PSA Peugeot Citroën, Toyota show styling of three jointly developed car

P.S.A. Peugeot Citroën and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) have for the first time showed the result of three years of productive collaboration, in which they are to jointly design, develop and produce three all-new small passenger cars for the European market.

The two companies have released the first photograph of the already named Peugeot 107, Toyota Aygo and Citroën C1, which are designed to accommodate four persons and are set for a 2005 sales launch, after being unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

While they share a large number of structural components, parts and sub-assemblies, the Peugeot 107, Toyota Aygo and Citroën C1 have unique body styles that express the personalities of the Peugeot, Citroën and Toyota marques.

All three vehicles measure about 3.4 metres long, 1.6 metres wide and 1.4 metres high (details in chart). Powered by the latest generation 1.0-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engines, the compact, fuel-efficient cars also feature advanced safety and environmental protection technologies. These three new models will offer an engaging driving experience in the urban environment. The cars are primarily designed for European markets, where demand for this type of entry-level vehicle is expected to increase.

Developed on a common platform, all three cars will begin rolling off the line at the Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile (TPCA) plant in Kolín, Czech Republic, next year. Vehicle development and plant construction have proceeded on schedule, as announced by both companies in July 2001.

The plant will have an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles - 200,000 units for Peugeot and Citroën and 100,000 for Toyota.

The project is expected to contribute widely to the local community in terms of direct and indirect employment. It has already created 1,500 jobs at TPCA, with 1,500 more people expected to be hired for a total of 3,000.

Total investment, including research and development and production start-up costs, is estimated at €1.5 billion.