Peugeot mulls options for local 3008 PHEV

PSA Group is continuing to study the business case for launching a plug-in hybrid version of the 3008 mid-size SUV in Australia, with a two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive version under consideration.

Full details of the forthcoming PHEV powertrain remain under wraps, however overseas reports indicate it will be based on the current 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and PSA executives in Europe have confirmed it will extend from the 3008 to the newly launched 5008 and various other vehicles in the group.

Speaking to GoAuto at the launch of the 5008 in New South Wales last week, the Australian-based head of PSA’s Oceania region, Olivier Daurele, who is the French car-maker’s top representative here and works alongside independent distributor Inchcape Australasia, said the company was studying two options for the 3008 PHEV in Australia.

“One is two-wheel drive, 225hp (168kW), and the other one is all-wheel drive with electric motors on the rear wheels that develops 300hp (224kW),” Mr Daurele said.

“So we are looking at those possibilities to bring the car to the Australian market and if it makes sense we will do it.”

Asked to clarify the likelihood of the model coming to Australia, Mr Daurele said: “Under consideration, it is, but right now there is no decision made whether we (definitely) should, because it’s not only about the product itself – we have to make sure the product fits the needs of the customers here, and the market for electrified vehicles is still small in Australia.

“But if it makes sense, yes, we have the possibility to bring it.

“The decision has just not been made. We need to make sure that there is a market for this vehicle, and it not only depends on the product itself, but also the cost – so that still has to be assessed.”

PSA Group chief executive Carlos Tavares revealed at the Detroit motor show last month that the company plans to offer 40 electrified models across its line-up by 2025.

In Australia last week for the launch of the new 5008, PSA’s executive vice-president and operational director for the India-Pacific region, Emmanuel Delay, said Australia would be among the countries to benefit from the car-maker’s development of electrified powertrains.

“Of course, markets such as Australia are going to benefit from all the work that we are doing on new products, new powertrains and so on,” he said.

“But what is really key that I want to share with you is the fact that the entire auto industry is preparing for a major energy transition and definitely the future is electric and PSA is well placed to lead the way on this front.

“In fact, by 2020, 50 per cent of our line-up will have an EV or PHEV powertrain solution, and in 2025, we will electrify the entire global product line-up of the company.

“Whether these vehicles are launched in the region is to a great extent up to the importer, but also influenced by the policy, the infrastructure and consumer demand, and it’s reassuring for us to know that Australian politicians see a real potential in electric vehicles.

“I would agree that under the right regulatory environment, electric vehicles, PHEVs, could be as disruptive as the iPhone – as stated by your energy and environment minister Josh Frydenberg.

“But, of course, this energy transition is going to take a little while to arrive and in the meantime we believe that we are well positioned to be successful in Australia.”