By focusing on research and development, PEUGEOT has always adapted to the needs of the times and has been consistently one step ahead. More than ever before, innovation is key to the success of our vehicles and engines.
1890
FIRST PETROL-DRIVEN 4-WHEELER EQUIPPED WITH A DAIMLER ENGINE
Armand Peugeot abandoned steam in favour of petrol and produced PEUGEOT's first petrol-driven 4-wheeler: the type 2. It was equipped with a Daimler engine.
1929
LAUNCH OF THE 201
This was the first car to use the numbering system with a zero in the middle. It was also the first car in the world to be series-produced with independent front wheels (1931). Its success helped PEUGEOT weather the economic crisis in the late 1920s.
1934
THE FIRST CAR WITH A FOLDING ROOF: THE 401 ECLIPSE
This functionality was subsequently produced on the 401, 402 and 601, then on the 206, 207, 307 and 308 CC (Paulin patented system).
1936
THE FIRST PRODUCTION OF DIESEL ENGINES AT SOCHAUX (HL50)
PEUGEOT had been commercialising diesel engines since 1928, and launched
the HL50. It was fitted to all PEUGEOT vans, then the 402 limousine.
Production was stopped in 1939 due to the Second World War.
1941
PRODUCTION OF THE VLV, THE SMALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Development of the VLV (Véhicule Léger Électrique – Light Electric Vehicle) in a series of 377 units, as a solution to fuel restrictions. Later, the Electric 106 would hold the world sales record for zero-pollution cars.
1955
LAUNCH OF THE 403 AND THE FIRST COLLABORATION WITH PININFARINA
The PEUGEOT 403 was the first French car to be series-equipped with a diesel engine and, in 1959, also became the first car in the world to be equipped with an electromagnetic clutch fan (PEUGEOT patent).
1965
LAUNCH OF THE 204
The 204 is PEUGEOT's first front-wheel drive car, comprising a light alloy engine with overhead camshaft, a transverse gearbox, four independent wheels and front disc brakes.
1967
LAUNCH OF THE WORLD'S SMALLEST ALUMINIUM DIESEL ENGINE
By 1973, it would equip all PEUGEOT saloons.
1998
HDi DIESEL ENGINES UNVEILED
HDi diesel engines were first launched on the 406. The common rail system enhanced performance, reduced fuel consumption and limited polluting emissions.
Deployed and tested in PEUGEOT SUVs and saloons since 2013, BlueHDi technology reduces NOx emissions by up to 90% and even the finest particles by 99.9%.
2000
PEUGEOT launched the world's first PF (Particle Filter) on the 607.
2011
PEUGEOT HAS ANOTHER WORLD FIRST WITH THE FULL HYBRID 4 FITTED IN THE 3008.
The model offered a 35% reduction in fuel consumption, CO2 emissions of 99 g and a zero CO2 emissions mode.
2015-2018
ENGINE OF THE YEAR IN THE 1 L TO 1.4 L CATEGORY
At the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th editions of the International Engine of the Year Awards in Stuttgart, the jury of international journalists presented the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Engine of the Year awards in the 1.0L to 1.4L category to the 3-cylinder PureTech 1.2L turbo petrol engine, developed by the PSA Group.
