Peugeot and Vauxhall car manufacturers have had mixed success over the years but today are both so far up on the popularity list that some suppliers have decided to combine the two into joint Peugeot and Vauxhall dealerships.

Peugeot have enjoyed steady success since their inception into the motor industry in 1898 with their steam powered tricycle, considered the first automobile, and Vauxhall have played a very triumphant game of catch up.

Jean Pequinot Peugeot originally enjoyed success building water mills but not content with this, and using his obsession with wheels and cogs, he and his company then went on to produce coffee grinders, razors, sewing machines, roasting spits, watch springs, clocks, garden furniture (not sure how that fits!), saws, bicycles, tricycles and gramophones.

In the early years of Peugeot a gold engraver was commissioned with designing the lion trademark for steel articles manufactured in Peugeot Brothers factories. The durability, quickness and suppleness of a lion is comparable to that of steel and so the company logo was born.

With a similar looking beast representing the Vauxhall, the Griffin is based on the coat of arms of Fulk Le Breant, a mercenary soldier who, on marriage, was granted the Manor of an area of London, later known as Vauxhall. It also turns out that he had the Manor of Luton for services to King John and is therefore connected to both areas of Vauxhall production.

Peugeot did struggle at first in the bicycle market against the British but after stirring up some patriotic fervour, many competitors for the Paris - Nantes race in 1889 chose to use Peugeot cycles and were on the first five across the finishing line. Still riding on this success, the company endeavoured to set up a car hire firm in 1898 but this failed dismally.

Around the same time, Vauxhall were still building pumps and marine engines in Vauxhall, London. Their first car was released in 1903 swiftly followed in 1905 by the company's move to Luton where they were well known for their sporty looking cars. General Motors bought the company in 1925 and their sporty look was tamed into a more conservative American styling.

Peugeot took over with the sports influence and began their life-long move into the world of Motorsport winning the Monte Carlo rally in 1931. Rallies and races all over the world have seen Peugot take the lead right up to today with races now being won in the Peugeot 908. This has kept them in the spotlight and Peugeot have enjoyed steady success.

Vauxhall have not found things so easy. Even with the Calibra Coupe of 1989, which was officially the most aerodynamic car in the world at the time, they have still struggled to overcome their reputation for corrosion.

However, it can't possibly be all bad. They are now closer than ever to Ford in terms of sales figures and with their latest models veering back into sports mode they are becoming ever popular among the young. Personally, I have owned two Vauxhalls over the last 10 years. A Cavalier which proved to be very reliable and an Astra 2.0 which was a fantastic little car but did earn me 6 points for speeding!

Despite the differences in their history, Peugeot cars and Vauxhall cars are now on a par with each other to the point where dealerships are happy to combine the two.

No related posts.

The mobility of big cities is more and more confusing, such as traffic, pollution, and the cars are getting difficult to find a place for parking. This forces the engineers and designers offer a concept car that becomes smaller (practical and versatile) as well as environmentally friendly. If necessary, the concept combines the elements of city car and scooter.

Peugeot presents a new city car concept called Peugeot BB1. It looks weird, especially in the forefront. However, that's the concept that offered in order to this car can be made with the dimension of long 2.5 m, wide 1.6 meters and height 1.5 m; as well as able to carry four adult passengers.

With the dimension, Peugeot BB1 is a nimble car. Peugeot claims, that the diameter of this car is only 3.5 meters. It is easy to be parked and does not require a lot of space. Another unique feature of this car is the both side doors are open backwards.

Flexible interior

Although the appearance of this car looks small, but the interior is flexible to accommodate person and goods. The volume of space for goods is only 160 liters when BB1 filled with four people. However, the trunk spaces become 855 liters if BB1 is only filled by one adult person.

The driving position concept of Peugeot BB1 was inspired by a scooter. With the upright position, the pedals do not need the space or the floor like a conventional car.

Moreover, the passengers positioned tandem behind the driver. So did the other side, the front and rear passengers.

Technology

The technology that used for all the headlights are LED. There is also a camera to see the situation and condition of the back.

Other interesting features are various interactive technology applications, such as color screen with car audio systems that ideal for the functions of smart-phone, telephone, navigation, internet access, radio, and MP3. To operate this feature is only with plugging in the USB cable to the audio unit or using 12 volt socket if it is necessary.

There is also a clock that makes the atmosphere in the interior looks so colorful. The interior color changed in every period, and time is running accordant to the rhythm of light. This feature is designed to eliminate boredom and gives passion of life. There are also animated graphics for the speedometer.

Various bodies

The energy source of this car is an electric motor that installed directly on the two rear wheels. This is the result of cooperation between Peugeot with Michelin. With this technology, the interior space can be maximized.

The energy source was inspired by the quad bike (ATV). The maximum power can reach 15 kW (20 HP) or 7.5 kW for each motor. The result is to sprint from 0 to 30 kpj, Peugeot BB1 takes 2.8 seconds. While for accelerating 30-60 km / hour, Peugeot BB1 only takes 4 seconds.

Lithium-ion batteries can be used to go through 120 km if the battery is full. The battery consists of two unit packages that placed under the back seat right and left. With this way, the weight is centralized in the middle and helps the stability of Peugeot BB1 when braking.

Chassis used is the pipe model (tubular) which is the result of Peugeot Motorcycle design. Then, the use of an electric power steering, double wishbone suspension, and a series of damping friction makes the vehicle stable on the road and in accordance with the performance.

The body of Peugeot BB1 made from the carbon structure which is very light that can protect all the passenger space. Remarkably, the body shape can be changed in accordance with the desire of the owner.

Related posts:

1. Scooter Style
2. Scooter Buying Advice – What To Look Out For