both passenger and commercial variants.
In Britain, Citroën has provided initial details on the Berlingo Multispace and the Dispatch Combi, which are the passenger models of the series.
Starting with the smaller Berlingo Multispace, which is available in five- and seven-seat variants, the French firm's minivan gains a wider and more defined grille, a new chevron badge and a new headlight arrangement that can optionally include LEDs.

Citroën Survolt Sports Car Concept to Make Racing Debut at Le Mans Classic [with Video]

Citroën is taking its funky little all-electric sports car concept, the Survolt, out for racing. Unveiled to the public for the first time at this year's Geneva Salon in March, the Survolt will make its track debut at the Le Mans Classic on July 10 piloted by racing driver Vanina Ickx, daughter of Belgian Formula One pilot, Jacky Ickx.

Along with the announcement on its first track appearance, the French carmaker also revealed technical details about the Survolt. Measuring just 3.85m long, 1.87m wide and 1.2m high, the supermini-sized Survolt features a tubular chassis, a flat underside with an extractor and full carbon bodywork. It tips the scales at just 1,150 kg or 2,535 pounds.

Citroën Remembers its Best Moments of 2011 with Pixie Lott Dance Video

‎It's been a busy year for Citroën with several new car launches including the DS5 and the Mitsubishi-based C4 Aircross small crossover as well as concept models like the Frankfurt Show Tubik van.
And let's not forget that the French brand also dominated the World Rally Championship winning both drivers' and manufacturers' championships this season with Sébastien Loeb and the DS3 WRC.
To celebrate the end of the year, Citroën collaborated with British pop starlet Pixie Lott to create a music video that covers the firm's highlights.