In the meantime, speaking of the years of the great depression, the company managed to maintain its position in the market thanks to the production of improved small cars available to a wide range of customers. IN 1935. in Parisian car showroom presented sedan Peugeot 402, which was an attempt to save the market for middle-class cars. This date is marked by experts as a turning point in brand history Peugeot when, ahead of competitors, the company introduced an aerodynamic body as a standard. Model 402, which in France is called sochaux stream line, is the famous Sochaux rocket range, characterized by sleek lines and a shield-shaped grille to protect the headlights. She had an elegant streamlined body and was distinguished by a number of original solutions. For example, her headlights were installed behind the grille. This series includes a wide range of products: from luxury car to the coupe and the legendary convertible with the first electric tarpaulin system.
Generally speaking about the car Peugeot 402, it should be noted that he became the first in the line of multi-class cars. In September 1935, Peugeot 402 entered the roads in the form of a large five-meter sedan with a two-liter gasoline engine. A year later, his "middle brother" appeared Peugeot 302 4.5 m long, equipped with a 1758 cm3 gasoline engine. In February 1938, another " younger brother» Peugeot 202 four-meter with an engine capacity of 1133 cm3.
These cars had externally similar original aerodynamic bodies with a strongly rounded front end and a massive stern. They fell out of the style of the then fashion with their closely spaced headlights tucked under the grille and rear fenders covering rear wheels. In the second half of the 30s, the original body design, quality and durability were a serious argument Peugeot in competition with the same Citroeno m, which attracted buyers with the advantages of avant-garde front-wheel drive. Interesting is the fact that the models of this family were produced in fifty-two (!) Modifications. Open and closed bodies, directly based on the platforms of models 402 and 302, light trucks (for example, SK4, SK3, MK4 ...) - a long list.
The basis of the sedan Peugeot 402 was a powerful frame welded from steel profiles. Longitudinal profiles ended before rear axle and connected to each other by five crossbars. The front suspension was independent. On double wishbones as elastic elements used two transverse semi-elliptical springs. The rear continuous axle also had two longitudinal semi-elliptical springs as elastic elements. Both front and rear brakes were drum mechanical drive. It was on these cars that, since 1937, instead of a cast-iron cylinder head, they began to use a head made of aluminum alloy.
Peugeot 402 in the basic version it was equipped with a three-speed gearbox with direct control. Moreover, the customer could choose one of three options. gear ratios distribution box. Still through the autumn 1935 year, one hundred 402 sedans were produced, equipped with a brand new automatic transmission gear stamps "Fleischel", but its exorbitantly high price made it pointless to increase supply. Meanwhile in December 1935 years, at the request of customers for an acceptable surcharge, Peugeot 402 began to install semi-automatic four-speed gearbox stamps Cotal with electromagnetic clutch drive. This decision was supported by the buyers. This is evidenced by the fact that from December 1935 to March 1941, more than 8,000 Peugeot 402s with Cotal boxes were sold. For those years it was a lot.
The younger, more compact fellow - Peugeot 302 from the 402 model was distinguished by a smaller base - 2880 mm, a reduced distance between the wheels in front - 60 mm, rear - 70 mm and, of course, compact dimensions.
Structurally, the bodies and chassis of the 402 and 302 models were practically the same. However, the choice of bodies for the 302 was limited to a four-door sedan and a two-door two-seat convertible. The Peugeot 302 was produced until April 1938.
Peugeot is a brand of cars manufactured by the French company of the same name, which is part of PSA Peugeot Citroën. The headquarters is located in Paris.
The family business that preceded Peugeot as we know it today started in the 18th century. Then Jean-Pierre Peugeot was employed in light industry. In 1810, his two sons converted the grain mill they had inherited into a steel foundry and began producing watch springs, saw blades, coffee, salt and pepper mills, corset hooks, crinoline rings, and more. In November 1858, Émile Peugeot received a patent for the image of a lion as a trademark of the company. In 1882, Armand Peugeot launched the production of bicycles, which were a success with buyers: until 1897, the company produced more than 16,000 copies.
In 1889 the company entered into new era of its development - the first Peugeot car comes out. It was developed by Armand Peugeot together with Leon Serpollet, who was well versed in steam engines. The tricycle was named Serpollet-Peugeot. He made his debut at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889. Having made four copies of the model, Armand Peugeot understands that steam engines have no future. Collaboration with Gottlieb Daimler results in the first four-wheeled Peugeot with an engine internal combustion 563 cu. see Type 2 introduced in 1890. Its maximum speed was 20 km / h.
Peugeot Type 2 (1890)
The machine brought numerous orders to the firm. In 1892, 29 units were made, in 1894, 40, and in 1899, 300. In 1895, Peugeot, the first car manufacturer, uses rubber tires.
In 1896, Armand Peugeot founded the Peugeot Automobile Society in Odincourt. In the same year, the first car theft in history was registered: a car of the brand disappeared from the garage of Baron Julien. At the end of the 19th century, the automaker gained financial and technical independence, abandoning the investments of relatives and the use of Daimler engines. First motor own development 8 hp was installed on the Type 15 model. It was the most popular car of the brand at the turn of the century. The Peugeot catalog of 1899 includes 15 models with seats for 2-12 passengers and weighing from 720 to 1250 kg.
Peugeot cars were among the first to appear on the streets of Russian cities. So, on March 4, 1896, one copy was purchased by Mikhail Shipov from Nizhny Novgorod. It was a five-seater car with a 3.75-liter engine. Prior to this, Peugeot was known Russian buyers for their small metal products, as well as bicycles and motorcycles.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Armand Peugeot set the task of developing the simplest and most reliable "mass" car for city driving. To implement this plan, he enlisted the work of the legendary engineer and designer Ettore Bugatti, with whom he created the Type 69 with the nickname Bebe Peugeot. New model debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 1904. Bebe was only 270 cm long and weighed 350 kg. Single-cylinder 6 hp engine. accelerated the car to 40 km / h. He received cardan transmission instead of a chain, rack and pinion steering and a shock absorber, which, together with affordable price made it incredibly popular.
Peugeot Type 69 Bebe (1905)
Peugeot cars continue to perform successfully in sports competitions. Twice they won the Grand Prix of the Automobile Club of France. In 1913, race car driver Jules Gu won first place in a car equipped with a 7.4-liter engine in Indianapolis. In 1916 and 1919 Peugeot models with 4.9-litre engines also triumphed on this difficult American track.
During the First World War, the company produced aircraft engines, ammunition and weapons. After its completion, the demand was mainly for cheap cars, the production of which the brand management decided to do.
In 1919, an economical subcompact Quadrilette appeared, based on the Bebe. It was designed for two passengers and was equipped with a 4-horsepower engine, paired with a three-speed gearbox. Max speed car was 60 km/h. This car for several years held the title of the most economical double car in the world.
Peugeot Quadrilette (1921-1924)
The business expanded in the 1920s. Gradually, the company is getting rid of the bicycle production, focusing on cars. In 1920, the Type 156 appears with a valveless engine that installs several speed records. Since 1923, all Peugeot models have been equipped with four-wheel brakes. Annual production volumes exceed 10,000 units.
In 1929, the brand presents the cheapest model on the French market - 201, which received an independent front suspension. This car gave rise to the tradition of naming models with three-digit numbers with a zero in the middle. Soon the Great Depression begins, which leads to a drop in sales. However, the presence in model range reliable cheap cars allows the company to survive.
In 1933, the brand is working on the creation of a new range of cars in terms of appearance with a bright and impressive design. In 1934, Peugeot launches the 402 BL Éclipse Décapotable, the first convertible with a retractable hardtop. The brightest representatives of the new family were three models - 202, 302 and 402, which became epoch-making.
The Peugeot 402 was produced from 1935 to 1941, despite the occupation of France by the Nazis. The car received a spectacular stylish appearance with headlights hidden under the grille. It was equipped with an automatic transmission and could be equipped with diesel engines.
Peugeot 402 (1935-1942)
During World War II, Peugeot was controlled by Volkswagen Group. At this time, a three-wheeled VLV model with an electric motor and four batteries comes out. It was the world's first mass-produced electric car. During the retreat, the Germans took some of the company's equipment with them. In addition, the French automaker suffered from the bombings. However, already in 1946, 202 rolled off the assembly line. By the end of the year, 14,000 units of the model were produced.
In 1949, the 203 makes its debut, establishing itself on the market as a reliable family car. Also, the 403 model, which was designed by the famous Pininfarina studio, enjoyed great success. She received a 1.5-liter engine with 65 hp. In total, about a million copies of 403 were sold.
Peugeot 204 became the first front wheel drive car in the model line of the brand. It was offered with a large number of body options and a diesel engine as an alternative to a gasoline engine. The 404 was also designed by Pininfarina. Its open top version was considered one of the most beautiful cars of the time.
Peugeot 404 (1960-1975)
In 1972, the world's shortest sloping saloon was introduced. back and therefore similar to a hatchback, the Model 104. It was an economical, obedient and comfortable car, which became the smallest four-door car in the world.
In 1974, an epoch-making event in the life of the French automobile industry takes place: Peugeot and Citroen are merged into the PSA group.
In 1976, the French automaker was the first in Europe to offer a turbo diesel engine, which was installed on the 604 model. In 1983, Peugeot began developing the 205 model, which subsequently became very popular and, according to many, saved the car company from financial problems caused by mergers and acquisitions recent years. CAR Magazine named it "Car of the Decade" in 1990.
The model entered the market in 1983. Later, a version of the 205 GTi appeared with 1.6- and 1.9-liter engines, which became a bestseller all over the world. She was equipped sports suspension, reliable steering system. The light weight made it maneuverable and predictable. In 1998, the Peugeot 206 made its debut at the Paris Salon, which became the successor to the 205 and largely repeated its success.
Peugeot 205 (1983-1998)
On April 6, 1992, a Peugeot representative office was opened in Moscow, which worked with all the former republics of the USSR.
In 1995, another one enters the market. successful model- 406, developed jointly with Citroen and Pininfarina. In addition to its elegant appearance, it was equipped with very effective diesel engines which played a role in the car's popularity.
In the spring of 1997, the brand begins to use water-based paint technology to reduce environmental pollution. In the same year, "the most beautiful french car"- Coupe 406, designed by Pininfarina.
Peugeot 406 Coupé (1997-2003)
In 2003, the brand is already among the ten largest foreign car companies that sell their products in Russia. 8,782 vehicles were sold during the year. Successful sales force the Peugeot management to think about building their own plant in our country. In 2008, they began to conduct preparatory work organizing the assembly of cars of the brand in Russia. In the same year, the company negotiates with its partner Mitsubishi Motors on cooperation in the construction of an automobile manufacturing enterprise. On June 17, the first stone was laid in the foundation of the plant being built near Kaluga in the Rosva industrial park.
The PSMA Rus plant began work in April 2010. Here, using the SKD method, the production of model 308 starts, which is adapted for operation in Russian conditions. This car remains one of the best-selling in Russia. In 2009, Za Rulem magazine named it the "Best Car" of 2009 in the compact class. In 2010, the share of the model in Peugeot sales in Russia was 50%. Since July 2012, Peugeot has been assembling the 408 model at the factory.
It was no coincidence that we bought a Peugeot 308 hatchback two years ago in the most democratic configuration. They believed in the plans of the French to start its production in Kaluga - and they were not mistaken.
The editorial car covered a little less than 40 thousand km - it participated in special winter and summer tests, brought joy and asked questions. In addition, 308s in different configurations participated in group tests twice. Let's try to impartially consider the car from all sides ...
PEUGEOT 308: BIOGRAPHY
The model debuted in the fall of 2007. In Russia - since the spring of 2008.
The car is produced from gasoline engines 1.4 and 1.6 liters (95–175 hp) and diesel engines 1.6–2 liters (90–136 hp). On EuroNCAP tests, the Peugeot 308 received the maximum five stars. Since 2008, in addition to three- and five-door hatchbacks, SW station wagons have been produced, since 2009, a Peugeot 308 CC hardtop convertible and a 3008 crossover. In 2010, the Peugeot 308 RCZ coupe was introduced.
PEUGEOT-308 IN RUSSIA
sell here five-door hatchback, station wagon and coupe-cabriolet. Engines: petrol 1.6 l, 120–150 hp, as well as diesel engines 110 and 136 hp. While in Kaluga they will collect the most affordable option(exactly the same we have in the editorial office) - with a 120-horsepower engine and a manual gearbox.
PEUGEOT 308 IN GROUP TESTS
In the first test (ЗР, 2008, No. 6), a French car with a 2-liter 140-horsepower engine and an automatic transmission (Premium Pack, options, 913,200 rubles) competed with KIA-Sid, FIAT-Bravo and Mazda 3. Peugeot shared first and second places with Mazda 3 with 8.1 points.
In the test of 2009 (ZR, 2009, No. 6), the 308th with a 120-horsepower engine and a manual box (Comfort Pack, 599,000 rubles) took part. The car was compared with FIAT Bravo, Hyundai i30 and Volkswagen Golf. The latter, gaining 8.8 points, won; Peugeot (8.1 points) took second place. Below is the sum of impressions, positive and negative, from the car in two tests.
PROS. Excellent soundproofing, excellent finishes, large ground clearance, informative brakes, confident behavior on the road.
MINUSES. Unfortunate location of external mirrors, specific front seats and driving position, mediocre selectivity of the gear lever.
PEUGEOT 308 IN WINTER
Our car, together with Skoda-Octavia, Volga-Siber and Mitsubishi-Lancer, participated in the winter run along the route Moscow - Veliky Ustyug - Moscow (ZR, 2010, No. 4). The engine is easy, on the first try it started at -33ºС. However, Peugeot lost to competitors in the speed of warming up the cabin on the spot. The experts also noted an unsuccessful ventilation system: even at the maximum achievable (and already uncomfortable) temperature, side and rear window frosted over. Finding the heat balance is not easy. The average fuel consumption per run was 7.3 l/100 km.
PROS. Confident start, solid suspension.
MINUSES. Not a very comfortable driving position, mediocre ventilation system.
PEUGEOT 308 IN SUMMER
In the summer test, in addition to the cars participating in the winter test, the Lada Kalina with a station wagon started. A trip along country roads showed that the ground clearance of the Peugeot 308 is quite sufficient, but the low “nose” requires accuracy when choosing a trajectory.
Car interiors, heated to 50ºС, were cooled by air conditioners on the spot for 30 minutes, measuring the rate of temperature drop. "Peugeot" in this nomination took fourth place, ahead of only "Kalina". The experiment was repeated on the go. And again, the 308th turned out to be the fourth, the last - "Siber".
PEUGEOT 308 AND SERVICE
Service trips of our Peugeot were, fortunately, infrequent. But at times, they are entertaining and instructive. A simple malfunction in general gave rise and mood to create a small series that deserves the name "Engineering Detective".
SERIES ONE: CANDLE LIGHT STUD
A few days before the New Year, the Peugeot 308, which ran a little more than 30,000 km, began to start poorly. At the first, long start by the starter, the engine did not show signs of life, from the second or third attempt it started up with difficulty (as a rule, it was necessary to open the throttle) and worked very unevenly for several tens of seconds, threatening to stall. Suspicion, after some thought, fell on temperature sensors- air or coolant. The version was shared with service station employees official dealer"Peugeot" - "Armand", where the car was regularly serviced.
The verdict of the repairmen was different: the replacement of the spark plugs and the "reset of the automatic transmission control computer" (quote from the work order) were necessary. In words, the cunning operation was described more clearly: resetting the engine control unit. A visit to the service station cost 4319 rubles, of which 432 were taken for “reading the contents of memory electronic block and 720 for "reboot". Where is the automatic transmission on our car - we did not begin to think. But why do you need to pay for flashing work? If the car did not start due to the control unit, this is apparently a warranty malfunction. If only the candles are to blame (seemingly quite functional), why reflash? Well, okay: they say they fixed it, and this is the main thing. However, the next morning ... You guessed it - everything happened again!
SERIES TWO: THE HARD OF LIFE
The frosts were getting stronger, and, of course, this did not make the launch easier. "Peugeot" again drove into the yard of the "Armand" service.
I ask: "Check the sensors!". The polite Master complains: “The computer at the service station cannot check the parameters of the sensors, but does not show a frank malfunction. But they will, of course, look for it." Not Very Polite Master adds: “It starts up. Well, from the third time, well, from the fourth ... But it starts up! And both complain about life, trying to explain: what does Peugeot pay for and what does not. I did not want to understand the intricacies of relations between the manufacturer and the dealer. I left the car at the service station until the evening, although I felt it was in vain. You don't have to be Holmes to predict the outcome.
Escorting me to the 308th, who was lonely crouching near the fence, the Polite Master said: it would be necessary to change the belt tensioner under warranty (it was actually replaced later), since the sound of the engine is not good. There are no details, but they will order it, and then, maybe, the engine will start better (?!). But, in general, at their service station, the Master claimed, the engine started up normally. “Well, wind it up,” I suggested to the Polite Master. He, not noticing my treachery, turned the key and for a long time, with sadness in his eyes, listened to the chirping of the fruitlessly working starter ...
Peugeot and I left the gate, deciding not to return here unless absolutely necessary.
SIMPLE TRUTH
Here professional interest jumped up: after all, not Newton's binomial! Diagnostics in our own technical center began with an external examination - a hint for those who have not yet given up hope of learning how to repair something sensibly. They immediately revealed a small leak of antifreeze from under the coolant sensor, which, by the way, was not noticed at the service (probably the computer did not show it!). And here is a simple laboratory work - checking temperature sensors using a professional computer and the corresponding program for Peugeot. The car was cold at night, it was -24ºС outside. The temperature of the coolant should be close to the temperature of the air (the normal discrepancy is 3-4ºС), and the insidious coolant sensor claims that the antifreeze has cooled down to only -6ºС. Looks like they found it!
It remains a little - to buy a sensor. A call to the Armanda company store did not please: wait - a month! But the factory part by VIN code was very quickly found ... in one of the Moscow markets. For greater accuracy, the seller even brought her portrait to the computer screen, took 800 rubles, wrote out a check ... Peugeot started up like a new one. The story, which began a month ago with our request to the servicemen to check the temperature sensors, ended with a happy ending ...
The name of the company in this series can be changed by choosing at random one of the many others. A special case was only emphasized common problems- low qualification of repairmen who do not know how and, it seems, do not particularly try to conduct competent, conscientious diagnostics. It is much easier to take money for "teleloading the automatic transmission control computer" and consumables. More serious spare parts the client will wait. Or will, like us, look for other options. I am sure that the success of any model on the market every year will increasingly depend on the branching of the service network, the quickness and professionalism of the repairmen.
PEUGEOT 308: PERSONAL IMPRESSIONS
Spacious, well-furnished interior. I like the radio control unit on the right under the steering wheel. I don’t really like the oversized moves of the gear lever and the steering wheel slightly littered up. Little by little I got used to the specific exterior mirrors.
Ground clearance is decent, but you need to remember about the front "beak". However, it all looks scarier than it really is. The car is very comfortable long trips. The suspension works well even rather big holes. A soft and spreading seat is acceptable for an ordinary driver, not suitable for an “athlete”.
The motor is enough even for a fairly energetic ride. It spins well, the selection of gear ratios contributes fast acceleration in the first three gears. But they don’t like drum shift box synchronizers.
A serviceable car confidently starts in the cold. True, the engine (and therefore the interior), even on the go, heats up longer than we would like. The main drawback is the ventilation system. In the rain, the windows instantly sweat, in winter they freeze over. Find a compromise between the fight against this disease and comfortable temperature in the cabin is often not easy.
In Moscow average consumption fuel - 9.3–9.5 l / 100 km. On a free highway, it is quite possible to fit into 6.5 liters. In general, I think the car is quite strong and reliable. A kilometer of run in comparison with other cars of our fleet is inexpensive - 3.60 rubles.
For grinding salt, spices and coffee. The plant was equipped with three mechanical blacksmith hammers and seven cold rolling machines. The trademark of the company was the lion. There were three emblems. By 1886, the company launched the serial production of bicycles (as bicycles were called in those days), and three years later, in 1889, a three-wheeled steam car called Serpollet-Peugeot was rolled out of the company's gates.
Peugeot's first car
Photo: Pobeda Trading House was one of the largest in the Russian capital
Peugeot Bicycles
Much before cars Peugeot brand bicycles appeared in Russia, or, as they were then called, bisiclets. The first to start selling them, to the great pleasure of the “pedaling” public, was a certain A. Averst, who kept a bicycle warehouse and a store in St. Petersburg at the corner of Simeonovskaya Street and Fontanka at No. 1-32. Advertising of this trading establishment is quite common in Russian sports magazines of the late 19th century. The cars cost, depending on the model and configuration, from 175 to 230 rubles and, apparently, they were popular with our compatriots. This is evidenced at least by the fact that in 1898 Peugeot biscuits were sold not only in the capital, but also in other large cities of the Russian Empire. Over time, not only bicycles, but also Peugeot motorcycles began to be delivered to Russia. They were sold at the same addresses and under the same conditions as bisiclets, however, the deposit for pre-ordering was no longer 50, but 100 rubles.
car era
At the very beginning of the 90s of the XIX century, the Russian Empire entered the community of automobile powers, with all the ensuing consequences. Gradually, the number of cars in the country grew. In 1898, the first store was opened in St. Petersburg, selling cars and motorcycles. And since French manufacturers then set the tone in the automotive business, this institution, of course, was French. It belonged to the company "Clement-Gladiator-Phebus".
In 1900, a new section "Import of cars and their parts" appeared in the customs statistics of Russia, which noted when, how many and what kind of cars were imported into the empire. Thanks to the preserved customs documents, it is clear that France and Germany were the leading suppliers of motor crews to our country. Thus began the era of the automobile in Russia
military vehicles
Delivering cars to Russia, Peugeot did not remain outside the interests of official government circles. When the War Department decided to conduct a test run of passenger cars in 1912, wanting to identify "the most suitable samples for army needs," Peugeot cars were among the participants and performed well.
In the same year, a cargo test run took place, the purpose of which was to select vehicles suitable for use in army units. Peugeot sent two cars for testing. These were three-ton machines equipped with four-cylinder engines with a capacity of 22 liters. With. Shortly before the start of the war, the car was trying on a military uniform.
Automobile exhibitions in Russia
The center of automotive life in Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century, of course, was the capital of the empire - St. Petersburg. Many cars plied the streets of the city, and many large European and American factories considered it necessary to keep their stores and representative offices there. It is not surprising, therefore, that the first specialized automobile exhibition in Russia took place in the capital.
Many manufacturers treated it with caution, since the automotive market in Russia was then just being formed. Cars were quite expensive - from 6 to 10 thousand rubles. Demand for cars remained rather modest, although even then Russia was considered a very promising market among foreign manufacturers.
Peugeot participation in the first Russian car exhibition did not accept. But at the next exhibition, the products of the Lion Mark could be seen at the stand.
Sports achivments
Sporting achievements of Peugeot cars were a great help in advertising. An advertising brochure from the beginning of the century noted that the cars of this brand won victories in a number of major international competitions, such as the Grand Prix de Dieppe in June 1912, the Grand Prix de France at Le Mans in September of that year, at the Mont Ventoux mountain race and Val Suzon, the Brookland auto race and several others.
Peugeot cars also took part in Russian competitions. So, in the car race in Simferopol, which took place on May 27, 1912 (old style) under the auspices of the local gymnastic society, Mr. Obukhovsky started on a Peugeot with a 12 hp engine. With.
Russian emigrants in France
Many Russians worked at Peugeot factories in France in the 1920s and 1930s. According to statistics, over a million people were forced to leave Russia in the first years after the revolution. Some of them ended up in France. According to data given by historians, in 1921 there were more than 65,000 Russian refugees in the country, most of whom found refuge in Paris and its environs. Many of these people were deprived of any means of subsistence. former soldiers, officers, doctors, entrepreneurs and lawyers were looking for any job that could feed themselves and their families.
In the cars that came out of the gates of the Peugeot factories at that time, there was a fraction of labor and emigrants from Russia.
Peugeot in the USSR
After the revolution of 1917, the company's ties with Russia were interrupted, but the "Lion Cars" continued to work in the country. It is interesting to trace the history of some of them. Take, for example, Peugeot cars from the garage of Nicholas II. After the February Revolution and the abdication of the emperor from the throne, the garage was reorganized into car base Provisional Government, and all the cars that were there got new owners.
The story of one Bebe
Anyone who has ever visited automotive department Moscow Polytechnic Museum, probably remembers a small green car Peugeot Bebe, modestly standing on display. This is the oldest car in our country, of those that are in private collections.
A real legend hovers around him: many believe that this car was owned by the son of Nicholas II, heir to the throne, Tsarevich Alexei. Is it so?
After the collapse of the USSR: New relations
The turning point in the relationship occurred in the early 1990s. After the collapse of the USSR, many foreign manufacturers cars began to look at Russia as one of the largest potential markets in the world and considered it necessary to take a number of steps aimed at mastering this market as soon as possible. Representative offices of foreign companies appeared in Moscow and the capitals of the former Soviet republics like mushrooms after rain.
Plant construction
The successful development of the Russian automotive market in 2000-2007 convinced the management of the concern of the need to create a Russian Federation own production. This possibility was carefully studied by experts for several years, and in the end they came to the conclusion that this step was expedient.
At the beginning of 2008, a group of employees of the company arrived in the Russian capital, which was entrusted with the mission of preparing the construction. Soon, along with French specialists, our compatriots also joined it.
It took several months to prepare. During this time, PSA Peugeot Citroen and its partner Mitsubishi Motors Corporation found a suitable site near the city of Kaluga (next to the federal highway in Kyiv) and signed all the necessary agreements.
Chronicle Peugeot
15th century Information has been preserved that the Peugeot family lived in the department of Dubs in the vicinity of the city of Montbéliard.
1810
The brothers Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frederic Peugeot founded a factory for the production of springs and other metal products in the town of Sault Cre.
1819
The Peugeot brothers began to specialize in the production of products obtained by cold rolling steel - saw blades, springs ...
1824
Start of product exports to Switzerland, Italy and Turkey.
1832
Creation of the Peugeot Brothers Society (Societe Peugeot Freres Aines)...
The history of the famous automobile brand Peugeot dates back to the already very distant 18th century. Back in 1840, the efforts of the Peugeot family launched the production of coffee grinders and crushers for pepper and salt. The first experience in the production of vehicles was the creation by Armand Peugeot in 1882 of the bicycle "Le Grand Bi". Armand Peugeot was seriously interested in the aging of vehicles and under his leadership in 1889 Leon Serpollet built the first three-wheeled car of the company, which had steam engine. In 1891, thanks to cooperation with G. Daimler, the first Peugeot car with a gasoline engine appeared. In the future, starting in 1896, Peugeot cars are equipped with own engines(first Peugeot engine was designed by Rigulo and had a power of 8 hp) and is no longer dependent on the supply of Daimler units. Actually car company was founded by Armand Peugeot in 1896 as Société Anonyme des Automobiles Peugeot. At the same time, a new factory was built, located in Audincourt, fully engaged in the production of cars. Peugeot brand cars are produced under the lion logo, which was patented on November 20, 1858 by Emile Peugeot. From that day on, all Peugeot products are produced under the sign of a lion, which has undergone only minor changes over time. 
The main stages of the development of Peugeot
Starting with the production of bicycles (1882), Peugeot has been successfully producing motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and, of course, cars. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, Peugeot was actively developing and building cars under the guidance of designer Ettore Bugatti. Note that by 1903 the company was already producing half of the cars produced in France. The needs of France during the First World War forced Peugeot to produce mainly military products of a wide range, up to tanks and shells. In the period between the world wars, Peugeot continued to produce with great success different cars. Due to the high demand for their products in 1923, the production level of Peugeot cars exceeded the mark of 10 thousand units. Since 1931, the company's cars began to be equipped with an independent front suspension, which other automakers later began to use. In 1935, the 402 model was presented at the Paris Motor Show, which later became very famous and gave rise to a whole series of "Sochaux streamline". On cabriolets of this model, the electric awning lifting system was first used. During the Second World War, Peugeot factories were seriously bombed and destroyed, as a result of which full-fledged car production was established only in 1949. By quickly restoring production capacity, the company was able to produce its millionth car already in 1952. Beginning in 1974, Peugeot began buying Citroën shares, which led to the creation of a joint company Peugeot Société Anonyme (PSA), which uses joint engineering technical resources, but both brands are retained. In the 70s, Peugeot also briefly controlled sports racing brand Maserati. In 1978, Peugeot acquired Chrysler's European division and produced cars from the Chrysler-Simca range under the Talbot badge until 1986. Currently PSA concern The Peugeot-Citroen Group is the largest private enterprise in France and holds the honorable second place (after Volkswagen) in the production of cars in Europe. In 2012, more than 1.6 million cars were produced under the Peugeot brand, and the production volume of the entire concern exceeded 3 million units.
The history of the Peugeot brand knows many extraordinary and very interesting facts. Even at the dawn of the automotive industry, the company was at the forefront of scientific and technological progress. So already in 1892 on cars Peugeot Type 4 installed the world's first mass-produced rubber tires. And what is it worth amazing car with a body made of pure cast silver, made in 1892 by order of the Algerian Bey. In 1905, a machine gun was installed on the Peugeot chassis, which marked the emergence of a new class - military vehicles. In 1941, the designers create the Peugeot VLV - an urban light vehicle, in fact which is a three-wheeled electric cycle. The company has given the world many interesting and beautiful cars who even managed to make a good career on the silver screen. The extravagant Peugeot of Inspector Colombo, played by Peter Falk in the very popular series of the same name, was especially highlighted. And Peugeot 406 from the films of the sensational Taxi series by the famous producer Luc Besson became a real movie star. Peugeot cars were very popular with famous and famous people. So French President Jacques Chirac preferred the solid Peugeot 607. In Russia, "Pyzhiks" registered in the garages of Alena Apina (model 406), Anton Makarsky (model 206) and other representatives of bohemia. Thanks to the advanced engineering solutions And high quality, Peugeot cars received the prize of the best European car- in 1969 - Peugeot 504, in 1988 - Peugeot 405, and in 2002 - Peugeot 307. And four models were included in the top three of the European competition: 1980 - Peugeot 505, 1984 - Peugeot 205, 1996 - Peugeot 406 , 1999 - Peugeot 206. 
To preserve and promote its history, the SPA concern opened its own automobile museum in London's Soho quarter. It presents more than 150 car models, as well as many types of other transport technology issued over more than two centuries of the brand's history. Peugeot brand and sports
Peugeot has always loved to make high speed cars. So the Peugeot car participated in the world's first automobile race - the Paris-Rouen run on June 22, 1894, and took second place, only ahead of the more advanced De Dion-Bouton steam train at that time. In 1912, Peugeot driven by George Boillot won the French Grand Prix in Dieppe. More than a century later, in the 1990s, the Peugeot 406 successfully fought for the touring class championship, and won many race victories in France, Germany and Australia. 1990 th years went down in history with the victories of Peugeot in the world championship. Of particular note are the victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans Peugeot 905 in 1992-1993, and already the diesel Peugeot 908 in 2009.Key models of the Peugeot brand
Peugeot designers have created many models that have left a bright mark on the history of the automotive industry. Already at the beginning of the last century, the "People's" Peugeot Bebe was very popular. In 1913, the Peugeot Goux saw the light of day - the fastest car, developing an unprecedented speed of 187 km / h for its time. In the 30s and 40s of the last century, the 402 and 302 models, which had an elegant design and a reliable classic design, set the fashion for cars. In 1957 In the year the Peugeot 404 was born, which managed to win the glory of the "eternal" car. The revolutionary design of the 404 model was created by the Pininfarina studio, for the first time in the history of the French brand, a diesel engine was used on this car. The car in various modifications lasted on the assembly line until 1975, and more than 1.4 million copies were produced in total. The small Peugeot 205, which began production in 1983, truly became a legend in the modern automotive industry and managed to win popular love. Peugeot 106 asked tone in the classroom compact cars, starting in 1991. The Peugeot Partner, released in 1996, became very successful, in just 33 months from the start of production, more than 1 million cars were produced. The Peugeot 206 of the 1998 model became the leader in terms of sales in the entire long history of Peugeot. In total, more than 5 million of these cars were produced. In 2001, the Peugeot 307 appeared, which official experts recognized as the best car in the world in 2002.
