IMPARATO ON…

THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN EV AND PHEV

“It is not yet completely clear where the frontier will be between EV and PHEV models. This will become clearer. But it looks as if A- and B-segments will be pure battery. C and D will go plug-in.”

NAMING THE NEW PERFORMANCE CARS

“We probably won’t use GTI. We may go with Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) or something else. We are still deciding. It is more important to discover whether the customer likes cars like these.”

PEUGEOT’S POSITIONING

“We believe we are now very distinct from Citroën, DS and Opel. We want to be the best generalist, providing super car designs at a human price, but with a hint of premium. People say our new 508 Peugeot Sport Engineered is playing in Volvo’s court. We are very happy.”

TRENDS IN CAR TYPES

“The saloon is definitely back. It’s a matter of efficiency, and CO2, which is really the same thing. The SUV offensive will not stop, but we still see people switching from larger SUVS to 508s because of the lower weight and frontal area. Efficiency is the new elegance.”

LAUNCHING A PEUGEOT PICK-UP

“I will not leave this job until we have launched a pick-up.”

GOING BACK TO LE MANS

“We have committed our budget elsewhere, for a minimum of three years. We will see after that. One thing is for sure: motorsport is dead unless it’s electrified. And asking for €200m for a future motorsport programme is completely mad.”

PEUGEOT’S HERITAGE

“Be sure you respect it. Never forget your roots. We started using the lion, the most powerful beast of the jungle, as our company’s symbol 50 years after our company was formed in 1810 — and it is still our best ambassador.”