Feb 5, 2013

• New Peugeot 208 developed by Brazilian engineering team and launched on January 30, in Porto Real (RJ), made possible by funding.

The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved financing in the amount of R$ 154 million for Peugeot Citroën Brazil to develop a new car model, Peugeot 208, which was industrially launched on January 30 in an event at the company plant, in the city of Porto Real (RJ).

The project financed by the BNDES was developed by the Brazilian engineering team.      It entails investments required to adapt the plant to the new production, support for car exports and social investments. This operation is part of the PSA Group's 2011- 2014business plan in Brazil, which plans investments in the amount of R$ 3 billion to increase the production capacity, as well as to manufacture new car models and engines.

Within this context, the BNDES had previously approved other financing, in the amount of R$ 119.7 million, for investments made by Peugeot Citroën to increase engine machining capacity and to develop the new Citroën C3, adding to this vehicle safety items and accessories, such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and front seat airbags for both driver and passenger. The Brazilian legislation made these items mandatory for all new projects in Brazil as of 2013.

In addition to this safety equipment, the new Peugeot 208 will leave the factory with a, category "A" (more economical) Inmetro label showing the vehicle’s energy consumption level according to recommendations in the Federal Program to Foster Technological Innovation and Densification of the Production Chain for Automotive Vehicles (Inovar Auto).

Industrial investments for plant adaptations include increasing process automation and the plant’s installed capacity. Project highlights include: increased investments in local engineering, more foreign currency entering Brazil on account of exports, and the development of a vehicle with higher energy efficiency.


At a social level, Peugeot Citroën’s venture is to make investments in technical training in the south of Rio state, with vocational courses for socially-disadvantaged youths in the Porto Real community. In addition to this, the automaker, together with other companies in the industrial complex in Resende and Porto Real, will build a new technical school in the region, with a capacity for 400 students per year. The goal is to help these young people to be placed in the job market and meet the local demand for workers.